SAIT eCard
The SAIT eCard is your official SAIT identification (ID) card and gives you access to facilities across campus, including the Athletics Centre, Reg Erhardt Library and more. You can also load funds onto your eCard to eat, shop and print on campus.
If you purchase a residence meal plan through the new Begin Tower Dining Centre, you’ll use your eCard to access the Dining Centre.
Plus, you’ll need your eCard for educational software discounts, to rent a locker and to write your final exams at SAIT.

Update
The Card Office will be closed between 12 - 1 pm on Monday, June 12, 2023.

Your Mobile ID
Your SAIT eCard...now on your iPhone, Apple Watch and Android phones!
The new eCard mobile ID is available to all enrolled students and current employees. Tap your iPhone, Apple Watch or Android phone at readers across campus to conveniently access your eCard. Now you can add your eCard to one iPhone and one Apple Watch, or one Android phone.
Getting started
Minimal set up is required to use your mobile ID. Most users can begin using their eCard on their phone in minutes. An approved photo is required.
eCard eligibility
All current students and apprentices qualify for a SAIT eCard. Your tuition and fees must be paid in full to get your eCard. If you’re a returning SAIT student and you already have an eCard, you don’t need a new one. You can use your eCard as long as you’re registered in classes at SAIT.
Students must also meet the eligibility requirements to access the Reg Erhardt Library and Athletics Centre.
Your eCard is non-transferable and will be subject to forfeiture if presented by anyone else.
Only your legal first and last name can be printed on your eCard, which must match your government-issued photo ID. No nicknames are allowed.
Set-up for Apple and Android Users
Set-up on iPhone or Apple Watch*
- Download the Transact eAccounts Mobile app from the App Store to your phone.
- Open Transact eAccounts and swipe through the startup screens until you can tap on Get Started.
- Search for Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and click on the SSO login screen.
- Enter your SAIT login credentials
- SAIT Email: firstname.lastname@edu.sait.ca
- Default Password: birthdate, YYMMDD)
- You will be prompted for More Information, this is a Multi-Factor Authentication and will impact how you log into your various SAIT accounts.
Set-up on Android*
- Download the Transact eAccounts Mobile app from the Google Play Store to your phone.
- Open Transact eAccounts and swipe through the startup screens until you can tap on Get Started.
- Search for Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and click through to the SSO login screen.
- Enter your SAIT login credentials
- SAIT Email: firstname.lastname@edu.sait.ca
- Default Password: birthdate, YYMMDD)
- You will be prompted for More Information, this is a Multi-Factor Authentication and will impact how you log into your various SAIT accounts.
*You do not need to add money to your eCard to start using it on campus to access the Athletics Centre or Reg Erhardt Library. If you want to print on campus, you will need to load funds to your eCard.
Once you have logged in using your SAIT login credentials, please submit your photo to be displayed on your eCard.
Please review our photo requirements below.
- Upload a photo for your eCard mobile ID. Photos will generally be approved within 1-2 business days.
- To upload your photo, go to the Settings in the eAccount app by clicking on the gear icon in the top-right corner on your device. Select the Submit ID Photo tab.
- Photo #1 is your selfie (see guidelines below).
- Photo #2 is a Government-ID (e.g. driver's license or passport). Do not crop the photo, because we need to see your ID photo and full name for verification.
Photo Guidelines:
Your photo must: |
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Your photo must not: |
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Adding to Apple Wallet on iPhone or Apple Watch
Once you have successfully signed in to the eAccounts app and uploaded your photos, go back to the main screen and click on the Add to Apple Wallet button to add your eCard to your Apple Wallet and follow the prompts.
Please note, it can take up to 1 hour after photo submission for the Add to Apple Wallet button to appear on the main screen of the eAccounts app.
- Click on your iPhone and continue through the prompts (Next > Agree to Terms & Conditions).
- When the process is complete, the app will send a notification to verify your eCard mobile ID has been added to your Apple Wallet.
- Tap Done in the upper-right corner and return to the main screen of the app.
- You can now add to your Apple Watch using the same steps listed above.
