FAQ – Paying with the chip card
Questions & answers about using your chip card, balances, lost cards, and card services.
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Which chip card can I use to pay?
Students from other universities, university staff, state employees, and other guests can use a MensA-card.
Where can I pay with my chip card?
You can use your chip card to make cashless payments at all Studierendenwerk Mannheim facilities.
The card can be used across different universities. For example, students from Mannheim University of Applied Sciences or DHBW can also use their student ID card to pay at Schlossmensa.
How do I add funds to my chip card?
The easiest way to add funds to your card balance is with Autoload.
Alternatively, you can add funds to your chip card with cash at the cash registers in our dining halls and cafeterias.
Do the chip card and StudiPlus²® App share the same balance?
No. Your chip card and the StudiPlus²® App each have their own separate balance.
When you add funds to your chip card, your app balance remains unchanged – and vice versa. The two Autoload systems are also separate.
How can I get a refund of my card balance?
Please note: Once the balance has been refunded, the payment function of the card cannot be reactivated.
What should I do if I lose my card?
If your chip card is lost or stolen, you can block its payment function through the Card Service Portal.
To do so, you will need your card number and Autoload PIN. If you no longer have this information, please contact one of our service points.
Important: Studierendenwerk Mannheim can only block the payment function of your card. If the card is your student or staff ID card, please also contact your university to have other functions, such as access permissions, blocked if necessary.
What should I do if my chip card is blocked due to an outstanding payment?
When you add funds using Autoload, the amount is debited from your linked bank account at a later date. If the direct debit cannot be processed, an outstanding payment will remain. Additional fees may also apply for the failed direct debit.
You can pay the outstanding amount at one of our service points. Your card can then be unblocked.
Please do not transfer the amount again.
What is the Autoload PIN?
The PIN is part of the Autoload system for your chip card. You need it, among other things, to manage your card in the Card Service Portal.
If you have forgotten or lost your PIN, you can find more information in the Autoload FAQ.
What happens to my data?
Studierendenwerk Mannheim does not store any personal data such as your name, date of birth, or address on the chip card’s electronic wallet.
When you use Autoload, the bank account details required to add funds are linked to the Autoload system.
For more information, please see Studierendenwerk Mannheim’s privacy policy.