The UCR Card can be used as a debit card at many locations on and off campus. It is not a credit or charge card program. In order to use the UCR Card as a debit card, you must deposit funds. There are several ways to deposit funds into your account:

• Go to My Card Account and deposit funds into your Bear Bucks account.
• Parents, go to Guest Deposit and deposit Bear Bucks for your student.
• Go to any of the Bear Bucks Centers located around Campus to deposit cash to your Bear Bucks Account or place value on your vending stripe.
• Come to the Carding Office Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:00am - 4:00pm with cash, check or credit/debit card.

Once funds or 'Bear Bucks' are deposited to the account, they can be used immediately. The funds that are deposited to a UCR Card Bear Bucks Account will remain in the account until the funds are used to purchase goods or services on campus or until the funds are requested to be refunded by you, the UCR Card user, when enrollment is terminated at UCR.

How much money should I deposit into my Bear Bucks Account?

How much should you deposit in your Debit Account? Use the Bear Bucks Deposit Estimator as a guide.

Why should I add funds to my student's account?

You'll like the UCR Card because it's easy, convenient, it makes good financial sense, and it keeps you connected to your student's University experience.

With the UCR Card You Can:

• Budget to meet your son/daughter's estimated expenses.
• Feel comfortable knowing that your son/daughter can only use Bear Bucks in University-approved locations.
• Deposit quickly and easily from home.  With your students ID number (860XXXXXX)  just click here Guest Deposit to make a deposit.  Your student will receive an email letting them know you made a deposit on their behalf.  They will be able to access that money immediately.

What else do I need to know?

The UCR ID Card, may entitle you to discounts for athletic events or public events, or at other locations in and around campus.
Lost, stolen, or misplaced cards must be reported immediately. Report it immediately by accessing the My Card Account to deactivate your card.  You can also call us at (951) UCR Card (827-2273) 24 hr's/day, 7 days/week.

If asked to leave a message, your call will be time and date stamped.  You are accountable for your card and your account(s) so these procedures must be followed. This protects your money on the UCR Card Bear Bucks Account and your Meal Plan/Dining Dollars.  This does not protect your Vending Account. If you find your card, come to the UCR Card Office with your card and it can be reactivated.

A replacement card can be obtained for a fee of $20 at the UCR Card Office located in the University Commons, Suite 249.

Bear Bucks are non-transferable. Only the person pictured on the UCR Card will be allowed to spend Bear Bucks from that account.

Cash cannot be withdrawn from Bear Bucks accounts; however, refunds are available when you officially leave the university.

For more information, call the UCR Card office at (951) UCR-Card

Are there any fees for the use of the UCR Card?

No, there are no fees involved. The value that you add to your account is used only for your purchases.

How can I keep track of my balance and the purchases I make?

Each time you use your card your balance will either appear on the reader, or the cashier will tell you your new balance. At any time there is a question about your UCR Card Bear Bucks Account  or Dining Dollars you can go to the My Card Account to review your account. You can also check your balance at a BEAR BUCKS CENTER.

What do I do if I lose my UCR Card?

Click here for information on what to do if you lose your card.

Why should I get a UCR Card?

To get great discounts. It is also a convenient way to access campus life, without carrying cash.

Dos and Don'ts:

• Please don't bend your UCR Card , card readers, registers, and Vending Stripe readers don't like bent or cracked UCR Cards.
• Please don't wash your UCR Card in a washing machine, it may look cleaner but it may not work as well after such a clean ride.
• Please don't put holes in your UCR Card to attach your keys or anything else to your card. You could damage the Barcode, Magnetic stripe, or Prox.
• Please don't place any stickers on your UCR Card as it will get stuck in readers.
• Keep your UCR Card away from magnetic fields that may demagnetize it. Computers, cell phones, stereos and other magnetic strip cards can cause conflict with your UCR ID.