USC students soon will have the option of saving their Carolina Cards to their phones rather than depending the physical card.

Apple Wallet is assisting the school in the mobile change.

Mobile cards aren’t mandated, but students can’t have both. Students think a mobile option, available in Spring 2026, will make it easier for them and their peers to keep track of their cards.

“It’s more convenient,” said Aidan Clarke, a freshman at the University of South Carolina. “It could also be helpful for staff so they wouldn’t have to go through any trouble of people losing their cards.”

It costs $35 dollars to replace a lost card, and students are locked out of many classrooms and buildings – and even meal plan purchases.

More information is soon to come in the early months of 2026.

“Unfortunately, due to our vendor’s contract with Apple, I  am unable to comment on the launch at this time,” said Joe Fortune, USC’s director of business affairs. 

USC junior Iyanna Velez thinks the mobile cards will be beneficial to students who struggle to keep track of their physical wallets.

“Especially if you have an Apple Wallet, it is easier to double tap your phone rather than going through the struggle of taking out your wallet and finding your Carolina Card.”

She thinks it will be absolutely beneficial for staff as well, since everyone always has their phone on them.