Illini Cash FAQ

What is Illini Cash?

Illini Cash allows you to add value to any active University of Illinois i-card, visitor card, or conference card. Illini Cash can be used to purchase food, printed materials, books, computer equipment and other select services across campus.

Why is Illini Cash discontinuing?

Illini Cash is being discontinued due to the lack of consistent use by students, faculty and staff members at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign following the COVID-19 pandemic. The campus community now has easy access to various alternative payment options, including mobile payment apps, credit and debit cards, and other electronic payment methods widely accepted across campus. These convenient, contactless solutions have replaced the need for Illini Cash.
1

What is the last day that I can add new funds to my account?

You will be able to add new funds to your existing Illini Cash account until Monday, June 30, 2025 at 5 p.m.

2

When can I spend down the remaining balance on my account?

Illini Cash users can spend down their remaining account balance until June 30, 2026.

3

What is the last day for the Illini Cash program?

The Illini Cash program will be discontinued on June 30, 2026.

Using Illini Cash

Where is Illini Cash accepted on campus?

Food & Beverage

Retail

Lodging

Technology

Additional Campus Locations 

How can I check my balance?

You can log in to see your Illini Cash balance and transaction history on the University Housing website.

What if a student doesn’t have a debit/credit card to eat in the dining hall and they do not
have a meal plan?

University Housing is a cashless operation. They will need to have a debit/credit card or a meal plan to get into a dining hall.

 

How can I use my Illini Cash after I graduate?

The ability to spend Illini Cash does not change after graduation. All the locations open through June 2026 will be available for Illini Cash account holders to spend down Illini Cash. 

 

How will I get my refund at the end of June 2026?

Illini Cash is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person. Please view the Illini Cash Terms and Conditions for more information. 

For Illini Cash accounts created prior to June 30, 2023: 

If an account with a positive balance sustains no activity for 12 months or more, the account will be determined to be inactive.

  • A $5 monthly fee will be assessed against an inactive account until one of the following occurs:
    • Account activity returns it to active status.
    • The account balance reaches $0.
    • The account has been inactive for 48 months, at which time remaining funds will be turned over to the unclaimed property division of the University.

For Illini Cash accounts created after July 1, 2023: 

If an account with a positive balance sustains no activity for 12 months or more, the account will be determined to be inactive. 5% of the balance at the point the account became inactive will be assessed monthly until one of the following occurs:

  • Account activity returns it to active status.
  • The account balance reaches $0.

 

How can I transfer my Illini Cash balance to PaperCut?

After June 30, 2025, you will no longer be able to add money to your Illini Cash account. However, you can spend down your account funds by transferring Illini Cash to your PaperCut account. This transfer process is available in the PaperCut portal.