MAC: It's more than just money

By CHRISTINE KOSOVAC
Collegian Staff Writer

Jason Kornblatt just acquired his MAC card nine months ago when he started college, but he relies on it for almost all of his banking -- using it three or four times each week.

"I think MAC cards are brilliant. Having access to my card gives me a sense of power," said Kornblatt (freshman-division of undergraduate studies).

MAC cards can be used to withdraw or deposit money from a machine or to check an account's balance. Specialized MAC cards -- like Mid-State Bank's MAC Over Keycheck cards -- are available in place of checks to purchase items directly, said Connie Colabove, operations specialist for Mid-State Bank in Altoona. The money spent is automatically withdrawn from a student's account.

Some businesses have noticed the increase in students' use of MAC Over Keycheck cards, especially when students purchase the majority of their books and supplies.

"We see a good many students using their MAC (Over Keycheck) cards during 'rush week,' " said Kelly Henry, office manager of the Student Book Store, 330 E. College Ave.

"We find MAC cards more convenient as opposed to checks. Once students charge it, we have the money," she said. "There's less chance of having bounced checks."

For some students, college is the first time they have ever needed a MAC card. And those cards can become a financial lifeline. Without the MAC cards, students would also have restricted hours and days when they could perform bank transactions.

"MAC cards make it easier to access your money. You don't have to wait in line at the bank. After all, that's the purpose," said Julio Padovani (senior-mechanical engineering).

Besides the 24-hour access, the large number of MAC machines in the area makes money access even easier.

MAC machines are easy to find on and off campus with at least one machine located on every block of College Avenue. MAC machines are also located inside many of the University's commons areas.

But because of the ease in withdrawing money, many students are concerned with the possibility of overextending their accounts. Users are responsible for keeping track of their account balance, but the machines will not permit a user to overdraw an account.

Jill Gaulrapp (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said she is concerned about overdrawing her account.

"It's too easy to take out $10 whenever you want. That's how you go over your limit," she said.

On the other hand, MAC cards can be a way to limit spending. By withdrawing a set amount each week, students can keep themselves on a tight budget.

"If you have the MAC card, you don't spend the cash," said Umutoni Ibabaza (senior-English).

Although Mike Eckart (senior-chemistry) does not use his MAC card often, he likes the security of having one.

"It's convenient. It's an easy way to get money," Eckart said.