Your physical and digital Cougar Cards are your responsibility to care for. There is no renewal of your card. It is yours for your entire time at the University of Houston unless it is lost, damaged, or you change classification (student, faculty, or staff). Do not share your physical or digital Cougar Card. Doing so could lead to loss of privileges. 

If you lose your card there is a $20 replacement fee that must be paid in-office before we print out your new card. Replacement fees cannot be put onto your student account.  

Digital Cougar Card Care 

Your digital Cougar Card can be accessed through the UH Go App. You must have an approved photo to access your digital Cougar Card.

• Do not share your QR Code: Cougar Card Terms and Conditions state that you should not share your Cougar Card (which includes your digital card) under any circumstances. Sharing your physical or digital card can lead to loss of privileges. 

Physical Cougar Card Care 

Keep your Cougar Card safe! Here are some tips to keep your Cougar Card in its best shape: 

• Do not hole punch your card: hole punching can damage the internal chip of your smart card, which will result in a $20 replacement fee. 

• Do not put your card in a mag-safe wallet or inside your phone case: your phone’s magnet can demagnetize your card. Many mag-safe wallets do not protect your card. To prevent damage or loss of function in your card, please do not keep your card on the back of your phone. 

• Keep your card away from magnets: phone magnets, smart cards, large magnetic fields can all impact the encoding of your card. 

• Secure your card when entering and exiting elevators: cards that have fallen into elevator shafts are subject to the $20 replacement fee. 

• Keep your card protected from pets, sharp objects and fire: cards damaged by pets, punctured or melted are not considered normal wear and tear and are subject to the $20 replacement fee.

• Do not wash your card: Remove your Cougar Card from pockets before doing laundry. Washing machines will damage your card beyond normal wear and tear which will result in the $20 replacement fee.    

Use these tips to keep your Cougar Card safe and in working condition.