PennCard at a Glance

The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, faculty, staff and other members of the University community. You can use your PennCard to access a variety of services at Penn. The PennCard is University property, and should be treated with the same care as a credit card or government-issued identification card. 

PennCard Care Instructions

Do:

  • Keep your PennCard with you at all times.
  • Report loss or theft immediately to Public Safety or to the PennCard Office.
  • Store your PennCard where it will be protected and not come in contact with anything that may damage or demagnetize the card's integrated chip or magnetic stripe.

Don't:

  • Punch holes in the PennCard.
  • Surrender your card as collateral for services.
  • Apply stickers to the PennCard. They can damage the card and cause it to malfunction.
  • Lend your PennCard to anyone. You are liable for any misuse and replacement fees.

Understanding the Information on the PennCard:

PennCard Front

PennCard Back

 

1Expiration DatePennCards must be renewed upon expiration
2NameName of the Cardholder
3 PennCard Number (See details below)
4University StatusYou will be issued a PennCard that is specific to your University status 
5Contact Information for Lost or Stolen CardsLost or Stolen Cards must be reported immediately
6Financial OptionsYou can choose to use your PennCard as a debit card
7Magstripe Used for backwards compatibility with older swipe reader technology. 
8Contactless technologyIt houses information that enables transactions and access to University buildings, dining services, and library services. 

The number on your PennCard consists of 3 parts.

Sample PennCard Number: 123456 12345678 00

  • Part 1 (123456) -  is the BIN or Bank ID Number
  • Part 2 (12345678) -  is your Penn ID Number
  • Part 3 (00)  -  is the tracking code which represents the number of times your PennCard has been replaced. The sequence begins with 00, and is incremented by 1 for each new issuance (e.g., 01 means this is the second PennCard generated for a person). 

PennCard Photo Requirements

Important notice for those submitting a photograph to the PennCard Center:

Do:

  • Use full color and portrait orientation (tall and narrow)
  • Face the camera with your full front face in view
  • Use a plain white or off-white background
  • Use adequate lighting
  • Crop your photo from top of head to top of shoulders (face is centered)
  • Make sure your eyes are visible

Don't:

  • Wear any non-religious head coverings
  • Wear glasses with dark lenses
  • Submit a photo with eye-glass glare
  • Use any filters that alter appearance
  • Obscure face, for example, with shadows, attire, or turning in profile
  • Use inappropriate expressions or gestures
  • Pose with people, animals, or objects

PennCard Front