CrimsonCard 101

What is CrimsonCard?

It's the official photo ID for all IU campuses and is used to: 

  • Make purchases (even on Grubhub)
  • Track attendance 
  • Take tests in the Testing Center
  • Gain access to IUPUI buildings
  • Print while on campus
  • Access meal plans
  • Use sports/recreation facilities
  • Check out library materials
  • And more!

Getting my CrimsonCard...

You must be registered to attend a New Student Orientation program and have your IUPUI username and passphrase to begin the process of getting your CrimsonCard. 

Step 1 - Take or find a picture that meets all the requirements.
Hint:
The photo should look just like your driver's license or state ID photo!

Step 2 Log in to your CrimsonCard account using your IU username and passphrase.

Step 3 - Click 'Get a New Card' at the top of the page. 

Step 4 - Click 'Browse' to find and select your photo. Check the box to confirm it meets all the requirements.

Step 5 - Click 'Continue'

Step 6 - To verify your identity, take a photo of your driver's license, passport, military ID, state ID, or school ID, and upload it by clicking 'Browse'. It is recommended to mask sensitive information (SSN, driver's license number, etc.) before uploading the photo. Acceptable file types include .pdf, .jpg, .png and .gif. Maximum file size 1.5mb.  

Step 7 - Select how you want to receive your CrimsonCard - mail or pick up.

Step 8 - If choosing mail*, provide your mailing address. It can take up to 3 weeks to receive your CrimsonCard. If you need it sooner, select pick up. 

If choosing pick up, select IUPUI New Student Orientation as your location.

*CrimsonCards can only be mailed to addresses within the United States. Students with an international address can pick up their card on campus or request a no-photo CrimsonCard be mailed. 

Step 9 - Click 'Submit'. 

Step 10 (IMPORTANT STEP) - An email will be sent to your University email within 3 business days informing you that your photo and documentation were either approved or denied.  

If approved, your CrimsonCard will be printed and mailed to the address provided or held for pick up during orientation or your next visit to campus.  

If denied, resubmit a photo and documentation that meets the requirements.

If choosing not to resubmit a photo and documentation, you can have your picture taken in the CrimsonCard office (Campus Center 217) at orientation or during your next visit to campus. Your card will be printed and given to you at that time. Remember to bring a photo ID.

The list of requirements can be a bit intimidating. To keep it simple, upload a photo that looks very similar to our your driver's license, state ID, or passport photo! 

Below are the requirements if you'd like to take a look!

Your photo MUST meet ALL the requirements below to be approved.

  • Background must be SOLID, smooth, and white, grey, or light in color.
  • Must be current (taken within the last 6 months).
  • Do not use any filters. 
  • Must be forward-facing, head and top of the shoulders in the frame. 
  • Your entire face must be visible. Please no hats, sunglasses, headphones, scarves, hairstyles etc. that obstruct your face. Religious head coverings are permitted.
  • Color photos only.
  • Photo must include only you - no pets, friends, props, etc.
  • Natural or neutral expression/smile
  • Photo must be a .jpg, .pdf, .gif, or .png file format.
  • 1.5 MB file size limit

If you are having difficulty uploading your photos make both images (personal photo and documentation photo) smaller. If this does not work, try a different browser or device.

If you continue to experience difficulties, contact CrimsonCard at crimsoncard@iu.edu. You can also visit the CrimsonCard office (Campus Center 217) during orientation or your next time to campus and have your picture taken on-site. Please bring a photo ID with you at that time. Your CrimsonCard will be printed and given to you at that time.  

YES, but it can take up to 3 weeks to receive it by mail! If you upload an approved photo and documentation verifying your identity, you have the option to have your CrimsonCard mailed directly to you. Simply select 'Mail' and provide your mailing address during the photo/documentation upload process. Your CrimsonCard should arrive within three weeks.

Please note this option is only available to those with an address within the United States. Students with an international address can pick up their CrimsonCard on campus or request a no-photo CrimsonCard be mailed.  

Yes! If you upload an approved photo and documentation verifying your identity, you have the option to pick up your CrimsonCard while at orientation or during your next visit to campus. 

You are encouraged to upload your photo and documentation prior to orientation. Doing so will allow you more time to explore campus and less time standing in line!

If you would like to have your photo taken in person, you can do so by visiting the CrimsonCard office located in the Campus Center room 217. Remember to bring a photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, state ID, military ID, or current high school ID. Your picture will be taken and you will receive your CrimsonCard at that time. 

No! If you already have a CrimsonCard, you do not need to get another one. Your CrimsonCard is valid for 6 years from the day it was printed.

If your CrimsonCard has a different campus printed on it, it will still work! If you would like to update it, visit the CrimsonCard office when convenient and bring your current CrimsonCard. An updated card will be printed and given to you at that time.

