WMU News

Bronco Card becomes debit card too

Oct. 14, 1997

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University's so-called "smart" ID card just got smarter.

As of Oct. 15, WMU students, faculty members and staff members can use their Bronco Card as a debit card anywhere in the United States where debit cards are accepted for payment in addition to its other capabilities, officials at WMU and First of America Bank Corp. announced.

"With this new feature, all members of the University community will find their Bronco Card just that much more convenient to use," said Ted Petropoulos, director of the Bernhard Center and Fetzer Center at WMU. "This will make it easier for them to make purchases at their favorite merchants."

Bronco Cards can be used as a debit or Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card when the Bank-Stripe feature is linked to a First of America checking account, explained Becky Wiessner, assistant vice president, campus card regional manager.

WMU is one of the first universities in Michigan whose cards have this feature. Since their introduction several years ago, such multi-use cards have been referred to as "smart" cards because of their many sophisticated features.

"We're excited about this enhancement because it gives cardholders more opportunity and flexibility in using their card," Wiessner said. "This allows a cardholder to use their Bronco Card at any Cirrus ATM worldwide and at any merchant that accepts ATM cards as payment, on or off campus."

The Bronco Card was introduced in August 1995. Beyond serving as the official University ID card, the card provides access for its holders to dining and library services as well as access to buildings. It can also be used as a telephone calling card in addition to the new debit and ATM features.

The CashChip feature of the Bronco Card allows the cardholder to pay for services such as laundry, vending and copy machines. Cardholders can place up to $50 on the card as stored value in increments of $1, $5, $10 or $20 at Bronco CashChip machines.

More information is available at the Bronco Card Center in the Bernhard Center's Bronco Mall at WMU or by calling 1-800-38-SMART.


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