Listed below are some common questions regarding the Banking Options now available
to CougarCard holders. Clicking on a question will reveal the answer.
With what bank does the CougarCard Center have a banking relationship?
The CougarCard Center developed a relationship with U.S. Bank to provide enhanced
banking services for the students, faculty and staff of WSU.
Why did the CougarCard Center enter into a relationship with U.S. Bank?
The leaders of the WSU student government observed similar programs at other universities
and requested the CougarCard Center develop such a program for the students of WSU.
Once the CougarCard Center and Business Services researched the enhanced services
available to WSU students through a banking relationship it was decided to pursue
this option.
How was U.S. Bank selected to participate in this new banking relationship with the CougarCard Center?
The CougarCard Center in Partnership with Business Services issued a Request for
Proposal (RFP) with the intent to select a bank to provide enhanced banking services
for WSU students, faculty and staff wishing to link a bank account to their CougarCard.
U.S. Bank was selected to provide these banking services as a result of this formal
bid process.
What WSU groups were involved in this RFP process?
Leaders of the undergraduate and graduate WSU student government and staff from
Business Services, Purchasing, the CougarCard Center, Information Technology Services,
Administrative Services and the Regional Campuses participated in the RFP selection
process.
Are students, faculty or staff required to open a U.S. Bank account in order to obtain a CougarCard?
No, students, staff and faculty members may elect to open a U.S. Bank account and link it to their CougarCard, but are not required to do so.
Can I link a checking account from any bank other than U.S. Bank to my CougarCard?
No, only a U.S. Bank account can be linked to your CougarCard.
If I elect to link my U.S. Bank account to my CougarCard, what additional services do I receive?
You will be able to use your CougarCard to make ATM transactions and Interlink PIN-based
point-of-sale purchases with your CougarCard after it is linked to your U.S. Bank
checking account. You can also upgrade to the CougarCard Maxx and use your card for purchases anywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted worldwide.
If I choose to link my U.S. Bank account to my CougarCard, will I be able to use my CougarCard to make credit card transactions?
No, when you link your CougarCard to a U.S. Bank account, it will serve as your ATM/debit card, or as your ATM/check card when you upgrade to the CougarCard Maxx. There is no line of credit associated with the CougarCard or CougarCard Maxx, and either card will deduct transactions directly from your U.S. Bank checking account.
Where will I be able to use my CougarCard to make purchases?
You can use your CougarCard to make PIN-based point of sale purchases at more than 1.4 million Interlink
point-of-sale locations in the United States. If you choose to upgrade to the CougarCard Maxx, you can also use your card for purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted worldwide.
Why would I want to upgrade to the CougarCard Maxx?
The CougarCard is the official identification card of Washington State University.
Most students carry their CougarCard at all times. By upgrading to the CougarCard
Maxx, you have the convenience of two cards in one; your offcial university identification and a Visa
branded check card that is more widely accepted around the world.
Does this mean I won’t need Cougar CASH to make purchases at on and off-campus locations?
No, you will still find Cougar CASH to be a beneficial tool. Most on-campus locations do not accept bank debit card point-of-sale purchases.
Cougar CASH is the only legal tender accepted for some services such as copying and printing in the WSU Pullman libraries.
Additionally, Cougar CASH customers receive significant savings at on-campus Dining Services locations.
What do I need to do if I lose my CougarCard and it is linked to my U.S. Bank account?
The CougarCard holder is responsible for immediately reporting lost or stolen cards
to the CougarCard Center at 509-335-2273 or at
cougarcard.wsu.edu. If your CougarCard has been activated as your U.S.
Bank ATM/debit card, you must also notify U.S. Bank immediately at
www.usbank.com or by phone at 800-872-2657 if your card has been lost or
stolen.
Once you have replaced your CougarCard you will need to visit a U.S. Bank branch
to re-link your new CougarCard to your U.S. Bank account.
What is the financial liability of the cardholder if a U.S. Bank linked CougarCard is used fraudulently or used by someone other than the cardholder before it is reported lost or stolen?
If a customer experiences fraud or theft of a U.S. Bank linked CougarCard which
results in loss of funds, the cardholder must report the suspected fraud to U.S.
bank within 60 days of the transaction in question. U.S. Bank will investigate
the claim and if U.S. Bank is able to confirm the customer was a victim of fraud
than the loss will be covered by U.S. Bank.
Please call 800-872-2657 or contact your nearest U.S. Bank branch to report suspected fraudulent transactions.
What special features does the U.S. Bank checking account offered through the CougarCard Center banking relationship offer?
U.S. Bank offers WSU students, faculty and staff free checking accounts with array
of services to make it easy for you to manage your money. A few features of these
accounts appear below and a comprehensive list of account features can be found
at cougarcard.wsu.edu.
- No minimum balance and no monthly maintenance fee
- Free first box of logo-style checks or 50% off any other check style
- Free U.S. Bank Internet Banking at usbank.com
- Free U.S. Bank Internet Bill Pay
- Four Free non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per month
- Free U.S. Bank ATM transactions at more than 5,000 U.S. Bank ATMs
