FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about your BuzzCard? Check out the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions in the collapsible panels below.

If your question has not been answered by the FAQs, please call us at 404-894-2899, email us at support@buzzcard.gatech.edu, or visit us in person at the BuzzCard Center.

Obtaining a BuzzCard

Where do I get my BuzzCard?

 

What is my gtID?

 

  • You may look up your gtID by using the designated gtID look-up tool.
  • To successfully look up your gtID, you must provide the following information:
    • Your last name
    • Your first name
    • Your birth date
How do I get a BuzzCard?

 

  • Before you can be issued a BuzzCard, you must have a Georgia Tech Identification Number (gtID). Your gtID is a universal number that identifies you throughout the various campus departments, while the BuzzCard is your physical identification card. A BuzzCard cannot be issued without a gtID.
    • For students: Upon admission to the Institute, the registrar assigns each student a gtID. First-Year students will receive their BuzzCard during First-Year Orientation (FASET). Students must be enrolled and assigned a gtID by the Registrar before a BuzzCard may be issued.
    • For faculty / staff / affiliates: An authorized department administrator or campus sponsor must submit a gtID request on your behalf. A BuzzCard can be received only after your PSF has been approved.
What forms of identification are required to get a BuzzCard?

 

  • To obtain a BuzzCard, you may present one of the following forms of identification:
    • State-issued driver’s license or identification card
    • Passport
    • US Permanent Resident Card
    • US military identification
    • US Department of State identification card
    • US Territory identification card
How do I receive a BuzzCard as an online student?
  • To receive a BuzzCard in the mail, please make a non-refundable deposit of $20 to your BuzzCard eAccount Web Portal. (For online students who want to obtain a BuzzCard in-person, please make an appointment with the BuzzCard Center.)
  • Upload an image of yourself that follows the appropriate criteria and an image of your government-issued photo ID to the BuzzCard eAccounts portal.
  • Send an online degree student BuzzCard request to Buzzcard Center (select Online Masters Program on the ‘type of request’ drop down, include the mailing address in your request)
  • After your request has been processed, the $20 will be deducted from your eAccounts Web Portal and your BuzzCard will be shipped to you.

BuzzCard Security

How do I deactivate my BuzzCard?

 

  • You can deactivate your BuzzCard by logging into the BuzzCard eAccount web portal, navigating to Card Services, and then selecting the option to deactivate your card.
Will I have to retake my picture to replace my BuzzCard?

 

  • Yes, in order for us to maintain an up-to-date database, your BuzzCard photo will have to be retaken.
  • Your BuzzCard is an official Georgia State Identification Card and is subject to the laws and regulations of the State of Georgia.
Can I reactivate my BuzzCard online?

 

  • Yes, you can reactivate your BuzzCard by logging into the BuzzCard eAccount web portal, navigating to Card Services, and then selecting the option to reactivate your lost card.
What do I do if my BuzzCard has been lost or stolen?

 

  • If your BuzzCard has been lost or stolen, you may suspend or reactivate your card in the BuzzCard eAccount web portal.
  • Students who require access to their dorm or room may visit their satellite housing office from 8AM until 8PM on weekdays or contact the PL/RA on call.
  • Please refer to sections 4 and 6 of the BuzzCard Terms & Conditions to learn more about replacing your card and addressing unauthorized purchases.
  • All other BuzzCard issues will be addressed the next business day.
What do I do if I need to replace my BuzzCard?

 

  • If your BuzzCard is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond normal wear-and-tear, you will need to replace your BuzzCard.
  • In order to replace your BuzzCard, you will need to have your BuzzCard photo retaken and pay a $30 replacement fee in-person at the BuzzCard Center.
  • Students who require access to their dorm or room may visit their satellite housing office from 8AM until 8PM on weekdays or contact the PL/RA on call.
  • Please refer to sections 4 and 6 of the BuzzCard Terms & Conditions to learn more about replacing your card and addressing unauthorized purchases.
  • All other BuzzCard issues will be addressed the next business day.
What happens if someone uses my stolen BuzzCard?

