Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I use my CatCard?

Virtually every place on the MSU campus that requires payment for goods or services will accept CatCash as payment, as well as many off-campus locations through Grubhub.  Please refer to the locations page for information on all the places where you can use your CatCash.  

How do I deposit money onto my CatCard?

You can deposit money using cash, check or credit/debit card at the CatCard Service Window, or by using a credit/debit card with the CatCard GET Mobile app, or GET online

I am a parent of a student attending MSU - can I deposit money onto their CatCard?

Yes, you can deposit money using cash, check or credit/debit card at the CatCard Service Window, or by using their MSU ID Number through the Parent/Guest Option of GET online

How can I check my CatCash balance?

You can check your balance at the CatCard Service Window, using the CatCard GET Mobile app, or GET online.

I am a parent of a student attending MSU - can I find out what their CatCash balance is?

Students are protected under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  Unless your student has filled out the required FERPA release form and you know the authorization password, we are unable to give you that information.

Will I lose my CatCash at the end of the semester?

No, your CatCard money will roll over each semester and your money will stay on your CatCard for one year after you have left MSU.

Can I withdraw money from my CatCard?

The CatCard does not function as a bank or ATM, therefore we can only issue CatCash withdrawals when you withdraw from school or if it is the end of the semester.  CatCard withdrawals are applied to your Student Account.  Visit the CatCard withdrawal request page for the full CatCard withdrawal policy.

How do I find my NetID and password?

You will need your NetID and NetID password to use the CatCard GET Mobile app and to log into your CatCard account online.  Click NetID Help for help in finding your NetID and/or setting your NetID password.

What should I do if my CatCard is lost or stolen?

You should immediately report your CatCard lost once you have discovered it is missing. You are responsible for all transactions that occur on your CatCard until it is reported lost and activity has been suspended. You can report your card lost 24 hours a day using the CatCard GET Mobile app, GET online, or by calling 406-994-2273. (Please leave a voicemail if it's after hours.)  A replacement CatCard is $20.00.

I forgot my CatCard - can I still use my meal plan?

No.  Students who live in the residence halls MUST have their CatCard to use their meal plan to enter the dining halls.

I get an error message whenever I try to swipe my card. What should I do?

Please write down the error message that you are getting and then bring your card to the CatCard Service Window.  We will try to help you figure out what is wrong.

My CatCard does nothing when I swipe it. What should I do?

Your card could be de-magnetized. Please bring your card to the CatCard Service Window and we can try to re-encode it for you. If we determine that your card is no longer able to be re-magnetized, a replacement card is $20.00.

Do I have to get a new card every year?

No, your undergraduate card will work your entire stay at MSU as an undergraduate.  If you decide to continue on as a graduate student at MSU, then you will need to get a new card with your graduate status printed on the front.

I have changed my name - do I need a new CatCard?

Not unless you want a new one. Your name must be changed in the MSU system before a new card can be printed.  Replacement CatCards are $20.00.

How do I gain entry to Athletic Events?

MSU students are eligible to receive one free ticket to each MSU home game. 

All student tickets are paperless - students must present their valid CatCard to gain entry. Football game tickets must be reserved ahead of time on a first-come, first-served basis via msustudenttickets.com

For more information regarding student tickets please visit msustudenttickets.com or call 406-994-CATS. 

I lost/forgot my CatCard - can I still use my reserved Football Ticket?

No CatCard = No Ticket.  You MUST have your CatCard to use a student ticket.  No other form of ID will be accepted at the gate.

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Name tags & Accessories

Name Tags

Name Tags

Type
Lines
Width
Height
Cost
Large
Up to 4
3 3/8 in
2 1/8 in
$5.00
Small
Up to 3
2 7/8 in
1 1/16in
$2.50

Price includes heavy duty magnet fastener

For departmental orders, and custom designs, please email CatCard@montana.edu to discuss options and arrange an order

CatCard Covers and Lanyards

Protective plastic card covers, card holders that adhere to your cell phone, and MSU lanyards with card grippers are available at the CatCard Service Window.

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Care For Your CatCard

Under normal conditions, your CatCard should last a very long time. Please refer to the following list of suggestions to ensure the durability of your card:

  • Store your CatCard in a protective cover in your wallet. There are protective sleeves, soft cases to attach to cell phones and lanyards with card grippers available at the CatCard Service Window.
  • Keep your CatCard away from all magnets and magnetic fields, such as computers, speakers, or disk drives, as this may de-magnetize your card and cause it not to work.
  • Do not punch holes in your CatCard - this will shorten the life of your card and may damage the inner workings of the card. If you would like to attach your CatCard to a lanyard, or other device, please visit the CatCard Service Window to obtain a card grip or other holder options.
  • Do not attach your CatCard to a key ring with keys. Keys will scratch your card and can cause it not to work.
  • Do not wash your CatCard in a washing machine.
  • Do not use your CatCard as an ice scraper.
  • Do not bend, scratch, or chew on your CatCard.
  • If your CatCard becomes de-magnetized but the card and mag-stripe are still in good condition, please bring it to the CatCard Service Window and we will re-magnetize it for you at no charge. If your CatCard should need to be replaced, the replacement fee is $20.00.

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Terms and Conditions

The CatCard is your identification for Montana State University - Bozeman. The cardholder must carry their CatCard at all times while on campus. The CatCard is only to be used by the person for whom it is issued. Only the cardholder can present the card for privileges. CatCards will be confiscated if presented by someone other than the cardholder. The cardholder is responsible for the care of the CatCard. Any damage to the magnetic stripe or any other part of the card that would cause the card to become unreadable or unrecognizable is the responsibility of the cardholder and will require replacement at the cardholder's expense. CatCard is the primary authority in determining if the replacement fee for a CatCard can be waived.

This agreement is administered by CatCard at Montana State University. This agreement shall be for the length of time the individual is in possession of the CatCard. This agreement is executed between the cardholder and MSU. Use of the CatCard is non-transferable for all services and access at MSU. The use of this card by anyone other than the cardholder is a violation of university regulations and may result in the confiscation of the card and loss of privileges. The cardholder's CatCard remains the property of MSU and must be presented or relinquished upon demand by university personnel. The cardholder's university identification card is the instrument the cardholder uses to access services provided by the university. Should the cardholder's CatCard become lost or stolen, it is the responsibility of the cardholder to report this fact to CatCard immediately. The cardholder is responsible for all activity until the card is reported lost or stolen. The cardholder bears the responsibility for all materials borrowed from Renne Library or any other university department through the CatCard. Willful misrepresentation to obtain a CatCard or alteration of a CatCard may result in disciplinary action, i.e. formal charges of fraud, attempt to defraud, or obtaining university property under false pretenses. Charges may be brought under Montana State University Student Code of Conduct and/or through outside legal authorities.

In this agreement, the use of any form of the word "you", "your" or "their" refers to the actual cardholder to whom the CatCard was issued and who will be contractually liable. The use of "MSU" and "university" refers to Montana State University.

Photo requirements and storage

Montana State University CatCard requires a photo on every CatCard that is issued. These photos are controlled property of MSU CatCard. These photos are stored in a digital database and are used within Montana State University to facilitate business and/or educational operations.

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