Prepaid Expense Cards for Students and Third-Parties
Program Descriptions
This program may be used for the below types of expenditures for students and other non-employees:
- Incentives
- Prizes
- Meal Allowances (RF Only)
Other uses require pre-approval, please reach out to Financial Management with any questions.
| Details about Programs | |
|---|---|
Program 1: Reloadable Card | |
Anonymous: | Name not printed on card, but personal information is collected to register |
Type of Card: | Physical, plastic card |
Reloadable with Additional Funds: | Yes |
Replaceable if Lost: | Yes |
Technology Required to Activate: | Email address, access to the Internet, or phone |
Information Required to Register: | First name, last name, physical mailing address (can be campus address) |
SSN Required*: | No |
| Taxable Income Reporting Form Required*: | No |
Release of Funds: | Instant |
Cash Access: | Yes (ATM fees apply) |
Where to Use: | ATM, anywhere Visa Credit or Debit cards are accepted (in-person and online) |
Initial Cost per Card: | No cost |
Cost of Replacement Card: | No cost |
| Inactivity Fee: | $2.00 per month after 365 days of no activity |
| Monthly Maintenace Fee: | Does not apply |
*In general, the SSN isn’t required, however, if there are prize payments of $600 or more in a calendar year then the SSN will be required at that point via completion of the W-9 or W-8 tax form. | |
Who is Eligible
State and Research Funding (Sponsored (with approval) and Non-Sponsored) can be used for this program.
How to Apply to the Program
Have the Following Documents Ready When Applying
- Account Number to Charge
- US Bank Advance Request Form (if Sponsored Project is used)
- Details regarding expenses (i.e. Budget of expenses being loaded)
To apply for the program the following information must be provided through the on line application:
- Department Contact Information (Name, Email, Phone Number)
- Type of expense needed (Student Incentive, Recruitment, Prize, Meal Allowance)
- Expenditure Details (Account number to charge, Itinerary )
- Payment Information (Total dollar amount of request and number of cards)
Next Steps
After submitting the form, the information will be reviewed by Financial Management staff and the following steps will take place:
- Financial Management will work to process the funds transfer from your account to US Bank.
- Financial Management Staff will register and load the cards for you.
- Financial Management staff will contact you once your card is loaded to schedule a time to come and pick up cards (photo ID required).
Reconciliation Process
For sponsored awards: PIs are required to provide monthly reconciliation documents to the Sponsored Project Services (SPS) Award Analyst.
For non-sponsored awards: PIs are required to provide monthly reconciliation documents to the Non-Sponsored Group.
Any funds unspent can be returned to the account which funded the card upon request.
Information for Cardholders
Activating Your U.S. Bank Expense Card
For information on activating your card, tracking your balance, and reloading your card, visit: www.usbankfocus.com, call 888-863-0681 (U.S. Bank accepts relay calls), or use the mobile app.
Using Your U.S. Bank Expense Card
You can use this card anywhere Visa® Debit Cards are accepted for purchases, to pay bills directly through your biller, or to get cash either from a bank, ATM, or cash back on purchases.
Replacing Your U.S. Bank Expense Card
If you receive a new replacement card, you must re-enroll the new card on the cardholder website or mobile app in order to gain access to your account.
Moving? Update Your Address with U.S. Bank
Replacement cards and important notifications are mailed to thee address U.S. Bank has on file. View your account profile at www.usbankfocus.com. Please note that updating your address with the University at Buffalo will not update your U.S. Bank Card profile information.
For more information, visit the vendor’s website: https://www.prepaidmaterials.com/usbankfocus.html
How is Your Privacy Protected?
- U.S. Bank preserves the confidentiality of cardholders financial information in accordance with applicable law. U.S. Bank is compliant with Consumer Privacy Pledge and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other legal requirements relating to privacy, protection, and disclosure of consumer customer information.
- U.S. Bank does not share customer information or lists with third parties.
- Under specific circumstances, U.S. Bank will need to be able to disclose information. These circumstances include (but may not be limited to):
- If requested to produce the information pursuant to any independent or regulatory audit in which information disclosed remains non-public.
- In response to a validly served subpoena.
- To U.S. Bank subcontractors, in order to facilitate the execution of their responsibilities.
- On a post-termination basis in order to satisfy the requirements of the program.
Contact an Expert
Valerie Dennis
Asset Management, Card Programs and eProcurement
Financial Management
Phone: 716-645-2604
Email: vlb5@buffalo.edu
Kevin Ragland
Procurement Card Administration, Financial Management
Phone: 716-645-1346