What's the difference between Munch Money and a Podium Account? Quick Guide
| DESCRIPTION | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| Part of a Meal Plan | Optional Account | Your Own |
| WHERE CAN IT BE USED? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| University dining locations and University vending machines. | University dining locations, vending machines, University Bookstore, Performing Arts Center, Registrar's Office, Library copiers and printers, and designated off campus retail locations. | Cash can be used everywhere except library copiers and printers; credit cards can be used at designated dining locations and University Bookstore. Credit Cards can be used in some vending machines. |
| WHEN CAN IT BE USED FOR VENDING MACHINE PURCHASES? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| Can be used in vending machines 24/7. | Can be used in vending machines 24/7. | Cash can be used at any time; credit cards can be used in some vending machines. |
| HOW DOES IT WORK? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| Declining balance account - purchases are subtracted from the Munch Money balance. | Declining balance account - purchases are subtracted from the Podium balance. | Credit cards allow charges up to a set limit. |
| DO I PAY TAX ON PURCHASES? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| Purchases are non-taxable because they are part of your meal plan. | Purchases are taxable. | Purchases are taxable. |
| DOES THE BALANCE CARRY OVER? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| Munch Money balances that remain at the end of the fall semester will roll over to the spring semester for all enrolled students. | Balance carries over from semester-to-semester, as long as you are a registered student. | |
| CAN I ADD MORE FUNDS TO THIS ACCOUNT? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| Funds can be added to this account at any time, on line or in the SUNYCard office. | Funds can be added to this account at any time, on line or in the SUNYCard office. | |
| WHAT ABOUT REFUNDS? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| If you are not enrolled for the following semester, any remaining balance is not refunded. | To request a refund either visit or call the SUNYCard office. | |
| WHAT IF MY CARD IS LOST? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| You must deactivate it immediately online at www.albany.edu/uas. | You must deactivate it immediately online. | A lost credit card could be a liability. |
| IS THIS CONVENIENT? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| Very convenient for food purchases at dining locations and vending machine purchases. | Very convenient for purchases at various locations on campus, including dining, and a few off campus retail locations. | You will need to carry your SUNYCard ID for identification, etc. - and you would need a credit card or cash for purchases. |
| WHAT DO MOST STUDENTS USE? | ||
| Munch Money | Podium | Credit Card/Cash |
| All residential students have Munch Money as a part of their meal plan. Many students living in apartments or off campus also choose to use Munch Money for food purchases because of the tax advantage. | Most students have Podium in addition to Munch Money because Munch Money can only be used for food and vending purchases. Some commuter students choose to have only Podium. | Many students also have credit cards as a back up and for off-campus purchases. |
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University Auxiliary Services at Albany
University Administration Building
Room 232
1400 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12222
(518) 442-5950
Email UASUAS Social Media
