Mainecard FAQs
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers! Browse our most popular FAQs below.
What is the Mobile MaineCard?
All new and incoming students are issued a Mobile MaineCard as their campus ID. Once your photo submission is approved, you can begin setting up your mobile credential and use your phone to unlock your residence hall room, access the Rec Center, and tap to pay at dining and other campus locations.
As of January 1, 2024, Physical MaineCards are no longer issued. Mobile credentials are now the primary form of ID, offering enhanced security, reduced plastic use, and greater convenience. They are also the most popular option among students and faculty/staff due to their ease of use.
Can I get a physical MaineCard instead of the Mobile MaineCard?
The University of Maine is a mobile-first campus, meaning all students are issued a Mobile MaineCard for enhanced security and safety.
You will find that most students prefer their Mobile MaineCard to physical cards.
Accessibility Accommodation Exception
If you have a disability and require special accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services (um.sas@maine.edu | 207.581.2319).
Other Extenuating Circumstances Exception
Contact the Dean of Students: Andrea Gifford (agifford@maine.edu | 207.581.1406)
If your physical card request has been granted, please note:
One Credential Only: If approved, your Mobile MaineCard will be deactivated.
Fees: A $35.00 fee applies if your physical card is lost or damaged.
I never received the email invitation to submit my MaineCard photo.
All photo submission invitation links are sent to your @maine.edu email account: https://mail.maine.edu.
If you haven’t received an email with a link to upload your photo, please first check your spam or junk mail folders to ensure the message wasn’t filtered. These invitations are typically sent to your official university email address once your account is fully activated.
If classes begin within 30 days and you still have not received the email invitation, please contact the MaineCard Office directly at 207.581.1799 or um.mainecard@maine.edu for assistance.
How do I show my Mobile MaineCard to ride the local bus or to get a discount at an area business?
To ride local public transportation for free or at a discounted rate on eligible routes, you must present your active Mobile MaineCard in your phone’s digital wallet when requested by the driver or transit staff. You can also use your Mobile MaineCard in the same way to receive discounts at participating businesses in the Bangor area.
I got a new phone – will my MaineCard automatically transfer?
Unfortunately, no – but it’s an easy fix!
If you still have access to your old phone: Visit our Mobile MaineCard FAQs for steps to add your Mobile MaineCard to your new device.
If you no longer have access to your old phone: Contact our office and let us know! We can remove the card from your old phone and then you can download it to your new phone through Transact eAccounts.
I’ve lost my phone. What should I do?
Call Public Safety (UMPD) at 207.581.4040 during business hours to report your phone as lost. After you replace your phone, please contact the MaineCard Office so we may assist you with setting up your Mobile MaineCard with your new phone.
I broke my phone. What should I do?
If I lose my phone at night or on the weekend, how do I eat and get into my residence hall?
To access your residence hall, you can reach out to Residence Life staff or Campus Safety (UMPD) for assistance. Please be sure to contact the MaineCard Office first thing Monday morning. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and Fridays by appointment only.
How do I put money on my Mobile MaineCard?
Add funds from the Transact eAccounts icon link located on your MaineStreet portal, or download the Transact eAccounts app to deposit funds quickly and securely to your Black Bear Bucks account. You can utilize our online deposit service by visiting the Manage Your Mobile MaineCard page.
Family members and friends can also make a guest deposit in your Black Bear Bucks account as long as they know your MaineStreet ID and Last Name as it matches what is in our system records.
You can add funds at the MaineCard Office in the DTAV Community Building or you can use the Fogler Library Value Transfer Station (cash only, located near the Circulation & Reserve desk located on the first floor).
How do I change my meal plan?
Students may change their meal plans once within the first two weeks of each semester by visiting the Housing Portal on the Housing website. If you need modification to your meal plan for dietary reasons, contact UMaine’s Dietitian, Krista Niezelski, at UMaine Dining directly. Those with commuter meal plans need to fill out an exception form to change their meal plan. Contact UMaine Dining for more information.
What’s the difference between Meal Plan Dollars and Black Bear Bucks, and where can I use them?
Meal Plan Dollars and Black Bear Bucks allow students, faculty, and staff to use their MaineCard for food and beverage purchases in all UMaine Dining locations. View a table of Meal Plan Dollars vs Black Bear Bucks
Black Bear Bucks may also be used at Maine Bound Adventure Center, the University Bookstore, and certain off-campus merchants close to campus.Are there any restrictions to my Black Bear Bucks purchases?
Yes. Businesses may not permit any MaineCard holder to purchase alcohol, tobacco, firearms, obscene materials, or store-value gift cards. View vendors that accept Black Bear Bucks.
Do I need money for laundry?
Nope! Laundry is unlimited for on-campus residents.
What is Transact eAccounts?
Transact eAccounts is the must-have app for managing your life at UMaine. You can download it now from the App Store or Google Play.
Note on Meal Plans in eAccounts: If you don’t see all of your balances right at the start of the semester, don’t worry! Changes and additions to student meal plans are often being processed during the first week.
What is Duo Mobile?
Duo Mobile is a secure login app that you install on your smartphone and use to approve sign-ins to your University of Maine System accounts. It provides the required multi‑factor authentication for Mobile MaineCard holders by sending login prompts or generating passcodes so only you can access your accounts, even if someone knows your password. Learn more about multi-factor authentication at Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – IT Knowledge Base.
I still need help. What should I do?
Feel free to visit the MaineCard Office in the DTAV Community Center, call us at 207-581-2273, or email us at um.mainecard@maine.edu.
Please note that we are open from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Thursday, and Friday by prior appointment only. We observe all national and university holidays.