General Questions
Why do I need a MataCard?
A valid CSUN ID is your passport to a world of services and privileges on campus, and the new digital MataCard is a convenient way to always have your ID handy on a device we always have with us — our phone or watch!
As a CSUN student, you’ll be asked to show your CSUN ID when you want to:
- Check out books or reserve services at the University Library.
- Visit the Klotz Student Health Center.
- Conduct official university business.
- Vote in Associated Students (AS) elections.
- Get tickets for CSUN sporting and stage events for free or at a discount.
- Enjoy student discounts from nearby merchants and restaurants.
For faculty and staff, the benefits are similar, minus services and opportunities intended exclusively for students.
What do I need to get and set up my MataCard?
To receive a MataCard, you’ll need:
- A current CSUN user ID and password.
- Duo Multi-Factor Authentication setup.
- A device that meets the hardware and system requirements.
What are the hardware and system requirements for MataCard?
| iPhone | iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus or later, iOS 12 or later. |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch Series 1 or later, Watch OS 5 or later. |
| Apple ID | Signed into iCloud; if two devices are used, both must be signed into the same iCloud account. |
| Android Phone | Version 6.0 or later; NFC-enabled device capable of supporting Google Pay or Samsung Pay/Samsung Wallet. |
| eAccounts Mobile App | Downloaded from Apple App Store or Google Play stores by searching Transact eAccounts. |
Where can I use the MataCard?
You can easily use your digital CSUN ID anywhere it’s requested as proof of your CSUN student or employee status.
If you choose to add money to your Transact eAccount, you can use your MataCard as a debit card for purchases at the Campus Store, at campus eateries, at Mercado locations and when using beverage vending machines on campus. You’ll even get a discount at campus eateries when you pay using your MataCard. Funds added to your account for general spending purposes are known as "CSUN Bucks."
The following Matador Eats eateries offer a 5% discount when you pay using your MataCard CSUN Bucks:
- Arbor Grill
- Freudian Sip
- Marketplace Grab 'N Go
- Matador Mercado
The discount is not available at third-party food vendors (El Pollo Loco, Fry Shack, Panda Express, Sambazon Acai Bowls, Shake Smart or Subway).
How do I add funds to my MataCard?
Funds are added, stored and managed in your MataCard eAccount. You can add funds yourself or ask someone to deposit funds on your behalf using the "guest deposit" feature.
NEW! What is the bar code feature and when do I use it?
The bar code feature adds additional usability to the MataCard by making it readable by traditional bar code scanners (if provided) in addition to the Transact tap pad.
The bar code is accessible via the eAccounts app. It will not display on a MataCard saved in the Wallet app. To access the bar code on an iOS or Android device, log in to your account using the eAccounts app. Tap More Information. Tap Show Bar Code.
Apple users can also access the bar code by initiating a long hold on the eAccounts app icon and selecting Show Bar Code. You’ll be prompted to log in to your account. Once you do, the bar code will be visible.
Bar code access requires Wi-Fi or cellular service. It will not work offline.
What should I do if I lose my device or if I believe there has been unauthorized activity on my MataCard?
If your device has been lost or stolen, or you believe your MataCard has been used fraudulently, log in to the MataCard eAccounts webpage and select Card Services to deactivate your MataCard. If you need help deactivating your card, contact the Office of the Registrar at csun_student_ID@csun.edu.
- Be sure to select which version(s) of the card you want to deactivate; any device you do not select will remain active.
- If you believe your card has been used fraudulently, identify the fraudulent activity and the account on which it appears. Then report the fraud to the Office of the Registrar at csun_student_ID@csun.edu.
If you find your lost device, you can reactivate your MataCard using the Transact eAccounts app.
My device doesn’t meet the minimum requirements listed above. What do I do?
If your device does not support using the new digital MataCard, you can purchase a physical CSUN ID card by contacting the Office of the Registrar at csun_student_ID@csun.edu or visiting the Student Services Center in the Bayramian Hall lobby (BH 100).
I already have a physical CSUN ID card. Do I still need a MataCard?
Your physical CSUN ID card will continue to be accepted as identification and to access services throughout campus. However, we encourage you to upgrade to the new MataCard for the convenience of having your CSUN ID easily accessible via your mobile device. As a bonus, if you choose to use your MataCard as a debit card, you’ll receive a discount at select campus eateries when you pay using your MataCard.
I’m a faculty or staff member and I’m having trouble. What should I do?
If you’re encountering an error message when setting up your MataCard, you might need to update your photo. This is likely the issue if you’ve had the same physical ID card for several years. To update your ID card photo, please visit the Student Services Center, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If that doesn’t work, please contact us at csun_staffID@csun.edu for assistance.
I miss having a physical card. Can I get one of those too?
The new digital CSUN MataCard is the primary form of campus identification for active students and employees. Physical CSUN ID cards have been phased out. If you have an extenuating circumstance where you may need a physical card in addition to your digital MataCard, please reach out to csun_student_ID@csun.edu and we’ll be glad to help.