Mainecard FAQs
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers! Browse our most popular FAQs below.
How do I download my 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.
Physical MaineCards are no longer issued, as mobile credentials offer enhanced security, reduce plastic use, and are the preferred form of ID for students, faculty, and staff.
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.
Is my Mobile MaineCard contact-less?
Your Mobile MaineCard is contact-less and will assist you with:
I got a new phone – will my MaineCard automatically transfer?
Unfortunately, no – but it’s an easy fix! Please visit our Mobile MaineCard FAQs for steps to add your Mobile MaineCard to your new device.
If your Duo Mobile app did not transfer over to your new device, you can change your device by logging in to your school account and then accessing the Multi-Factor Authentication Manager. Select “Manage Devices” to remove your old phone and replace with your new phone. If you no longer have your old phone, you will need to visit the IT Help Desk at the Fogler Library or call IT at (800)-696-4357 for assistance with this step.
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 an app that you can download from the App Store or the Google Play store. It allows set up for your Mobile MaineCard and offers a convenient option for depositing funds to your Black Bear Bucks account and viewing all account balances. We recommend that all students have this app. Not all balances may be visible at the beginning of the school year due to active additions and changes to student meal plans.
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.
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.