Local stores install new LionCash readers

By ERIC KNAAKE
Collegian Staff Writer

The LionCash program's limited functions may be curbing its use off campus, but that might change this spring when new equipment is made available to local businesses.

Next month, new card readers will be installed in local stores to allow customers to buy with the cards' debit function, in addition to LionCash, said Joel Weidner, ID+ program manager.

Currently, students can find three specific financial functions on their ID cards.

The meal plan, defined in points, is stored on the magnetic strip. The debit option, which also is on the magnetic strip, can take out money from a student's local bank account.

The third function, LionCash, is like an electronic wallet students can use instead of standard currency. The account information for LionCash is stored in the chip on the front of the card.

The new terminal, which will add debit functions, has drawn the interest of many more businesses, Weidner said.

"Some merchants who chose not to use LionCash in the past may do so now," he said.

By expanding the functions of the terminals, more students will be able to use ID cards for purchases larger than laundry and sodas. And when the debit options are added to local merchants' machines, Weidner said the status of LionCash also could rise.

About 50,000 ID cards with the LionCash option are currently held by students and faculty, but only an estimated 16,000 of those cards are being used at downtown businesses, he said.

"I pretty much only use it to eat food at the HUB and to do laundry," Kyle Luis (sophomore-secondary education) said.

This is not a surprise for David Rose, ID+ office manager, who said the highest amount of LionCash activity is in the dorms.

"Some services require students to use their LionCash, such as laundry and making copies at the library. It's just recently starting to build beyond the university," Rose said.

Since last semester, 32 local businesses have adopted the program, which until now only supported LionCash.

"Some stores are doing better than others," Rose said. "Because students can't put too much money into their LionCash accounts, it is usually used for businesses with a lower pay scale."

Sales at downtown businesses average $3.17, Weidner said.

"Students find that they can purchase smaller items that don't cost too much without carrying extra change around with them -- like pens, pencils or blue exam books," said Steve Morris, manager of The University Book Centre, 206 E. College Ave.

He added awareness of LionCash should increase this semester with an advertisement campaign.

The campaign's goal is to inform more students of the various functions of the ID cards.

"You always have to carry your ID with you when you live in the dorms, so it's convenient to have extra dollars in LionCash. That money is always there when you need it," said Stephen Kochuba (sophomore-business administration).