FAQs for New Students and Parents
What is the Cal 1 Card?
The Cal 1 Card is the official campus identification card. You will need to use it to access services, buildings and events. Your Cal 1 Card has a debit account feature that allows you to make cash-free purchases of goods and services on and off campus.
When and how can I get my Cal 1 Card?
You can get your Cal 1 Card as soon as you have your student identification number (SID) in mid May. There is allotted time in your CalSO program to get your Cal 1 Card or you can get it anytime throughout the summer. Some students get their cards during move-in or Welcome Week, but don't wait if you don't have to! Remember to bring a government-issued photo ID with you to our office to get your ID.
Why do parents deposit money in the Cal 1 Card debit account?
Parents deposit money on the Cal 1 Card debit account so that their student may make purchases in a variety of locations without having to carry cash. These purchases often include food, books, laundry, convenience items, and more. Unlike credit cards, no additional fees are charged. Parents or students can make deposits by check or credit card and students may use their cards at these locations.
Alcohol and tobacco purchases are prohibited with the Cal 1 Card.
How can parents make a deposit?
Parents have two options when depositing funds into a student's Cal 1 Card debit account:
- Add Money by Mail - One option is to send in a check. A deposit form and mailing address is available online.
- Deposit by Credit Card - The second option is to make a secure deposit by credit card online. There is no need to log in, just click Add Money Online and fill in the form. It is critical that you have the name and student's ID number exactly has they appear on the Cal 1 Card of the cardholder.
How much should I add?
That really depends on your purchasing habits. The Financial Aid Office provides budget guidelines for all undergraduate students - see Undergraduate Budgets.
When can I add money to this debit account?
You can begin adding money to your Cal 1 Card debit account as soon as you get your card! You can use these funds at any of the locations that accept the debit account as payment. Please note that meal plans don't begin until move-in in August.
I heard more places will soon be accepting the Cal 1 Card - is this true?
Yes, we are continuing to expand our accepted locations both on and off-campus. Check out this web site for a current list of accepted merchant locations.
How do students use the Cal 1 Card debit account?
Once money has been deposited in the debit account, a student only has to swipe his or her card at the point of purchase. The funds will be deducted from their Cal 1 Card debit account automatically.
Can a student withdraw cash from the Cal 1 Card debit account?
Once money is deposited in the Cal 1 Card debit account, no cash may be withdrawn.
How can students check their balance?
When students log in to their Cal 1 Card debit account they have the ability to deposit money, view their balance, and view any transactions made within the last 30 days. Students must enter their CalNet ID and their CalNet passphrase. This combination of information is used to "authenticate" the student.
What's the difference between Cal Dining meal points and Cal 1 Card debit account?
Your Cal 1 Card serves as your permanent identification while you are at Cal and also "holds" your meal plan information. The debit account allows you to have a declining balance account to use on and off-campus for books, food, residence hall laundry and vending machines, and more. Meal plan points may only be used in the facilities that are operated by Cal Dining.
