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 set up
- 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 |
| 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.
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 .
If you find your lost device, you can reactive 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.