Adding to Google Wallet on Android
Once you have successfully signed in to the eAccounts app and uploaded your photos, go back to the main screen and click on the Add to Google Wallet button to add your eCard to your Google Wallet and follow the prompts.
Please note, it can take up to 1 hour after photo submission for the Add to Google Wallet button to appear on the main screen of the eAccounts app.
- Click on Next > Accept the SAIT Terms & Conditions.
- The next screen will confirm that the ID has been added to Google Wallet. If you do not have Google Wallet installed on your device, you will be prompted to do so.
- Make sure NFC is enabled on your phone in your Settings. You can go to Connected Devices > Connection Settings (if you can't find it here, use the Search option in the top-right to double check). Toggle the NFC setting to On.
Mobile ID for international students
Your device has to have NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled in order to use the mobile ID. If your device does not support NFC then you will not be able to create a mobile ID.
Please check your device is compatible before trying to create your mobile ID:
Apple Devices: | iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later. Apple Watch series 1 or later |
iOS14 or later, Apple Watch OS 5 or later | |
Android Devices: | Version 6.0 or later, NFC-enabled device capable of supporting Google Wallet |
Yes, if you are an international student please see the instructions below on how to check/change your region on your device:
Apple Devices: | Go to the phone Settings > General > Language & Region |
Change region to Canada | |
Android Devices: | Androids will need the region changed in the Google Play Store |
The Google Play country determine what apps, games and other content you will see in the country your are currently in. | |
Please be aware that Google will not allow the region to be changed again for 12 months and you won't be able to use the Google Play in the previous country. | |
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More information about this can be found HERE. |
Set-up frequently asked questions
iPhone |
iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later iOS 14 or later |
Apple Watch |
Apple Watch Series 1 or later Watch OS 5 or later |
Apple ID |
Signed into iCloud. If two devices are used, both must be signed into same iCloud account. |
Android Phone |
Version 6.0 or later; NFC enabled device capable of supporting Google Pay or Samsung Pay. |
eAccounts Mobile App |
Loaded from Apple App Store or Google Play stores by searching Transact eAccounts |
Set-up instructions can be found at:
Frequently asked questions can be found at:
PLEASE NOTE: if you cannot click the "Next" button during the verification process on your cell phone, close the Transact eAccount app and open your web browser. In the top search bar type "ak mssetup". Click on the link to "Microsoft Authenticator - Aka.ms". To sign in to the SAIT SSO you need to use your SAIT Email, see below:
Email: firstname.lastname@edu.sait.ca
Default password: birthdate, YYMMDD
You will be asked to verify your account. Once it has been verified you can go back to the Transact eAccount app and sign in. You will now be able to verify your mobile device.
- On your device, go to Settings > General > Software Updates.
- If your device is running iOS 14 or later, you’re ready to use the mobile ID.
- If not, tap Download > Install. You may need to enter your passcode to start the update.
- Once the download is complete, follow the instructions on your phone to finish upgrading to the latest version of iOS.
- The Series # for your Apple Watch can be found on the back of the Watch.
- Note: The Series 0 Watch is not eligible for this program.
- Instructions for verifying and/or updating your Apple Watch software version can be found at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204641.
Information can be found at https://support.apple.com/apple-id or https://support.apple.com/icloud.
- From your device tap: Settings > About Phone > Software Information
- To update, from your device tap: Settings > General > Software Update > Download > Install > Passcode may be required. Your device will display the estimated download time.
Yes, you will need to install the updated version of the Transact eAccounts mobile app.
On your device, visit the App Store or Google Play Store and search Transact eAccounts. The store will prompt you to install any required updates.
You can add either one iPhone and one Apple Watch, or one Android phone on your account at a time. See the Securing My Account section below if you have lost a device and need to deactivate your credential.
First remove the pass from your old device from Apple Wallet. Once removed, go to the eAccounts app on your new iPhone and follow the steps to add to Apple Wallet.
Using Your Mobile ID Around Campus
There are several ways to load money onto your eCard:
- Visit the Card Office (Debit, Visa and Master Card are accepted, $10 minimum).
