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, rent a locker, and write your final exams at SAIT.
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. You don't need a new one if you’re a returning SAIT student with an eCard. 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.
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, Apple Watch, or Android phone.
Minimal setup is required to use your mobile ID. Most users can begin using their eCard on their phones in minutes. An approved photo is required.
Set-up for Apple and Android Users
Setup for iPhone and Apple Watch Users
- Download the Transact eAccounts Mobile app from the App Store to your phone.
- Open Transact eAccounts. Click through the startup screens and tap Get Started.
- Search for Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and click through to the SSO login screen.
- Enter your SAIT login credentials to authenticate your device.
- SAIT Email: firstname.lastname@edu.sait.ca
- Default password: birthdate, YYMMDD
- You will be prompted for More Information; this is a Multi-Factor Authentication. Click Next, and on the bottom of the next screen, click on I want to set up a different method. From the drop-down menu, select Phone and Confirm. Enter your country and mobile number, and you will be texted a code.
Setup for Google Wallet Users
- Enable NFC on your phone in your Settings menu. NFC settings can be found in different areas of the Settings menu, depending on your device. A common location is Connected Devices > Connections Settings. If not found here, use the Search option on the top right to double check.
- Toggle the NFC setting to On.
- Open Google Wallet and make sure it is enabled as the default payment application. If the app prompts you to add a credit card, you can bypass that screen and return to the Google Wallet home screen.
- Download the Transact eAccounts Mobile app from the Google Play Store to your phone.
- Open Transact eAccounts, click through the startup screens and tap Get Started.
- Search for Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and click through to the SSO login screen.
- Enter your SAIT login credentials to authenticate your device.
- SAIT Email: firstname.lastname@edu.sait.ca
- Default Password: birthdate, YYMMDD
- You will be prompted for More Information; this is a Multi-Factor Authentication. Click Next, and on the bottom of the next screen, click on I want to set up a different method. From the drop-down menu, select Phone and Confirm. Enter your country and mobile number, and you will be texted a code.
- If you receive and error message, click on this link in your web browser: https://aka.ms/mfasetup/. Enter your SAIT login credentials and follow the steps to authenticate your device. When done, go back to the Transact eAccounts app and sign in again. You will have to text a code one more time to authenticate your device.
PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to add money to your eCard to use it on campus to access the Athletics Centre or Reg Erhardt Library. If you want to print on campus, you must load funds to your eCard.
Once you have logged in using your SAIT login credentials, please upload your photo to be displayed on your eCard.
To upload your photo, go to Settings in the Transact eAccounts app by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner of the Home screen of the app. Then select the Submit ID Photo tab and click on the Get Started button.
Photo #1: Selfie
Your photo must:
- have been taken in the past six months
- be suitable for official identification (e.g. driver's licence or passport)
- have your face square to the camera, with your shoulders showing
- show you looking directly at the camera lens
- be in colour
- be in JPEG or PNG format (a smartphone photo is fine)
- have space between the top of your head and the top of your photo.
Your photo must not:
- contain hats, sunglasses, or graduation caps
- have inappropriate expressions
- have anyone other than yourself visible
- be cropped too close (e.g. cutting off the top of your head)
- have any special effects or coloring – no filters
- have background elements (e.g. shadows, trees, open rooms)
- have glare on prescription glasses
Photo #2: Government ID
After you have uploaded your selfie, click Next to upload your Government ID. Government ID can be your driver's license or passport page, ID that shows your full name and picture. We do not keep this information after the photos have been approved. When done, click on Submit and Sign Out to complete the photo submission.
PLEASE NOTE: Photos will generally be approved within one to two business days.
Adding Mobile ID to the Wallet on iPhone or Apple Watched
Once you have successfully authenticated in eAccounts, click the Add to Apple Wallet button to add your Mobile ID to Apple Wallet. You can add your student ID to one iPhone and one Apple Watch.
It can take up to one hour after photo submission for the Add to Apple Wallet button to appear on the main screen of the eAccounts app.
- Click 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 Mobile ID has been added to Wallet.
- Tap Done in the upper right corner to return to the Home screen of the app.
- You can now add to your Apple Watch using the same process.
PLEASE NOTE: It can take up to one hour after photo submission for the Add to Apple Wallet button to appear on the Home screen of the eAccounts app.
Adding Mobile ID to Google Wallet on Android
Once you have successfully authenticated in eAccounts, click the Add to Google Wallet button to add your Mobile ID to Google Wallet.
- Continue through the prompts (Next, Accept the Terms & Conditions).
- Next, Accept the Google Wallet Terms of Service.
- The next screen will confirm that the ID has been added to Google Wallet.
- You will be prompted to download the Google Wallet app if it is not already installed on your device.
- Enable NFC on your phone in your Settings menu. NFC settings can be found in different areas of the Settings menu, depending on your device. A common location is Connected Devices > Connection Settings. If not found here, use the Search option on the top right to double check. Toggle the NFC setting to On.
PLEASE NOTE: It can take up to one hour after photo submission for the Add to Google Wallet button to appear on the Home screen of the eAccounts app.