 

  • The BuzzCard Account Disclosure of Terms and Conditions states that: The Institute complies with the requirements of Federal Truth in Lending Law. If a Card is lost or stolen, the Cardholder is responsible for no more than $50 in unauthorized Account purchases, provided the Card is reported as lost or stolen to the BuzzCard Center or the Georgia Tech Police Department within two calendar days of the loss or theft. Once the Card is reported as lost or stolen, the Card (and its associated Account) will be deactivated and the Cardholder is not responsible for any subsequent card purchases. Should the Cardholder notify the BuzzCard Center or the Georgia Tech Police Department after two days of the loss but within sixty (60) days after the issuance of an Account Activity Statement containing the unauthorized purchase(s), the Cardholder is responsible for no more than $500 in unauthorized Account purchases. If the Cardholder fails to notify the BuzzCard Center of an unauthorized Card purchase within sixty (60) days after an Account Activity Statement containing such purchase has been issued, then the Cardholder limit of liability does not apply. For the full account disclosure statement please see the BuzzCard Terms and Conditions.
What security measures are used to protect my online BuzzCard transactions?

 

  • Account management transactions on BuzzCardNET take place on a secure server utilizing the same widely proven techniques used by established online banking institutions.
    • These techniques include the Secured Socket Layer (SSL) protocol and Digital Certificate Authentication via VeriSign.
  • BuzzCard credit card transactions via the web are PCI compliant.

BuzzCard Account Management

How can I manage my BuzzCard account balances?

 

  • You can easily add funds, check your balances, and transactions with the BuzzCard eAccounts portal, which can be accessed through a web browser or by downloading the BuzzCard eAccounts mobile app.
  • You can learn more about BuzzCard eAccounts by visiting the BuzzCard eAccounts page.
Where can I view my BuzzCard account transactions?

 

  • You can view your BuzzCard account transactions in the Account Transactions section of the BuzzCard eAccount portal, which can be accessed through a web browser or by downloading the eAccounts mobile app.
Can I transfer funds between my BuzzCard, Dining Dollars, and Dining Dollars Bonus?

 

  • No, these are all separate stored-value accounts and the funds are neither transferable nor interchangeable.

  • The Dining Dollar Bonus account is accessed automatically at time of purchase only after the main Dining Dollar account is depleted.

  • For more information on Dining Dollars, see mealplan.gatech.edu.

Does BuzzCard accept Bitcoin for deposits?

 

  • No, BuzzCard no longer accepts Bitcoin for deposits.

What is the difference between BuzzCard funds, Dining Dollars, and Dining Dollars Bonus?

 

  • BuzzCard Account funds never expire and are usable at over 200 locations on campus, including vending machines, laundry machines, select Tech Square merchants, and all Campus Dining locations.
  • For more information on Dining Dollars and Dining Dollars Bonus, see mealplan.gatech.edu.
If I make a deposit at the Bursar's Office, when will my funds be available for use?

 

  • The Bursar’s Office does not accept BuzzCard deposits.
  • Students and guests can make deposits through BuzzCard eAccounts, which can now be accessed through a web browser or by downloading the BuzzCardeAccounts mobile app.
Does the Bursar's Office accept BuzzCard for payments?

 

  • No, the Bursar’s Office does not accept the BuzzCard for any form of payment for services including, but not limited to: tuition, fees, housing, parking, or dining services.
  • Money deposited to your BuzzCard account cannot be transferred to the Bursar’s Office and will be refunded only upon graduation or leaving the Institute.
Where can I make deposits to my BuzzCard account?

 

Where can I check my BuzzCard account balance?

 

  • Account holders may check their card balance online in BuzzCard eAccounts, which can now be accessed through a web browser or by downloading the eAccounts mobile app.
    • You can check your balance, obtain monthly statements, view account activity for the last thirty days, and suspend your card if it is lost or stolen.
  • You can also check your balance when you:
    • Purchase using your BuzzCard (The balance is printed at the bottom of each receipt.)
    • Purchase from vending machine (The balance is flashed on the card reader display.)
    • Visit the BuzzCard Center
Do campus laundry machines accept BuzzCard for payment?

 

  • Yes, a special BuzzCard reader (with operational instructions) is located in each of the campus laundry facilities.
  • You must have funds available in your BuzzCard Funds Account to use the laundry facilities.
  • The machines do not accept cash or coins
How can I make a BuzzCard deposit and how long will it take to post to my account?

 

  • You may make deposits to your BuzzCard through the BuzzCard eAccount portal. Funds added through this method will be available immediately.
  • Registered students may also add more funds to their BuzzCard account through the GT meal plan app only during meal plan sign-up periods.
  • Faculty and staff may schedule recurring BuzzCard deposit through OneUSG Connect. For a one-time BuzzCard deposit, visit the eAccounts portal.
How do I request a refund from BuzzCard?

