Renting movies is a popular option for students short on finances. But when people like Beth Reitmeyer go into a store and are faced with a membership fee, it's time to find a different place to rent.

"I'm cheap. I have no money. It's not worth it," said Reitmeyer (senior-art).

Blockbuster Video, 1101 N. Atherton St., requires a $5 membership fee from customers who don't have a driver's license and credit card. That fee is then used to process an application, corporate spokesman Wally Knief said.

Video Center, 304 W. College Ave., charges a $3 fee that helps cover damaged tapes, Manager Sue Kelley said. But the names and memberships of customers who don't rent for a year are erased from the computer, Kelley said.

For Sarah Gale (sophomore-communications), paying a membership fee is an added hassle. Gale said if she has to pay to rent, then she thinks she shouldn't have to pay to join.

Mike's Video stores avoid the fee, said Tracey Corman, manager of Mike's Movies & Music, 1613-B N. Atherton St.

"When you charge a membership fee, it deters people from renting," Corman said. "It's only a small percent of customers that will be delinquent, it's really hurting them all."

A-Z Video Superstores, 176 Rolling Ridge Drive, doesn't require a membership fee because they don't see a need for it, Manager Marvin Snider said. A-Z only needs two forms of identification, one of which is a picture ID, Snider said.

Allen Street Video, 230-2 S. Allen St., doesn't charge fees either. Manager John Biddle said Allen Street Video uses the legal system to deal with any unreturned tapes, so a membership fee is not necessary.

Jeff Warner (sophomore-food science) said he usually doesn't mind paying a few extra dollars for a video membership, but, "It's added bonus if there's no fee," he said.