Mobile ID for international students
Your device has to have NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled to use the mobile ID. You cannot create a mobile ID if your device does not support NFC.
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 determines what apps, games and other content you will see in the country you 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 Google Play in the previous country.
- On your Android device, open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top-right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Settings > General > Account and Device Preferences > Country and Profiles.
- Tap the country where you want to add an account.
Learn more about changing your region on your Google device.
Please visit the Card Office in the Senator Burns Building, room NN104 and we can discuss your options.
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.
- Submit online through your SAIT eAccount (sign in using your SAIT SSO login) through your desktop or mobile browser. (Visa or Master Card are accepted, $10 minimum).
- You have to check off Save Payment Method after you have submitted payment for the button to appear in the Transact eAccounts app.
- Download the Transact eAccount mobile app on Apple App Store or Google Play Store - You must submit your first payment through the SAIT eAccount online first and save the payment method before using the 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.
Using Mobile ID on Your iPhone
Your iPhone or Apple Watch must be turned on, but it does not have to be connected to a network. For iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus and later, Express Mode allows you to use your Mobile ID without unlocking the device with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID. Just tap your device against the reader to recognize your Mobile ID. On iPhone XS, XS Max, and HR Express Mode with power reserve is available for up to five hours after the device's battery needs to be charged.
- To display your Mobile ID, open Apple Wallet and select your Mobile ID 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.
- 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.
Using Mobile ID in Google Wallet
- You do not need to unlock your phone, but the screen must be awake to use your Mobile ID. 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 Mobile ID, open the Transact eAccounts app and select the View in Google Wallet 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.
- After completing the deposit, there will be an option to save your credit card information.
- 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 Mobile ID menu in the Google Wallet.
You can use your eCard at the following locations:
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
- at SAITSA food and market locations
- for door access
- for laundry in Residence
- at 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, see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208965). Other iPhone models (iPhone 8 and earlier) do not offer this feature.
Setting Up Your Device
- On your device, go to Settings > General > Software Updates.
- If your device is running iOS 12.2 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 upgrading your Apple Watch software version can be found at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204641.
- 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.
You can add one eligible Android phone. See the Securing My Account section if you have lost a device and need to deactivate your credential.
Information can be found at support.apple.com/apple-id or support.apple.com/icloud.
You can add on iPhone and one Apple Watch. See the Securing My Account section 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 Transact eAccounts app on your new iPhone and follow the steps to Add to Apple Wallet.
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.
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.
Removing Mobile ID From Apple Device
Yes, you can remove your credential from Apple Wallet, and re-add it when you return.
To remove your Mobile ID, navigate to the Wallet app, tap (…), 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 Mobile ID scroll to the bottom and select Remove Card.
Removing Mobile ID From Android Device
Yes, you can remove your credential from Google Wallet and re-add it when you return.
To remove your Mobile ID, navigate to the Wallet app, tap (…) 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 Mobile ID.
Yes, but we recommend the Remove Card Option directly from Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
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 anytime.
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 anytime.
From Google Wallet:
- Open Google Wallet.
- 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 selection.
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 School ID Card display.
- Tap Add or Remove Campus ID from Wallet at the bottom of the back of your School 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 School ID Card.
- Tap Remove in the pop-up box and the card will be removed from your Google Wallet.
Name information on the Mobile ID 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 Employee Services.
Once changes are completed, the updates will sync to the Mobile ID 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 Mobile ID.
As with your physical eCard (ID), 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.
Securing your account
During regular business hours, contact the eCard Office at 403.774.5296 to notify us to deactivate the eCard mobile ID.
Be sure to specify whether the physical card, watch, and/or phone version should be deactivated. Any device not specified to be suspended will remain active.
If applicable, identify the fraudulent activity.
To deactivate the card yourself in the Transact eAccounts app:
- Select 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.
To deactivate the card 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.
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.
In the Transact eAccounts web version:
- Select Card Services in the top banner.
- Select Activate Card.
- Select the credential to reactivate.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the eCard Office in person at NN104 (main floor), Senator Burns Building, SAIT Main Campus.
Instructions can be found at on the Email and Logins page
We recommend you use the 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.
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 and guests 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.
When family members and guests add money to your account, use the Make a Guest Deposit button below the sign-in.
- 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 non-photo eCommerce cards that can be used at participating outlets on campus.
Guest eCards are available from the Phil Station across 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 your pre-paid printing funds, you can load money onto your eCard to access additional printing and make other purchases on campus.
Learn more about printing services 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 emailing 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.
Your old card will be permanently deactivated once you have purchased a replacement card. 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 over $100 will be refunded within ten business days and sent to your address on file in the Office of the Registrar.
Refunds will only be issued on user account deposits. The Card Office will then deactivate your account. Reactivation will be allowed only after a replacement card fee is paid.
If your account has no activity for two years, it will be deactivated. Funds will be credited back to your SAIT eCard account in full if the deactivated account is reinstated later.
All students are eligible to receive a SAIT eCard with their picture identification.
Your SAIT eCard serves as your identification (ID) and must always be carried with you 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).