 

  • You can submit a vending machine refund request via the Vending Refund form. Please select BuzzCard, then select Vending Refund Request Form from the Type of Request drop-down list
  • GT Community Customers: All vending refunds will be issued to your BuzzCard Funds account within 3-5 business days.
  • Visitor / Guest Customers: All vending refunds will be issued to a Guest BuzzCard in the form of BuzzCard Funds, which can be used at any campus retailer, including the Barnes & Noble Bookstore.  Once this form is submitted, visit the BuzzCard Center located on the 2nd Floor of the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 48 5th Street NW, Atlanta, GA, at your convenience to receive your Guest BuzzCard. The BuzzCard Center is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
  • For all other inquiries, please contact the BuzzCard Center.

BuzzCard Malfunctions

Why can I no longer access buildings after I changed my BuzzCard?

 

  • The BuzzCard Center updates card information each evening so that door access privileges can be updated.
  • Problems with door access should be addressed by sending an email to gatech.service-now.com.
What do I do if my BuzzCard is not working?

 

  • If your BuzzCard is no longer functioning, you will need to visit the BuzzCard Center.
  • To receive a free replacement, you will need to turn in your non-functioning BuzzCard.
  • Cards that are still functioning via the magnetic strip or the proximity chip might not be assigned access. Please call the BuzzCard Center at 404-894-2899 or submit a help request
  • Please see Section 5 of the BuzzCard Terms & Conditions about replacing damaged BuzzCards.
Why will my BuzzCard not let me into my residence hall?

 

  • Georgia Tech Housing controls access to all campus residences halls via StarRez. Access is initially assigned on move-in weekend once you have checked-in and received your physical dorm keys.
  • If you card is functioning at the readers but access is denied, please contact or visit your housing office. (North Ave, East, or West Campus Housing Office).
  • If your card does not function at all (readers do not detect your card), please visit the BuzzCard Center as you may need a replacement.
What forms of identification are required to get a BuzzCard?

 

  • To obtain a BuzzCard, you may present one of the following forms of identification:
    • State-issued driver’s license or identification card
    • Passport
    • US Permanent Resident Card
    • US military identification
    • US Department of State identification card
    • US Territory identification card
How do I access my residence hall without my BuzzCard or my keys?

 

  • The satellite housing offices can assist you with entrance into your residence from 8AM to 8PM Monday through Friday.
  • After these hours, you will need to contact the PL/RA on-call so they can assist you with access to your residence hall.
Where can I find the 6-digit card / prox number associated with my BuzzCard?

 

What do I do if my BuzzCard does not open my parking gate?

 

  • Contact Georgia Tech Parking and Transportation by calling 404-385-7275 Monday through Friday between 7:30AM and 5PM.
  • If the gate does not detect your card, you may need to visit the BuzzCard Center for a replacement. Please note, if this is a recently purchased permit, it could take up to 2 hours for you access to work. Also, if you are on foot, the gate/reader will NOT work as this is a security measure: you must be in your vehicle.
  • If the gate did detect your card but it did not open, you likely tried it multiple times. The additional attempts disabled your card for two minutes. You will have to wait 2 minutes for your card to be re-enabled.
  • Upon being re-enabled, you must swipe/tap your card at the gate ONCE and then wait. Oftentimes, the gate may take some time to open as it is not always immediate.
Why do I get Exceeded Maximum Card Usage at parking lots when I use my BuzzCard?

 

  • The pay to park machines are owned and operated by Parking and Transportation. There is a setting in the machine that limits each type of payment.
  • Only Parking and Transportation can reset the meter for the lot. Please contact Parking and Transportation at 404-385-7275.
If I replace my BuzzCard, when can I access academic/ administrative buildings?

 

  • A replacement BuzzCard requires an account number change.
  • This account number change will automatically be communicated overnight and your BuzzCard will be functional by the following morning at 6:00 a.m.
  • Please note: The BuzzCard Center does not control academic door access/entry.
  • All questions related to door access/entry should be directed to the Building Access Manager.

Meal Plans

Where do I sign up for a Georgia Tech meal plan?

 

If I purchase a GT meal plan, can I use it at Tech Square?