About The Program:

The Hokie Passport Account is a discretionary spending debit account that is available to Virginia Tech faculty, staff, students and select affiliates. Hokie Passport Account funds can be used to access residential vending machines, laundry facilities, print labs, campus bookstores, dining centers and numerous retail locations on and off campus. There are currently over 55,000 active Hokie Passport Account holders. A list of participating merchants can be found here.

How can the merchant program benefit my business?

• Only authorized merchants are permitted to accept the Hokie Passport Account
• Since the VT photographic ID is used for transactions, purchases made with the Hokie Passport Account provide an enhanced level of security over non-photographic card based purchases.
• Increased student awareness of your business.
• Potentially decrease the amount of cash handled by your business.

What marketing does Hokie Passport provide for my business?

All merchants participating in the program are listed on our web site with their address, contact information and web site link (if applicable). We also:

• Advertise Featured Merchants on the front page of our website
• Utilize one on one interactions with first year students and parents during New Student Orientations and other venues held during the year
• Advertise in the Virginia Tech Parent and Virginia Tech Student Newsletters
• Distribute window/door stickers, posters, and register stickers to new merchants

How many people use the Hokie Passport Account?

There are currently over 55,000 active Hokie Passport Account holders.

Where is the Hokie Passport Account currently accepted?

The Hokie Passport Account is accepted at residential vending machines, laundry facilities, print labs, campus bookstores, dining centers and numerous retail locations on and off campus. Only those merchant locations that have been approved by Hokie Passport Services to accept the account are permitted to use the account for transactions.

How much does it cost to participate in the program?

There is a one-time $214 setup fee. The standard commission for all off-campus merchants is 3.5% of the total sale. There are no annual, maintenance, or inactivity fees associated with the program.

What equipment is required to accept the Hokie Passport Account?

Account transactions are processed using either a Verifone Trans 380 or a Verifone Trans 380x2. Transaction processing time is approximately 15 seconds per transaction. The Verifone will require an analog phone line.

Who do I contact if I am having equipment issues?

Contact Hokie Passport Services at 540-231-5121 or email us at hokiepassport@vt.edu.

How will I be paid for Hokie Passport Account sales?

The university will reimburse the merchant for net sales processed via the Hokie Passport Account {less the 3.5% commission}. Reimbursements for each revenue period (Friday through Thursday) are typically processed on Friday. Once processed, the revenues are forwarded to the Office of the University Controller for payment. A check will be mailed to the merchant within three working days from the time the Office of the University Controller receives the request for payment.

Is there a contract?

Hokie Passport Services utilizes a standardized User Services Agreement. This agreement lists all of the terms and conditions for both parties. The agreements are ran on an annual basis and are subject to a renewal review. Either party can terminate service as per the terms of the agreement. Contact HPS for more details.

How long will it take before I can begin accepting the Hokie Passport Acccount?

New Merchants can typically begin accepting the Hokie Passport Account two weeks after we have received the User Services Agreement, setup fee, and any other paperwork.

I have more questions or am ready to apply to become a merchant. Who do I contact?

Contact Hokie Passport Services at 540-231-5121 or email us today!