What is the YU-card?
The YU-card is York University’s official photo ID and debit card for all students. 

What can I use the YU-card for?
Your YU-card provides access to a range of services, such as the Library, recreation facilities, exams, photocopying, food outlets, shopping events, student discounts and more. You can also load up your YU-card with money and use it as a debit card at participating locations across campus. Using your YU-card as a campus debit card is fast, convenient, and can save you money on bank fees.

The YU-card program continues to expand. Visit the “Where to Use It” page for a current list of locations that accept the YU-card.

How do I obtain a YU-card?
Visit the “Get Your YU-card” page for information about how you can obtain your YU-card.

I'm a distance education student. How can I obtain a YU-card if I'm not going to be on campus?
Students enrolled in on-campus courses or residing in the Greater Toronto Area are normally expected to visit the YU-card Office during business hours to obtain a card.  Students who are enrolled in only Internet, correspondence, or off-campus courses; or graduate students residing outside of the Greater Toronto Area and enrolled in no on-campus courses; may request a YU-card by mail.  The YU-card will not bear a photo and will require that you present valid photo ID should you wish to use the card.  Requests should be submitted to yucard@yorku.ca.  A valid student number and mailing address must be included in the request.  Please allow up to 10 business days for your card to be produced and mailed.

I’m not eligible for a student or employee YU-card, but I need to print/photocopy in a Library/lab. What do I do?

You can purchase a Guest YU-card from a YU-card Station. Click on “Deposit Funds” for a list of YU-card Station locations

I have an old photocopy card with a balance remaining on it. How do I get those funds transferred to my YU-card?

Visit the Printing and Photocopying Services page to find hours and locations to have the transfer done.

What happens if I lose my YU-card?
You are responsible for all use oft your YU-card until the card has been deactivated. YU-cards can be deactivated quickly and easily through the Online YU-card Office. If you are unable to access the Online YU-card Office and must report a card lost/stolen, contact the YU-card Office during business hours at 416-736-5674. If you cannot find your YU-card, you can obtain a replacement at the YU-card Office. There is a $20 administration fee to produce a new card.

The YU-card has an expiry date printed on it. What happens if I still need a YU-card after the expiry date? What if I leave York before the expiry date?
The YU-card has an expiry date printed on it that is 5 years from when the card was issued to you. If you are still a registered student beyond that point, you will have to obtain a new YU-card with an updated photo. In order to obtain a replacement card, you must first enroll in summer or fall/winter courses for the next session/year. After you enroll in courses for the next session, you may bring your current YU-card to the YU-card Office to obtain a replacement card at no cost.

If you leave York before the expiry date, your YU-card will be deactivated and you will not be able to use it to access services on campus. If you do not anticipate returning to York to continue your studies, you should return the card to the YU-card Office for proper disposal. If you plan to return to York before the expiry date on your card, the YU-card Office can reactivate your YU-card.

Is the YU-card a credit card?
The YU-card is not a credit card. If you wish to use the YU-card to purchase food and other items on campus, you must first add money to your card. Visit the Deposit Funds page for more information.

Why should I add money to the YU-card?
Using your YU-card as a debit card can save you money!  You can use your YU-card as a debit card at a number of locations across campus to quickly and conveniently purchase books, supplies and other items while you’re on the go.  There are no transaction fees, interest charges or overdraft fees when you use your YU-card as a debit card.  You can also benefit from promotions that are run during the year.

Are receipts issued for YU-card transactions?
All vendors that accept the YU-card are able to provide receipts from their YU-card terminal.  If you are unable to obtain a receipt from a vendor, please contact the YU-card Office.

What are the three Funds in my YU-card account used for?
Your YU-card account is comprised of three funds which are used for different purposes:

• Meal Plan:  If you purchased a formal Meal Plan, your Plan balance is stored here. Meal Plan funds may only be used to purchase prepared meals and snacks (excluding alcohol) and expire at the end of the Plan. Visit the Meal Plans page for more information.
• Plus: If you added money to top-up your Meal Plan, those funds are stored in the Plus fund. Plus funds may only be used to purchase prepared meals and snacks (excluding alcohol). Plus funds do not expire and are automatically carried forward to the next term/year.  Some Meal Plans include an allocation of Plus money up-front.
• Flex:  Flex funds may be used to purchase food, books, supplies, convenience items and other goods and services at participating locations across campus.  Flex funds do not expire.

How does the Meal Plan tax exemption work?
If you purchased a Meal Plan that provides a tax exemption (GST and PST), you must have a valid Meal Plan tax exemption sticker affixed to your YU-card to obtain the exemption on your meal purchases.  The sticker may be obtained from the YU-card Office.  Purchases made without a valid sticker will be subject to applicable taxes and cannot be refunded.

The tax exemption applies to the purchase of prepared meals, and non-alcoholic beverages sold with meals.  Taxable beverages (e.g. soft drinks, bubble tea) that are not purchased with a meal are taxable.  To maximize your savings, purchase beverages as part of a meal whenever possible.  Snack foods, candy and other confectionary items, such as potato chips, granola bars, fruit rolls and chocolate bars, are taxable.

What happens to the Meal Plan account at the end of the Meal Plan?
Money in your Meal Plan account must be used by the last day of the Meal Plan period, which is noted in the Meal Plan brochure. After the last day of the Meal Plan period, any remaining balance in your Meal Plan account expires and is non-refundable and non-transferable. You can track your spending using the Online YU-card Office system. Money in the Plus and Flex accounts does not expire.

I’m moving into residence early for Orientation.  When does my Meal Plan start?
Meal Plans start on the official move-in day for new residence students. The date is listed in the current Meal Plan brochure.