What is the Blue Chip Card?

The card is your CCSU identification card, meal plan card, library card, and computer lab access card, and may be used as a debit card. If you add money to your Blue Chip account, you may use the card to make purchases at vending machines, the CCSU Bookstore, health services, public-use copiers and laser printing in the computer lab, laundry machines, on-campus dining locations (Student Center Dining, Nutmeg Room), and at off-campus vendor locations. You can also pay for library and parking fines, or any other university fees. There are two (2) accounts associated with a Blue Chip Card; the first is a debit account, the second is an optional credit union account with Achieve Credit Union (formerly CenConn).

Who needs a Blue Chip Card and how do I obtain one?

All students, faculty, and staff must obtain a Blue Chip card. Go to the Card Office, Student Center to obtain a card. You must provide a valid form of identification such as driver’s license, passport, or social security card. This process takes approximately 5 minutes. Your card expires only when you are no longer affiliated with the university.

How do I add money to my Blue Chip debit account?

Adding Money to your CCSU Blue Chip Card could not be simpler!

1) Visit one our five conveniently located Card Value Centers to deposit cash. 
    These machines accept $1,$ 2, $5, $10 and $20 bills:

    Library (next to Reserve Room)
    Marcus White Microlab
    Police Station (Open 24 hours)
    Student Center (near Info Desk)
    Sheridan Hall Lobby

2) Visit the Card Office.
    We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Cash, and Check. 

3) Call us at (860) 832-2140 and pay with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

4) Visit our website and click on the Deposit link.
    www.cardoffice.ccsu.edu or it can be done through Central Pipeline.  To do it
    through Central Pipeline please follow the directions here.  Note only students
    can add money through Central Pipeline.  This feature is not available to faculty and staff who have not registered for classes.

5) Mail us a check:
    CCSU Card Office, Student Center, 
    1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050

What happens when I lose or misplace my card? 

What if I find my old card?

You must report a lost card immediately by calling the Card Office at 860-832-2140 during normal Card Office hours, or call the CCSU Police Department at 860-832-2375. A “Hold” will then be placed on your card and will deactivate your card for any further usage by you or anyone else. You may obtain a temporary ID card for dining access, as well as access to the library and Computer Lab. If your card is not found, you will need to purchase a new one. A first replacement will cost $15, additional replacement cards will then cost $25. If you have a social security number change, or a name change (legal or married), a new card is free of charge. If you find your card, you must come to the Card Office, or the Police Station to release the hold placed on your card. Once a card has been replaced, any previously issued card is no longer valid.

What happens if my card becomes damaged or broken?

Bring your card to the Card Office. If we determine that the card is damaged or worn through normal usage, there will be no charge for a replacement.

How do I get a balance or history of my account?

Any time you use your Blue Chip Card, the balance of your account will be displayed on the terminal. If at any other time you would like to know your balance, or any other information pertaining to your account, you may obtain a printout from the Card Office.

Can I make cash withdrawals from the Blue Chip account?

No. The account is to be used for on and off-campus purchases and not intended for cash flow. Your balance will automatically be carried forward from semester to semester. Upon graduation or withdrawal from the university, a written refund request must be submitted to the Cashier’s Office. Any balance over $10.00 will be processed. Under extenuating circumstances, a refund may be processed. There is a $10 processing fee; refund is processed in 4-6 weeks and is refunded in the same fashion as money was deposited to account.

How do I sign up for the optional banking feature?

You must apply for this account at the Achieve Credit Union (formerly CenConn) office located in Student Center, Room 106, or call them at 203-639-7916 for any related information. If you are a member of the credit union, your Blue Chip Card can be activated for use in any ATM machine on the Cirrus, NYCE, or any MasterCard network. You can also have any financial aid balance, as well as your student employment earnings, direct deposited to your Achieve account. This account is separate from your Blue Chip account.