UNCG Home > Business Affairs > Business Services > SpartanCard Center

SpartanCard- Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SpartanCard?

The SpartanCard is the official campus card of UNCG. If you are a student from a previous term (anytime before Fall 2009), you may be familiar with the card's old name, the UNCG FirstCard. The card system was upgraded during Summer, 2009. Our new card system has several new features including...

• The ability to monitor, access, and lock your account online, from any computer.

• Your flexible spending account will now be stored online instead of on the card directly. If you lose your card you will not lose your money.

What is the difference between the SpartanCard and FirstCard?

To see the physical differences between the cards, click here. The biggest difference you will notice is that the SpartanCard does not use a chip. Your student information, money, and dining plans will now all be stored on the magnetic stripe on the back of the card.

Do I need to get a new card if I have a FirstCard?

No. Our new card system is backwards compatible with the FirstCard. Your meal plan and student information will be transferred automatically to your cards magnetic stripe. However, if you have remaining E-Cash, you will have to stop by the office to have it transferred to the magnetic stripe. See below for details...

What do I do if I have E-Cash on my FirstCard's chip?

Please stop by the SpartanCard Center (EUC 121) with your FirstCard to have your funds moved from ECash to SpartanCash. Once your funds are transferred, you'll be ready to spend!

What is SpartanCash?

"SpartanCash" is the new name for "E-Cash." Unlike the old E-Cash on the chip, the value will not be stored directly on your card. If you lose the card the funds can be locked via your Blackboard Community Portal (or by calling the SpartanCard Center), and then transferred to a new card once you have one produced at the SpartanCard Center.

For Students with a Visa Check FirstCard:

If you received a Visa Check FirstCard Plus before 5/5/2009, you will need to stop by the ID Center and pick up a separate student ID card.  Please bring your Visa Check FirstCard Plus to the ID Center (EUC 121) and we will hand you your new SpartanCard.  You will keep your existing Visa Check FirstCard for banking purposes.  The new SpartanCard will provide you access to goods and services on campus.

Why will my Visa Check FirstCard Plus stop functioning as a student ID card?

We are unable to link your Visa Check FirstCard Plus to our campus system which allows you to access all the goods and services on campus.  The new SpartanCard will be your student ID card. 

Will I need to pay for my new student ID card?

No.  You will need to present your current Visa Check FirstCard Plus in order for us to make you a new card.  Once we have verified your information, you will receive a SpartanCard at no charge.

What should I do if I am not currently taking classes on campus but I have a Visa Check FirstCard Plus?

There is no need to worry.  You will be able to receive your SpartanCard when you return to campus. 

Will you be offering a Visa Check student ID card in the future?

We will keep you updated!