40 locations now allow FlashCards

View FlashCash locations in a larger map

FlashCash is now accepted at Chipotle and Laundry in a Flash, the new student-run laundry cleaning business located in the Tri-Towers Rotunda.

The number of restaurants, grocery stores and service places where students can use FlashCash now reaches nearly 40 off-campus locations, in addition to those on campus.

“We did it to extend convenience to our student customers, making our gourmet burritos more accessible,” said Teddy Rinehart, general manager of Chipotle.

Rinehart said the store’s sales also have seen an increase.

Joe Dunn, senior business manager for FlashCard Operations, said the office had been in conversation with Chipotle for a long time.

“They were a little reluctant because the device that we use is a dial-up and is a little bit slower than their credit card machine, and they need to keep the line moving fast,” Dunn said.

Dunn explained that businesses that want to be part of the FlashCash program first have to sign a contract with the university. Then a card reader, similar to a credit card reader, is installed at the business. The businesses have to pay a fee per transaction, but Dunn said that’s the price they pay to attract students.

“The benefit to the merchants is that there are lots of students with cards so there’s available money, and that gives them access to more customers,” Dunn said.

Michelle Wilson, manager of Laundry in a Flash, said she wanted the business to accept FlashCash from the beginning because it made sense. Students don’t carry cash at all times, but they do carry their student ID, she said.

“Since we’re on campus, I felt like we should be accepting the currency of the campus,” Wilson said.

Contact enterprise reporter Nicole Stempak at [email protected].