Get or Replace a PBA Card
PBA Cards are issued to new students during Welcome Week. Faculty, staff, students, and other eligible campus affiliates may also obtain a card from the PBA Card Office during normal business hours.
A valid government-issued photo ID is required before a PBA Card can be issued.
Replacement fee: $15
Replacement fees cannot be charged to a student account and must be paid through the Nelnet Storefront.
Manage Your Account
PBA Card accounts may include several separate balances. The balance used for a transaction depends on the location and type of purchase.
Financial Aid
Eligible funds transferred from financial aid credits.
Sailfish Dollars
Funds deposited for purchases at participating on-campus locations.
Meal Plan Flex
Funds provided as part of an eligible campus meal plan.
Online deposits are placed into the Sailfish Dollars balance. A minimum deposit of $10 is required when using a credit card.
Financial Aid funds may be transferred to a PBA Card by contacting Student Accounts.
Where Funds Can Be Used
| Location |
Eligible Balances |
| Food service locations |
Meal Plan Flex, Financial Aid, and Sailfish Dollars |
| Campus Store |
Financial Aid, followed by Sailfish Dollars |
| Copiers and printers |
Sailfish Dollars and Financial Aid |
| Mailroom and other participating terminals |
Financial Aid and Sailfish Dollars, as supported by the terminal |
PBA does not currently participate in an off-campus merchant program. PBA Card funds may only be used at participating campus locations.
Why do different locations show different balances?
Each card terminal is assigned a bill type. The bill type determines which balances the terminal can view and the order in which available funds are used.
Example account balances:
| Financial Aid |
$10.00 |
| Sailfish Dollars |
$50.00 |
| Meal Plan Flex |
$14.50 |
Balances displayed by location:
- Campus Store: $60.00
- Food service location: $74.50
- Copier or printer: $60.00
- Mailroom: $60.00
Cardholder Responsibilities
Campus community members are expected to carry their PBA Card while on campus and present it to a University official when requested. A student’s card is intended to remain active throughout the duration of the student’s enrollment.
When a card is reported lost or stolen, its meal plan, financial, and access-control functions are deactivated. The cardholder will not be able to access locations requiring a PBA Card until a replacement is issued.
Once a replacement card has been issued, the previous card cannot be reactivated. A deactivated card returned to the PBA Card Office or Department of Public Safety becomes the property of Palm Beach Atlantic University and will be destroyed.
Transferring, altering, defacing, misusing, or knowingly using another person’s PBA Card is prohibited. Cards used improperly may be confiscated, and the individuals involved may be referred for disciplinary action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PBA Card?
The PBA Card is your University identification card. It may also function as a campus debit card, meal-plan card, printing card, and access credential.
Who receives a PBA Card?
Faculty, staff, registered PBA students, and certain individuals with an approved affiliation with Palm Beach Atlantic University may receive a PBA Card.
When and where can I get a PBA Card?
New students receive their PBA Cards during Welcome Week. Other eligible individuals may visit the PBA Card Office, located within the Department of Public Safety at 1301 South Olive Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where can I use my PBA Card?
PBA Card funds may be used at participating campus locations, including the Campus Store, Mailroom, campus food service locations, and select copiers and printers.
What happens to unused Sailfish Dollars?
Sailfish Dollars remaining at the end of a semester carry over to the following semester. After graduation, remaining balances greater than $10 are refunded to the student account. Students who leave PBA before graduating should contact the PBA Card Office to request a refund. Outstanding University balances may be deducted before a refund is issued. Balances below $10 are not refunded.
What is the difference between Flex Dollars and Sailfish Dollars?
Flex Dollars are included with eligible meal plans and may only be used at campus food service locations. Unused Flex Dollars are forfeited at the end of the spring semester. Sailfish Dollars may be used at participating campus locations and roll over from one semester to the next.
How do I purchase or change a meal plan?
Commuter students may purchase eligible meal plans through Student Accounts. Full-time undergraduate commuters are assigned the Commuter Flex Meal Plan. Residential students manage meal plans through the
Housing Portal .
What happens to unused meals?
Unused meals are forfeited at the end of each semester.
Can my parents access my account?
Account information cannot be released to a parent or another individual unless the cardholder has shared the information or provided appropriate authorization.