Next semester, students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City will receive new student ID cards that include “Roo Bucks.” What are Roo Bucks? Quite simple really; they’re funds that can be added to a student ID, allowing for purchases at various university facilities like dining services, laundry machines, copy machines, and bookstores. And while I’ve never visited UMKC, I’m guessing their mascot might be the kangaroo? Anyway, this e-purse functionality is a common feature for many school ID programs, and it gives students a good deal of convenience by enabling them to use a single ID card to perform a number of tasks, including making purchases on campus and even off campus at participating local businesses.

Another interesting feature offered by the UMKC student ID cards is the inclusion of a membership that allows students to use their cards to receive significant discounts from thousands of different merchants. There are also plans to add debit card functionality down the road so the cards can be used to make purchases anywhere.