Plaid Ca$h is a declining balance account for which you may add funds at any time. All student ID Cards are equipped with a Plaid Ca$h account. Plaid Ca$h may be used on campus at all Dining Services locations, in the University Book Store and at the Art Store among several other on-campus retail locations.  In addition to using funds on-campus, several local businesses accept Plaid Ca$h as a method of payment.  View other locations where Plaid Ca$h can be used.

Plaid Ca$h may be added to your ID Card online through SIO.  Funds may also be added by visiting the Plaid Ca$h kiosks, located in Hunt Library near the circulation desk. Cash and check payments may also be submitted by visiting ID Card Services in The HUB.

We record the amount of your deposit in your student account and in the Plaid Ca$h system under your Card ID number. Your Card ID number can be found on the front of your Carnegie Mellon ID Card.

To use your Plaid Ca$h account, present your ID Card to the cashier at any location Plaid Ca$h is accepted and request to make payment using your Plaid Ca$h funds. Your remaining balance is always reflected on the receipt after each transaction; you may also monitor the balance of your fund on SIO. Detailed account transaction information is also available on SIO.

No, you may not withdraw money from your Plaid Ca$h account. You may only request a refund at the end of the academic year if the balance is over $25. If there is an emergency, and the money must be withdrawn, you will be charged a withdrawal fee of $25.