- Use a Phil Station on campus (Cash, Visa and Master Card are accepted, $5 minimum):
- Phil Station across from the SAIT Bookstore
- Phil Station outside the Reg Erhardt Library, across from the washrooms and elevator
- Creat a SAIT eAccount online using your desktop or laptop (Visa or Master Card are accepted, $10 minimum).
- Download the Transact eAccount mobile app on Apple App Store or Google Play Store - You must create a SAIT eAccount online first and save a payment method before using the mobile app (Visa and Master Card are accepted, $10 minimum).
- Convert 35,000 Aeroplan Miles for a $250 deposit on your eCard.
- Convert 62,500 TD Points for a $250 deposit on your eCard.
- Convert CIBC Points for a deposit on your eCard.
How to use on iPhone
Your iPhone or Apple Watch must be turned on, but it does not have to be connected to a network. For iPhones 6S, iPhone 6S Plus and later, Express Mode allows you to use your eCard without unlocking the device with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID. Just tap your device against the reader to recognize your eCard. On iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR Express Mode with power reserve is available for up to five hours after the device’s battery needs to be charged.
- To display your eCard mobile ID, open Apple Wallet and select your eCard from your saved cards.
- To add funds to your accounts in the Transact eAccounts app, first save a payment method at the Transact eAccounts website.
- Make a deposit via your desktop or mobile browser (see above, How do I load money onto my eCard?)
- After completing the deposit, there will be an option to save your credit card information.
- Once you have added the card information on the Transact eAccounts website, that card will be available in the Transact eAccounts app for future deposits. If you have already used Transact eAccounts to access your mobile ID, you will need to sign out and back in to update the saved payment information.
Contact information for the eCard Office is also available from the eCard menu in the Apple Wallet.
How to use on Android
You do not need to unlock your phone, but the screen must be awake to use your eCard. Tap the power button to wake the screen and tap your phone against the reader. Note, the antenna location may vary by device, although it is often in the middle of the phone. As a result, you may have to adjust the orientation of your phone against the reader to have your mobile credential recognized.
- To display your eCard, open the Transact eAccounts app and select the View in Google Pay icon.
- To add funds to your accounts in the Transact eAccounts app, first save a payment method at the Transact eAccounts website.
- Make a deposit via your desktop or mobile browser (see above, How do I load money onto my eCard?)
- After completing the deposit, there will be an option to save your credit card information.
- Once you have added the card information on the Transact eAccounts website, that card will be available in the Transact eAccounts app for future deposits. If you have already used Transact eAccounts to access your mobile ID, you will need to sign out and back in to update the saved payment information.
Contact information for the eCard Office is also available from the eCard menu in Google Pay.
- Aldred Centre
- Second Cup
- Bento Sushi
- Art Smith Aero Centre
- Aero Centre Cafe
- Begin Tower
- Begin Tower Dining Centre
- Cenovus Energy Building
- Tim Hortons
- John Ware Building
- Culinary Campus International Market
- 4Nines Diner
- The Highwood Kitchen + Bar
- The Butchery by SAIT
- Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre
- Starbucks
- Subway
- Senator Burns Building
- Tim Hortons
- Stan Grad Building
- Bookstore
- Jugo Juice
- Food Court
Please note that the Mobile ID/eCard cannot be used at:
- SAITSA Food and Market locations
- Door access
- Laundry (in the Residence)
- Vending machines
Accessing your account
If you have any of the iPhone XS, XS Max or XR models, yes. Express Mode with power reserve is available for up to five hours when your phone needs to be charged. For more details, click here.
Android phones and other iPhone models (iPhone 8 and earlier) do not offer this feature.
Securing your account
- If applicable, identify the fraudulent activity: For purchases using <account 1, account 2, account 3>, contact the eCard Office (Email: card.office@sait.ca) and report the suspected fraud. In the Transact eAccounts app:
- Click the Settings gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select the Card Management option.
- Choose the credential you want to deactivate and toggle it off.
- You will receive a confirmation email. Only the selected card will be deactivated. All other credentials will remain active.
