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Santander Student Smart Card

25th September 2013 Print

Santander has launched a new Student Smart Card which combines a University student ID card with a Visa Debit card. The new card, launched at the University of Roehampton to over 2,000 first year students will be rolled out to other UK Universities early next year. The card will become an essential part of student life, combining the features of a student University ID card; with access to buildings and library services, with the option of a Visa Debit card incorporated.
 
Students can choose between the two different Smart Cards. The enhanced Smart Card with Visa Debit functionality needs to be linked to an existing or a new Santander Student Current Account or a Santander International Student Current Account. The Student Smart Card is currently being used by 6.3 million students from more than 262 universities in 11 countries worldwide and this is the first time the card is being introduced to the UK.
 
Registration for the card is quick and easy through a dedicated portal which forms part of the University registration process. Students can select their card choice, upload a photo and even apply for a Santander Student Account if they do not currently have one. Additionally, for the first time in the UK, students will receive their PIN number via SMS. All cards, and replacements for lost and stolen cards, will be provided free of charge.
 
Simon Bray, Deputy Director, Santander Universities UK, said: "The new Student Smart Card will be a valuable tool for students as it helps to simplify student life. The card has proven a great success in many countries where Santander has a presence worldwide and we look forward to introducing this to many more Universities in the UK."
 
Professor Paul O'Prey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Roehampton, said: "We are delighted to take part in the launch of Santander's new Student Smart Card which we believe will bring many benefits to our students and become an integrated part of campus life."
 
The launch of the new Student Smart Card is part of Santander's long-term commitment to higher education through its Santander Universities Global Division. Santander Universities began activity in the UK in 2007 and today has developed partnerships with 68 universities to fund many initiatives including scholarships, entrepreneurial activities, internships, grants, awards and much more. As part of this commitment, Santander announced earlier this year its exclusive contract with the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) to provide the 16-25 Railcard free for the next four years to students who open a Santander Student Current Account.