Dear Merchant,
The University of Kansas issues the KU Card to every student, faculty, and staff member associated with the university. Since 1998, the KU Card Center has been in partnership with Commerce Bank to assist them in expanding the use of the KU Card. What Commerce Bank provides is the opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to link their KU Card to our KU Checking Account. The KU Card can then be used as an ATM card and a Limited Debit card with participating merchants in the Lawrence area. The added feature of using the KU Card at Interlink Network Merchants with their PIN number dramatically increased the base of merchants accepting the card, and contributes to the overall popularity of the program.
Under the program, students link their KU Card to a KU Checking Account, (A KU Checking account must be open and funded in order for the student to utilize this option) deposit funds in the account, apply a PIN number to their card, and are able to purchase goods and services at participating stores. The funds are deducted from their KU checking account, and as long as the transaction is approved, the funds will be guaranteed. The merchants that participate in the program handle transactions with the KU Card in the same manner as they would a debit/credit card. Separate equipment is sometimes necessary, and varies on the merchants' current debit/credit card processing equipment.
As of September 2003, there were over 4,500 active participants in the program and 25 merchants participating on and off campus. We expect significant growth in the program as its popularity increases.
In order to participate in the program, the merchant must take the following steps:
- Complete the Merchant Application and be approved for participation by The University of Kansas and Commerce Bank. Please note: The University of Kansas and Commerce Bank will approve which merchants will accept the KU Card and establish which merchants are ineligible. (Such decisions are not made arbitrarily, capriciously or unreasonably or based on race, national origin, sex, color, age, religion, or marital status of merchant.)
- Agree to the terms set forth in the Merchant Agreement
- Agree to pay any service charges and/or discount rates associated with participating in the program
- Purchase or lease and install a VeriFone Tranz 330 or Tranz 380x2 card reader from Commerce Bank, your bank, or other source, (contact Commerce Bank Representative for more details).
- Set up VeriFone readers to accept KU Card and install signage accordingly.
In exchange for the services, Commerce Bank and the KU Card Center agree to actively market and advertise the KU Card program and its listings of Participating Merchants thru means selected by Commerce Bank. Merchants will be given the opportunity to advertise approved specials in the Merchant of the Month campaign as many, or as few times, as they wish. All Merchants participating in the program will have their information distributed to students on demand at the Commerce Bank on the KU Campus.
It may take up to 1 week to complete the application process and install the equipment. A Commerce Bank representative will come to your location to set up equipment and to provide training on performing transactions and end of the day settlement. If you would like to receive more information about the KU Card program, please continue to browse the KU Card Web site or contact the KU Card Center or your Commerce Bank Representative at the information and e-mail address below.
Sincerely,
KU Card Acct. Rep
Commerce Bank
U card@commercebank.com
KU Card Center
The University of Kansas
kucard@ku.edu