- In the Transact eAccounts web version:
- Select Card Services in the top banner
- Select Deactivate Card
- Select the credential to deactivate and click on Deactivate Card
- You will receive a confirmation email. Only the selected card will be deactivated. All other credentials will remain active.
- Additional instructions for Lost/Found Apple devices and Find My iPhone are located at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201472
To reactivate a found device that was suspended, perform the following steps:
In the Transact eAccounts App:
- Click the Settings gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select the Card Management option.
- Choose the credential you want to reactivate and toggle it On.
- You will receive a confirmation email. Only the selected card will be reactivated.
In the Transact eAccounts Web Version:
- Select Card Services in the top banner
- Select Activate Card
- Select the credential to reactivate
- You will receive a confirmation email. Only the selected card will be reactivated.
Managing your account
No. As long as your enrollment status meets our eligibility requirements, devices you have enrolled will remain current. For security purposes, we may deactivate devices that have not been used for an extended period. You can re-enroll those devices whenever you wish.
Yes, you can remove your credential from Apple Wallet and re-add it when you return. *
To remove your eCard, navigate to the Wallet app, tap (…) in the lower right corner of your card and select Remove Card.
To remove your Apple Watch credential, navigate to the Watch app on your Phone, scroll to the bottom and select Wallet & Apple Pay. Tap on your eCard, scroll to the bottom and select Remove Card.
*To add credentials back onto your device, you must meet eligibility requirements and not have exceeded the device limit for your eCard.
Yes, but we recommend the Remove Card Option directly from Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
From iPhone:
- Navigate to the Wallet app.
- Tap (…) in the lower-right corner of your card.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Remove Card.
- Eligible cardholders who have not exceeded their device limit can add their mobile ID back at any time.
From Apple Watch:
- Navigate to the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select Wallet & Apply Pay.
- Tap on Transact Mobile Credential.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Remove Card.
- Eligible cardholders who have not exceeded their device limit can add their mobile ID back at any time.
From Google Pay:
- Open Google Pay.
- Select your Campus ID from the available cards.
- Touch the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Select Remove ID.
- Confirm Remove ID
From Transact eAccounts:
- Open the Transact eAccounts Mobile App on your phone.
- Tap Continue to Sign In and login with your SAIT login credentials.
- Approve the multi-factor authentication request.
- Click on your photo in the upper left corner.
- Under Campus ID, click the icon in the upper right corner of your ID card display.
- Tap Add or Remove Campus ID from Wallet at the bottom of the back of your ID card display.
- Select device(s) to remove from your card.
- Tap Remove in the pop-up box.
- Tap on the Remove Card notification at the top of the screen or go to Google Pay and tap Remove Card displayed under the ID card.
- Tap Remove in the pop-up box and the card will be removed from your Google Pay.
Name information on the eCard comes from the SAIT’s core business systems and needs to be updated there. Students should contact the Office of the Registrar. Faculty and staff should contact their Employee Services representative to request updates. Once changes are completed, the updates will sync to the eCard on your phone within 48 hours.
Account balances are currently only displayed on Apple devices. If your account balances are $0, they will not display until funds are added.
If you have available funds that are not displaying, please contact the eCard Office at (403) 774.5296 or email card.office@sait.ca.
Confirm your device is not in Airplane Mode or experiencing any other service interruption. Updates cannot be made when there is no connecting service to sync data between Transact eAccounts and your device. The Transact eAccounts app will display the most current information.
A negative balance can occur if you make a transaction when a retail device is offline. When the device comes back online and the transaction is posted, you will see a negative balance if there are not enough funds in your account to cover the transaction.
Return to the location of the sale and request the store issue a credit card refund, then process the transaction against your eCard.
As with your physical eCard, your mobile ID will become inactive when you no longer meet eligibility requirements. If you transfer to another participating program or school at SAIT, your credential will stay active and update accordingly.
Other frequently asked questions
Contact the eCard Office in person at NN104 (main floor), Senator Burns Building, SAIT Main Campus
- Repeat steps 1-5 to login to the Transact eAccounts Mobile App.
- Ensure your second device is signed into the same iCloud account as the first device.
