OSU discusses debit card option

Students may soon be able to access bank account through student identification card

By: Jeannette Jamison

Posted: 4/3/08

In the future, students may find that they can use their ID cards for more than just a quick meal on campus. The ID Center is discussing a debit card option for student ID cards.

A debit card option added to OSU ID cards has its perks and disadvantages.

"We just wanted the card to be more functional on and off campus," said Casey Dale, the card production coordinator.

The idea of adding a debit card option to ID cards was first brought up by ASOSU. "It's been in the back of everybody's mind for a couple years," Dale said. Bank cards and colleges have been linked together for awhile."

A concern expressed by some students is the easy access to debt. "I don't like the idea because it's a great way for students to go into debt," said Meng Vu, a senior living off campus. "It's good in the sense to use for backup if you need extra cash, but that seems to never happen with college students."

The debit option would not be a credit card.

"Definitely not, we don't want students in debt," said Valerie Cooley, the ID Center manager. However, Cooley says that students should feel safe that it would have protection just as a Visa or MasterCard.

The ID Center wants to make sure having the debit option would not be a burden on students.

"Our view is to make sure there are no hidden fees for students and there are additional services students would need," said Lissa Perrone, bursar and assistant director of the Office of Business Affairs.

If the ID Center chooses the debit card option they will make sure the bank they choose will not bother students with marketing. The ID Center will not share any information of the student database with the bank.

Students have mixed feelings about the subject. "It would be convenient. It would be nice to not have to carry as many cards around," said Zach English, a senior living off campus.

Other students welcome the possibility of an ID debit card option. "I would use it. Parents could put money on it," said Stephanie Stickels, a freshman living on campus.

The ID Center wants to make sure the decision is in the best interest of the students.

"We want to make sure we're making the right decision," Dale said.

They are offering an open forum on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in MU 208 to hear students' ideas and gather feedback before they move forward with adding a debit option to ID cards.

Jeannette Jamison, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231