FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we tell you about your card?
Q: There are two stripes on my card, which one do I use for Crimson Cash purchases?
Q: Why does it say my address doesn't match?
Q: Why does it say Crimson Cash PIN enabled functions not currently working?
Q: On my Account Activity, what does the information to the right of a location name mean?
Q: Why can't I use the PIN feature to access my account?
Q: Can I add value to a Special Borrower Card?
Q: Who can use Crimson Cash?
A: Faculty, staff & students. If you have a Harvard ID, you can use Crimson Cash.
(Back to top)
Q: What is Crimson Cash?
A: It is a declining balance convenience account accessed through your Harvard ID card.
(Back to top)
Q: Where can I use it?
A: At select off-campus merchants, on campus retail and dining locations, vending machines, laundry, copying and printing. See website for list.
(Back to top)
Q: When can I add value?
A: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Takes just 60 seconds - Try it!
(Back to top)
Q: Why use it?
A: Safe, fast, easy. Skip those annoying trips in the rain and snow to the ATM.
(Back to top)
Q: There are two stripes on my card, which one do I use for Crimson Cash purchases?
A: Swipe the thin stripe, NOT THE THICK one.
(Back to top)
Q: Can the Crimson Cash staff look up my 16 digit number for me or my parents if we call or send an email?
A: No, sorry, for cardholders' security, we can't. Anyone who wants to add value to a Crimson Cash account must know the 16 digit CC number on the back of the Harvard ID card.
(Back to top)
Q: Why is there a pending transaction in my online banking, but my Crimson Cash hasn't been credited yet?
A: Internet banking transactions are considered pending for 2-3 days, after which they will either settle (becoming a real transaction), or they will vanish (if they don't settle).
Crimson Cash recommends that customers do not repeatedly re-attempt transactions (if they don't go thru right away) since they may tie up available funds in bank debit or credit accounts for several days until the pending status disappears.
(Back to top)
Q: Why does it say my address doesn't match?
A: Try using your "other" (or permanent) address from either "back home" or, if you moved, your prior address. Most banks outsource the address verification, so even tho your address may be current at your bank, the snapshot that they provided for verification might be weeks old.
(Back to top)
Q: Why does it say Crimson Cash PIN enabled functions not currently working?
A: Your VPN tunnel is causing the problem. Simply disconnect from VPN, and retry.
(Back to top)
Q: On my Account Activity, what does the information to the right of a location name mean?
A: For vending, copy and laundry rooms, the additional information means the brand of machine, type of snack, floor #, etc.
(Back to top)
Q: Why can't I use the PIN feature to access my account?
A: Card numbers that start with 032- or 033- or 0180 are special cards, and not part of the Harvard ID database consisting of Faculty, Staff, and Students. If you would like a statement, please visit our office, and bring your card.
(Back to top)
Q: Can I add value to a Special Borrower Card?
A: Yes you may. There's no need to have a separate Crimson Cash card. In fact, it's discouraged since your Special Borrower card is tied to your identity (and easily replaced), whereas a Crimson Cash card is anonymous (like a $ bill found on the street).
(Back to top)
