Arizona State University, Tempe, and the state’s largest privately-held bank have partnered to implement a MasterCard student ID for students and faculty. Labeled the Pitchfork ID after the school’s nickname, the Sun Devils, the MasterCard is intended to function as a check card and student ID, enabling access to dorms, recreation centers and meal plans.

The switch to the new card, backed by MidFirst Bank, comes as ASU announced on its Web site that the Sun Dollars program designed for off campus use will soon be extinct. The new check card will take its place.

Students and faculty can still opt out of the MasterCard plan and receive a regular Sun Card that functions as an ID, carries meal plans and allows building access, but they would not be able to use Sun Cards for campus vending machines, health services or parking services. Instead, students will have to pay for those with a Pitchfork Card or other form of payment.

The check card will be directly tied to students’ free Sun Devil Checking Account with MidFirst Bank which students can begin signing up for now.

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