You can start with any amount, but the table below illustrates what you will need based on a 16-week semester and an average cost of $8.50 per meal. When the students scan the app or swipe their card, the exact amount of the purchase will come off their balance. There are no restrictions on frequency of card usage, meaning students can use their meal plan card as much or as little as needed.
Parents may add any dollar amount to their student’s Red Card Meal Plan as needed throughout the semester (keep in mind our Value Load Offers), and remaining account balances carry over from semester to semester and year to year.
Not sure how hungry your student will be? Start with a custom plan and add money as needed.
Search “Red Card Meal Plan” in the iPhone App Store or Google Play store.
First, make sure your username and password are correct. The app and account center login is case sensitive. If that doesn’t work, you can click “Forgot Password?” and follow the steps to reset your password on the Red Card app.
If you are still experiencing issues, please call our office at 608.256.2273 and we will be happy to assist you further. Phone support hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Yes. Red Card can be used all year long. If you are not in Madison for the summer, your balance will carry over to the next semester with no fee.
Yes. All meal plan balances carry over from semester to semester, and even year to year. Our program offers 100% value; you pay only for what you eat.
When your friend signs up with an initial deposit of $200 or more, you are eligible to receive a $20 referral bonus added to your Red Card account.
Within one week of signing up, have your friend email [email protected] from the email address associated with their newly created account, referencing the Refer-a-Friend program and including your name. We will then add the $20 to your plan.
There are no limits on the number of friends you can refer!
Red Card can be used at Fresh Madison Market, Metcalfe's Market - Hilldale, EatStreet, and dozens of other local restaurants.
At the time of payment at any of our participating merchants, scan the barcode on the Red Card app or scan the card saved in your Apple Wallet. The exact cost of the meal or your groceries is deducted from your meal plan balance. Login to your account at any time to view your balance and your complete transaction history.
Yes! 529 plans consider food to be an educational expense. You can submit receipts from your student’s account for reimbursement or have your financial institution send a check to our office directly.
If your student pays with cash or debit/credit cards, there is no way to prove the money purchased food.
If your 529 Plans requires a detailed receipt, please call our office to give us the details at 608.256.2273 or email the details to [email protected]. We will then promptly email you your itemized receipt.
Yes, students enjoy exclusive card holder discounts, rewards, sign up coupons, weekly 'Restaurant of the Week' promotions and more. Students can keep in touch with the latest savings via the Red Card app, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and email.
Parents can enjoy significant savings by loading over $250 in value at a time.
No problem. We will be happy to assist you. Money can be added to a Red Card at any time by telephone or online. CLICK HERE to see all the ways that you can add value to your Red Card account.
EatStreet is the Red Card’s official online ordering partner. You can order food on the web or on the EatStreet app. You may also call the restaurant, place your order over the phone and give the cashier your 16-digit Red Card number.
You can also order grocery delivery from Fresh Madison Market online and pay with your Red Card. Delivery is free on orders of $40 or more.
Red Card Meal Plan offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you are dissatisfied with our program for any reason, your full remaining balance will be refunded with no charge. After 30 days there is a $15 fee to refund your remaining balance.
No. Red Card is a locally owned, private business independent of the University. If you decide to buy an on-campus meal plan, the Red Card Meal Plan can be a nice supplement, in any dollar amount, to allow your student to join friends at local restaurants or buy groceries at Fresh Madison Market.
Please send an email to [email protected] to discuss details.
Former Packer and Badger Mark Tauscher, Jeff Haupt, and Craig Bartlett make up are the ownership team at Red Card Meal Plan. They are committed to connecting UW students with authentic Madison community merchants and restaurants.