Using CrimsonCash to make purchases

CrimsonCash is money deposited into your CrimsonCash account. These funds can be used to make purchases anywhere CrimsonCash is accepted, both on- and off-campus, including on the Grubhub app. Every current student has a CrimsonCash account and can make deposits.  

Benefits of using CrimsonCash:

  • Convenient access to funds
  • Can use funds at any IU campus and on the Grubhub app
  • Make deposits as needed
  • Unused funds roll over year to year
  • The account cannot be overdrawn
  • Manage your account online, including deactivating a lost card
  • More secure than using cash

All registered students have a CrimsonCash account and can deposit funds (CrimsonCash) by logging into their CrimsonCash account. These deposits can be paid for using a debit/credit card or can be billed to your student bursar account. 

Website Bursar Deposit - Available only to current students, deposits billed to your bursar account can be paid for using financial aid (requires a completed Title IV form) including scholarships, grants, and 529 funds, or any form of payment accepted by the Bursar Office.

*Please note, multiple deposits totaling no more than $1,750 per bursar term can be billed to your student bursar account. Other Terms and Conditions apply. 

Website Deposit - Available to anyone, deposits can be made from the CrimsonCard website using a debit/credit card or PayPal. A $2.50 fee applies to each deposit made. 

Funds on your CrimsonCard can be used at over 150 locations statewide, both on- and off-campus. CrimsonCash can also be used on the Grubhub app, giving you access to almost 300,000 vendors nationwide!

At IUPUI off-campus locations that accept CrimsonCash include: 

  • Kroger Grocery Store
  • Jimmy John's
  • City Barbeque
  • Qdoba
  • Sushi Boss
  • Grubhub
  • And more!

On-campus CrimsonCash can be used at locations such as: 

  • Any dining location on-campus
  • Parking Services
  • Campus bookstore
  • And more!

GrubHub now accepts CrimsonCash as a form of payment, giving all CrimsonCard holders access to over 300,000 restaurants in 4,000+ U.S. cities. 

Even better, once you affiliate with IUPUI and add your CrimsonCard as a payment option, you'll be eligible to receive Grubhub+ for FREE, which means no delivery fees, and a $10 Grubhub+ perk. Just be on the lookout for an email inviting you to join Grubhub+!

Visit Grubhub FAQ for details on how to use your CrimsonCard on the Grubhub app!

You can manage your CrimsonCash account online at crimsoncard.iu.edu by clicking 'Manage My ID Card' and logging in with your username and passphrase. 

From here you can: 

  • Make a deposit
  • Check your balance
  • View your transaction history
  • Deactivate a lost or stolen CrimsonCard
  • Set up automatic account notifications
  • Locate your 16-digit card number 

Bursar Account, Financial Aid and how it relates to CrimsonCash

Every student has a bursar account. This online account is where you manage your finances associated with attending IUPUI. Some common expenses charged to your bursar account include tuition, fees, CrimsonCard deposits, housing, meal plans etc. 

Any financial aid you receive may be applied to your bursar account, lowering the amount you owe the University.

The University will send your bursar bill to you on the third Thursday of every month. That bill is due to be paid by the 10th of the following month.

How does my bursar bill relate to my CrimsonCard?
You can make deposits to your CrimsonCash account and bill them to your student bursar account. These deposits can then be paid for using any method of payment accepted by the Bursar office.

For example, you instantly deposit $100 to your CrimsonCash account to purchase a textbook. You choose to pay for this $100 deposit by billing it to your bursar account. When you receive your next bursar bill, you will owe the University $100 for the CrimsonCash deposit you made.

If you are receiving financial aid, including grants, scholarships, or loans, there is a possibility it will pay for your CrimsonCard deposit(s). For this to be a possibility, you must deposit funds for the Fall semester to your CrimsonCash account using the bill-to-bursar method by August 4, 2023. This date ensures your deposit is complete before financial aid is disbursed to your bursar account. You must also complete a Title IV form

Financial aid will cover the cost of essential expenses first. These expenses include tuition, fees, amongst many more. If aid remains after paying the essential expenses, it could pay for CrimsonCard deposits made by August 4, 2023 via the bill-to-bursar method. 

It's recommended that questions about financial aid be directed to a representative from the Financial Aid office. 

While you can't directly bill your textbook purchase to your bursar account, you can bill a CrimsonCash deposit to your bursar account. You can then use your CrimsonCard to purchase your textbooks at the campus bookstore.

If you make a CrimsonCard deposit using the bill-to-bursar method before August 4, 2023, and have a signed Title IV form on file, there is a possibility your financial aid will pay for your CrimsonCard deposit(s). 

You can then use your CrimsonCard to purchase textbooks and supplies from the campus bookstore.

Otherwise, if you are receiving a financial aid refund, you can wait for it to be direct deposited into your bank account or sent to you via a check.