- From the Campus ID screen in Transact eAccounts, tap the curve icon in the upper right corner of your Transact Mobile Credential display.
- Tap Add or Remove Campus ID from Wallet.
- Choose your second device to add your Transact Mobile Credential.
- On the Add Card to Wallet screen, tap Next in the upper right corner.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete adding your card.
Instructions can be found at on the Email and Logins page
We recommend you use the eCard mobile ID, you cannot have both the mobile ID and the physical eCard.
Yes, please contact the Card Office at Card.Office@sait.ca or call (403) 774-5296.
No, you’re unable to use both the physical and the mobile ID eCard.
You can check your balance at a Phil Station, vendors across Campus and on your SAIT eAccount either online or through the Transact eAccounts app. If you need to reset your password, you can do so online through your SAIT eAccount or the app.
To dispute a transaction on your eCard, contact the Card Office within 14 days of the suspicious activity.
Family members can load money onto a student's eCard account at the Card Office or online using your SAIT eAccount if they know the legal name, SAIT email address and the 9-digit student ID number.
The information entered must be identical to your SAIT eCard.
- Use the Make a guest deposit button below the sign-in, when family members are adding money to your account.
- The First/Given name and Last/Family name must match what is on the student's eCard (ID card)
- The Email Address is your firstname.lastname@edu.sait.ca address
- The Customer Number is your nine-digit SAIT ID number (e.g. 000123456)
eCards can be issued for guests as a non-photo eCommerce card that can be used at participating outlets on campus. Guest eCards are available from the Phil Station located across from the SAIT Bookstore. A minimum of $5 is required for the initial load.
You can use your eCard for printing on campus — from all print labs in classrooms and the Reg Erhardt Library.
If you’re eligible for a pre-paid printing account (Prt Cr) for your program, you will have access to your funds at the start of the semester. These Prt Cr funds can only be used in print labs and will not be valid at commercial merchant locations on campus. Once you have used all of your pre-paid printing funds, you can load money onto your eCard to access additional printing and make other purchases on campus.
eCard policies and procedures
You can deactivate your card if it’s lost or stolen through your SAIT eAccount or via the mobile app 24/7. This will deactivate your SAIT eCard immediately. You can also report your eCard lost or stolen by sending an email to card.office@sait.ca with the subject line "Lost my SAIT eCard". Your SAIT eCard will be put on hold the following business day.
To replace your SAIT eCard, visit the Card Office with a piece of government-issued photo ID. Once you have purchased a replacement card, your old card will be permanently deactivated. If your SAIT eCard is found before you replace it, you cannot reactivate it by phone or email — you must visit the Card Office in person.
Due to security issues or possible fraudulent use, you cannot keep your old card if you have already replaced it. Damaged, stolen or lost SAIT eCards will be replaced for a fee of $25. The only exception is when a card needs to be upgraded or is older than four years. SAIT eCards that have malfunctioned will be evaluated and replaced free of charge.
Between terms, your account balance will automatically carry over and you may continue to use your SAIT eCard.
Refunds will only be made if your relationship with SAIT ends, such as when you graduate. Upon your email request to the Card Office, account balances greater than $100 will be refunded within 10 business days and sent to your address on file in the Office of the Registrar. Refunds will only be issued on user account deposits. Your account will then be deactivated by the Card Office. Reactivation will be allowed only after a replacement card fee is paid.
If your account has no activity for a period of two years it will be deactivated. Funds will be credited back to your SAIT eCard account in full if the deactivated account is reinstated at a later date.
All students are eligible to receive a SAIT eCard with their picture identification.
Your SAIT eCard serves as your identification (ID) and must be carried with you at all times while on SAIT campus. SAIT representatives may ask to see your SAIT eCard as a means of official identification.
Access to SAIT services will be subject to the policies of each department. Failure to comply with these policies may result in loss of privileges.
To dispute a transaction, contact the Card Office within 14 days of the suspicious activity.
See the SAIT eCard Cardholder Agreement
SAIT does not keep addresses or phone numbers within the SAIT eCard system.
SAIT will only use information collected for sales volumes and statistics.
SAIT is bound by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).