Become a Cardinal Cash Merchant

Welcome to the Cardinal Cash Merchant page! We hope these pages provide you with the information you need to help make the best decision for your business. 

For Your Information

• Based on the last academic year; Cardinal Cash off campus merchants captured approximately 26% of the total Cardinal Cash deposits, which totaled approximately $1.6 million.  
• Since academic year 2003-2004 Cardinal Cash deposits have continued to increase each year between $100,000 and $200,000.  Even in these difficult economic times we see a continued increase, because Cardinal Cash is controlled spending and both parents and students alike understand the value of that feature.
• By becoming a Cardinal Cash merchant you will open the door to over 6,000 potential customers; students, faculty and staff and their families.

What Are Some of the Advantages of Becoming a Cardinal Cash Merchant?

• Increased sales.
• Turn potential customers into regulars by increasing their purchasing power.
• Reach the entire campus community – over 6,000 students, faculty and staff and their families.
• Free advertising.
• Free website placement.
• Invitation to come to campus to highlight your business each fall at the Cardinal Cash Fair.

What is Cardinal Cash?
Cardinal Cash is a prepaid declining debit account encoded on SUNY Plattsburgh ID cards (Cardinal Card).  Everyone with an ID card has a Cardinal Cash account, all card holders have to do to activate their accounts is make a deposit.
Some purchase restrictions apply.  Cardinal Cash cannot be used to purchase the following:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco Products
• Drug Paraphernalia
• Body altering (Such as; tattoos and piercings)
• Paper Gift Certificates or Gift Certificates that can be redeemed for cash

How Does Cardinal Cash Work?

• A SUNY Plattsburgh ID card holder requests to make a purchase with Cardinal Cash.
• The merchant checks the photo ID
• The merchant swipes the card
• Prints a receipt and the customer signs

Become A Cardinal Cash Merchant In A Few Simple Steps
PLEASE NOTE – You must be in business for at least six months when applying for Cardinal Cash Program member status.

1. Purchase VeriFone Tranz 330 or Tranz 380X2 card reader.  Your current credit card printer may have the ability to be used to print Cardinal Cash receipts.
2. Please check compatibility when ordering your Verifone.  (Verifone printer model 250 must be used to interface with the Cardinal Cash system.)
3. Complete and sign the application and Merchant Agreement  and forward to CAS.
4. Install and set up the VeriFone readers to accept Cardinal Card transactions.
5. Once your Verifone reader is installed contact CAS and we will assist you via telephone or in person with your connection – this takes about 5 minutes.

Cardinal Cash Equipment
You will need a Verifone Trans 330 or 390x2 and Verifone Printer 250. The price of this equipment varies depending on whether it is used or new, ranging from $50 to $300.  A wise investment when you consider the potential increase in business and exposure to new customers.   You must have a telephone analog line; digital telephone lines are not compatible with this equipment or the Cardinal Cash system.  Digital lines can be changed to analog lines by contacting the telephone company.

FEES
In exchange for the services provided by CAS (including operation of card program, account management, advertising, marketing, etc.) the merchant must agree to pay a 5% service charge on Cardinal Cash sales to CAS. CAS will provide payment to the merchant on a monthly basis. Merchants may opt for weekly payment with a 6% service charge; additional terms are explained in the merchant agreement (please pay special attention to information pertaining to the Cardinal Cash Fair and opt out charges).