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Questions and Answers

The following is a list of frequently asked questions of the WatCard Office. If your concern is not addressed specifically here, feel free to send your inquiry through the contact us page, or visit the WatCard office, located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre. You can also contact our office Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 519/888-4567 x32751. For questions concerning the Residence Meal Plans or any other aspect of Food Services, please call the Food Service department directly, 519/888-4567 x35865 or visit the Food Services website.

What is the WatCard and who needs one?
The WatCard is the Official Photo Identification Card for the University of Waterloo. All undergraduate and graduate students require one. Staff and faculty are encouraged to pick up a card as well for access to many areas around campus. Distance Education students requiring a WatCard must go through the Distance Education office. Returning students can use their WatCard without having to update it but if you would like to retake your picture or upgrade to a new card, $10.00 charge will apply and you must hand in your OLD WatCard.

How do I get my WatCard?
1. Go to the WatCard Office in the Lower Level, Student Life Centre with your UW ID number.
2. Present a valid piece of photo identification, i.e. Driver’s License, Passport, Canadian Citizenship Card, or another government issued document with your picture and name.

How many people use the WatCard?
More than 110,000 WatCards have been issued to date.

What do I do if I lose my WatCard? (Replacing your WatCard)
If you lose your WatCard, deactivate it immediately by clicking here or you may report it missing by calling the Turnkey Desk (x84434) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also deactivate your card at any Food Services or Graphics cash register. Please be sure to also contact the Library to deactivate your bar code.
If you find your card after you have deactivated it, bring it to the WatCard office and it will be reactivated free of charge.
If you require a replacement card, one will be issued for a replacement fee of $20.00. Please bring a piece of photo identification to receive your replacement WatCard.

What do I do if I find a WatCard?
Please send the card to the WatCard to the WatCard Office, SLC either in person or through interoffice mail.

How can I get my money refunded?
There is a $10.00 administration fee for refunds from your WatCard. UW Financial Services will process your refund during their refund cycle (once per semester). Please note that funds added to your WatCard using a credit card cannot be refunded to your Quest Financial Account.

Where can I use my WatCard?
Many department and facilities both on and off campus accept the WatCard (flexible locations on campus and off campus, food service locations).

When I run out of money in my account, can I add to my balance?
You may add value to your WatCard by clicking here or at any Food Services location, Graphics Copy Centre, the Turnkey Desk, and of course, at the WatCard office. Food Services locations and the Turnkey Desk accept a minimum deposit of $10.00 by cash. The WatCard Office also accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Debit Card. Any additional money added to your account will be Flexible Dollars and will not be HST exempt.

What happens to my money if I have any left over at the end of the term?
Any money remaining on your WatCard will automatically carry forward to the next term.

I'm confused. I've paid my Residence Meal Allowance with my Housing invoice, and that is to be deposited onto my WatCard. Are the "Flexible" dollars different from this money?
The "Flexible Account" is for Debit use at facilities not included with Food Services and your Meal Allowance. In addition, if you deplete your Meal Plan account, the "Flexible Account" is automatically accessed automatically for all Food Services purchases but will not be HST exempt. Please come into the WatCard Office to transfer flexible dollars to your Meal Plan account that will be HST exempt.

How much should I add to the "Flexible Account"?
To determine what Flexible balance is right for you, check out the Flexible Calculator.

If I have any money left over in my Residence Meal Plan (V1 and REV) at the end of the term, does that turn into Flexible Dollars?
The balance remaining in your Residence Meal Plan (V1 and REV) at the end of the term does carry over to the next term; HOWEVER, it transfers to the Transfer MP account to be spent at Food Services outlets ONLY. It does not ever turn into Flexible dollars and your discount rate and tax exemption will change - see Food Services for details.