As students crowded onto the campus many students were surprised to see representatives from the Kern Schools Federal Credit Union (KSFCU) seated at a table offering students a new and improved Renegade card. There are actually two different versions of the Renegade card. The first card is just the regular student ID which can also be used as a library card. The second card can be used not only as a student ID and library card but also as a Visa debit card. The Visa debit card provides benefits for the students who receive financial aid money; it allows them to receive their money quicker without waiting for a paper check. Other benefits that are provided are travel points, merchandise and gift card rewards. Now both of these cards look similar but must not be confused with each other because they are not completely the same.
According to Amber Chiang, APR director of Marketing and Public Relations at Bakersfield College, stated that BC has been affiliated with Kern Schools for many years and the credit union presented the college with the idea of creating the Renegade card. She also explained how it took a couple of years to complete the card because of legal procedures, the image of the card and setting up the systems for the card. Chiang feels that this card will really benefit the students especially those who receive financial aid because it is fast and easy to use.
The KSFCU wanted to create this card to simplify things for the students by allowing them to be able to have one card that operates as a student ID, library card and ATM/Visa debit card. Many of the KSFCU employees stationed in the Student Activities office feel that the Renegade card is a great opportunity for BC students to access everything offered with this card. Expressed by one KSFCU team member “the card benefits the students in a major way because it not only gives them reward points but also makes it easier on them.”
Tyler Hammond, a student at BC, received his card a few days ago. “The day I received my card I had a slight problem with my PIN number but after I took my card to the KSFCU Service Center and got a new number everything has been smooth sailing.” Before getting the Renegade card Tyler had to use three different cards but with the development of the Renegade card Hammond can now use one card that does the job of three.
In order to obtain one of these Renegade cards each student must visit one of the tables located around campus during the first few weeks of schools and present to one of the representatives their Driver License or California ID and their KSFCU account number. If the student does not have an account one will be established for them. Then they are to fill out some paperwork and the representative takes the papers and in one day their new checking account will be established. The following day the student is to go to the Student Activities office located in the Campus Center. While in the SA office they then have their picture taken. In less than 20 minutes, the student is given their new and improved Renegade card. A day after receiving their card, they can use it as they please.
All questions about the card or if there are any issues with the card can be taken care of at the KSFCU Service Center, which is located in the Student Activities office in the Campus Center, their office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. until noon.