Q:  What is the LionCash+ Program?

LionCash+ is an online, prepaid flexible spending account accessed by the Penn State id+ card.  Funds deposited into LionCash+ accounts can be used to purchase goods or services at participating on- and off-campus locations.  LionCash+ funds are also accepted at on-campus laundry, vending, and copying.

As a convenience to Penn State faculty, staff, students, and affiliates, LionCash+ accounts are established for all Penn State id+ cardholders at the time of card issuance.  Cardholders simply activate the account by making an initial deposit.

Each time the card is used, the system will check to make sure the balance in the account is sufficient to cover the purchase price. The amount of the sale will be deducted from the account, and the new balance will be displayed at the reader or printed on the receipt.

Q:  What are the benefits of LionCash+ to cardholders?

+ Deposits can be made online – family and friends can

   also make deposits online and include a personalized

   message to the cardholder.

+ It's easy to manage the account online – check

   balances, view transaction history, or report a lost or

   stolen id+ card.

+ Active accounts remain open and carry forward from

   semester to semester and from year to year.

+ It's safer and more convenient than carrying cash – even

   if the id+ card is lost or stolen, the funds will be

   protected if the card is reported, and the funds are

   immediately available when a replacement id+ card is

   issued.

+ Offers the convenience of a one-card solution – the id+

   card is also used to access residence halls, banking

   program, library privileges, fitness memberships,

   Newspaper Readership Program, and other University

   resources.

Q:  What are the benefits of LionCash+ to merchants?

+ Marketing Opportunities – LionCash+ provides a new

   outlet for your company's marketing efforts.

+ Competitive Edge – LionCash+ funds may only be

   spent at participating locations.

+ Security – the Penn State id+ card is used to process

   sales, which adds a measure of security over non-photo

   credit/debit card sales.

+ Less Cash Handling – merchants will recognize a

   decrease in the amount of cash that they handle.

+ Fast Settlement of Sales – merchants may elect to

   receive daily, weekly, or monthly settlements.

+ Automated Sales Reporting – LionCash+ offers

   merchants an electronic daily sales report, e-mailed the

   morning after every business day.

Q:  How is LionCash+ marketed to faculty, staff, and

      students?

+  One-on-one interactions with first-year students and

     parents during First-Year Testing, Counseling, & Advising

     Program (FTCAP) orientation sessions held throughout

     the summer months.

+  Collegian advertising

+  Parent newsletter, Campus Life Today

+  Campus TV, Channel 21

+  Penn State id+ website

+  Various printed brochures, posters, and other materials

+  Promotional events and programs

Q:  Where is LionCash+ accepted?

Cardholders can use LionCash+ funds at many on- and off-campus locations, including:

+  A wide range of participating off-campus merchants,

    including restaurants, bookstores, computer stores, grocery

    stores, fitness facilities, florists, clothing/apparel stores, and

     other retail stores

+  On-campus food service locations

+  On-campus laundry facilities

+  Select on-campus vending and copier machines

For a complete listing of participating merchants, click here.

Q:  Can LionCash+ be accepted for telephone orders and off-

     site deliveries?

LionCash+ accounts can be debited for telephone orders by entering the card number manually into the terminal.  There are inherent risks associated with this type of transaction, and, in case of a dispute, the burden of proof lies with the merchant.  To minimize the risk of fraud, we recommend that a copy of the receipt go out with the delivery.  The delivery person should visually inspect the id card and obtain the cardholder's signature for authorization.

Q:  Can tips be charged to LionCash+ accounts?

Yes.  Tips to servers can easily be charged to a cardholder's LionCash+ account.

Q:  Are there any restrictions on the types of goods and

      services that can be purchased with LionCash+?

LionCash+ cannot be used for the purchase of packaged alcohol, illicit drug paraphernalia, or for card-to-cash exchange (i.e. merchants may not accept LionCash+ in exchange for cash).  Businesses where more than 50% of gross sales are from alcohol are not eligible to participate in the LionCash+ program.

Q:  How much does it cost to participate in the Program?

In exchange for services (operation of card program, account management, advertising, marketing, etc.) each merchant pays a flat 3% service charge on all net LionCash+ sales (purchase minus refunds).  There are no other annual, maintenance, or "per transaction" fees associated with the program.  If you don't process any LionCash+ sales, you don't pay any fees.

Merchants are required to purchase and maintain their own readers.

Q:  What equipment is required to access LionCash+ funds?

OPTION 1:

Verifone Reader Equipment (analog dial-tone required)

- Transaction processing time approximately 30 seconds

- Cost for reader and printer $200-$500 depending upon

   source and printer model

Certified Models:

- Verifone Tranz 330, Track 2 Reader

- Verifone Tranz 380X2, Track 2 Reader, which can handle both

   LionCash+ and credit card transactions (credit card

   application must be supported by third party)

- Any Receipt Printer certified by Verifone to work with the above

  readers

Note: Older terminals that only read Track 1 will not work

Terminals and printers may be purchased from your bank (607-594-4084), Vital Merchant Services (800-348-1700), or a retailer of your choice.  Although we do not require that new equipment be purchased, we have had several instances of merchants purchasing used equipment that did not function properly or was not compatible with the LionCash+ network.  Be sure to acquire your equipment through a reputable source.  It is the merchant's responsibility to provide compatible equipment in good working order.

National Ram Electronics and Vital Merchant Services both have a great track record of providing solid equipment.  National Ram Electronics is a great source for purchasing refurbished units offered at a discounted price.  In addition, their equipment is covered by a one-year warranty with free replacement unit shipping during the warranty period.

OPTION 2:

Blackboard AT3000 Activity Reader

- Transaction processing time approximately 2-5 seconds

- Cost for reader $1500-$2000 depending upon printer

- Blackboard Inc, AT3000 Activity Reader

- Axiohm 794 Serial Printer

The AT3000 may only be purchased from Blackboard Inc and must acquired through the id+ Office.

Q:  How will I be paid for LionCash+ sales?

The University will reimburse you for net sales processed via LionCash+ (less the 3% service charge) on each University business day via an ACH electronic payment directly into the bank account designated on the application.  In most cases, the funds will be deposited within 48 hours.  A settlement statement will be e-mailed for the funds deposited.  Merchants also have the option to select either weekly or monthly settlements instead of daily.

Error resolution will be handled by Auxiliary and Business Services Accounting Operations.

Q:  How do I sign up to be a LionCash+ merchant?

Apply to be a participating LionCash+ merchant by taking the following steps: