The Columbia Card is the official University identification card. The I.D. Center at the Morningside campus issues, validates, and replaces Columbia Cards throughout the year. During registration periods, the I.D. Center is open for extended hours. Important functions of a student Columbia Card include visual identification; access to University Residence Halls (URH); meal plans; Columbia Points and Dining Dollars; library borrowing privileges; access to administrative buildings; FlexAccount; Citibank ATM card functionality; snack and beverage vending machine purchases; laundry facilities; University Bookstore purchases; cot rentals; and fax service.

Using the Columbia Card for Financial Transactions. As an added measure of convenience and security, students may use the Columbia Card to perform several financial transactions on the Morningside campus through four Citibank ATMs on the Morningside campus and one on the Medical Center campus, free of charge regardless of banking affiliation. For services and accounts offered by Citibank, see section V.A. 1 above.

By making a deposit to a FlexAccount, students may make dollar-for-dollar purchases in selected snack and beverage vending machines, laundry machines in University Residence Halls, and at the Columbia University Bookstore by using the Columbia Card rather than cash. To add value to a FlexAccount, students may visit 204 Kent Hall, 103 Wien Hall, or the URH Service Desk in Hartley Hall. Please note that the FlexAccount and Dining Dollars are separate accounts. Dining Dollars can be used in any Dining Service location, while the FlexAccount is used for all other services. All FlexAccount balances are carried until graduation. No refunds are given for unused balances upon graduation. Please address questions about the FlexAccount to the staff of the ID Center in 204 Kent Hall or by calling 212-854-4323.

Report any theft, including that of a Columbia Card, to Columbia’s Department of Security immediately. In addition, inform the ID Center during normal business hours of a lost or stolen Columbia Card.

The replacement fee for a lost Columbia Card is $10. There is no fee for the replacement of stolen Columbia Cards with proper documentation from the Security Department or the Police Department.