What are the options available for receiving your financial aid refund?
Your selections include:
1. Having your refund direct deposited to your OneAccount. 
2. Having a paper check mailed to you at your billing address. 
3. Having your refund deposited to the bank of your choice.

What are the advantages of having my financial aid refund direct deposited to my OneAccount?
1. Having your refund direct deposited to your OneAccount is the quickest way to gain access to your refund. When you select this option, as soon as your financial aid is available, and your UH charges have been paid, any financial aid refund will be direct deposited to your OneAccount. For Spring Semester 2002-03, financial aid refunds will be direct deposited beginning March 24th and continue throughout the semester. 

2. With the OneAccount and the Cougar 1Card, any refund from UH is available in the fastest way and allows you to access your money easily. You can use the Cougar 1Card as a debit card (not a credit card) for purchases at over 24 million MasterCard locations, access cash at ATMs, write a check, pay bills, send money electronically and so much more. 

3. There is no charge to you for receiving your refund directly to your OneAccount. There is no monthly fee or minimum balance required for the OneAccount.

How will I know when my financial aid refund has been direct deposited to my OneAccount?
You will receive an email when your financial aid refund or any refund or deposit has been direct deposited to your OneAccount. Additionally, you will be able to see details of your OneAccount by accessing your OneAccount Statement on the website. Once your refund has been deposited to your OneAccount, your Cougar 1Card becomes a debit card (not a credit card) you can use for purchases at over 24 million MasterCard locations, to access cash at ATMs, write a check, pay bills, send money electronically and so much more.

Selecting to have a paper check mailed to you?
If you prefer, you may have your financial aid refund mailed to you. In order to have your refund mailed to you, activate your Cougar 1Card if you have not already. When you select this option, as soon as your financial aid is available, and your UH charges have been paid, any financial aid refund will be mailed out to you within two business days to the address you designate. Depending on mailing time, your check should be received at your address within 4-5 business days. For students selecting this option, you still have the choice to activate your OneAccount. If you select this option, for Spring Semester 2002-03, available financial aid refunds will be mailed after 1 to 2 business days beginning March 24th. There is no charge for receiving a paper check.

Selecting to have your refund direct deposited to another bank account?
If you prefer, you may have your financial aid refund deposited to the bank of your choice. In order to have your refund deposited to your bank, activate your Cougar 1Card if you have not already. For this option, you will need to print, complete and mail in the 3rd party form to the address on the form. The form is available on the website.

As soon as your financial aid is available, your university charges are paid in full, and HigherOne has received the 3rd party form, then any financial aid refund will be deposited to the bank you designated in 1 to 3 business days. For students selecting this option, you still have the choice to activate your OneAccount. If you select this option, for Spring Semester 2002-03, available financial aid refunds if 3rd party form is on file, will be deposited directly to your bank after 1 to 3 business days beginning March 24th.

Does everyone have to use this new card?
This new service is customized for UH to provide exceptional benefits through one card. As the official ID card at UH, it is required that the Cougar 1Card be activated. Accepting the OneAccount, with no monthly fee, is encouraged although not required. The old ID card at UH serves several functions at once, including providing access to campus buildings, access to your meal plan, and the ability to make small campus purchases. The new and enhanced Cougar 1Card includes all these functions and also works as a MasterCard Check Card for purchases off campus and online. To use the MasterCard Check card the OneAccount must be activated and one must deposit money into the OneAccount.

Is there a minimum balance required?
There is no minimum or maximum balance required.

What happens to my OneAccount if I leave UH?
The card number will be deactivated in the University's computer system. However, the cardholder can continue to use their OneAccount and bank with Higher One, should they choose to do so. The Cougar 1Card can continue to be active for banking functions.

What if I withdraw and then return to UH?
Depending on the duration that the cardholder is absent from UH, your Cougar 1Card can either be activated again in the University's computer system, or a new card will be issued and mailed to you at your billing address.

What if I have a question about my refund amount or loan process?
 These questions are to be handled the exact same way as it is today on campus. An additional reporting tool is available for authorized personnel to see whether a student has either a pending or completed refund payment, the date of the transaction and the amount.

If I choose to opt for a paper check, is there a charge?
There is no charge to the student should he/she opt to receive a check.

What is the daily cash withdrawal limit at a Higher One ATM/Cash machine?
There is a $500 daily limit for withdrawing cash at a Higher One ATM/Cash machine. A cardholder can always access their funds through spending with the MasterCard Check Card function, writing a check, sending money electronically to other OneAccount holders, initiating a wire transfer or requesting a bank check.

Where can I get cash out of my CougarOne Mastercard without surcharge?
There are 4 locations on campus.

When someone sends me money through the website, when will I have access to the funds?
If another OneAccount holder sends you money to your OneAccount, you will receive your funds instantaneously. Otherwise, you will receive your funds according to our funds availability schedule. Please view our website for the funds availability schedule.

What if I have questions?
The Scholarships and Financial Aid Office will be happy to answer your questions, just stop by during business hours.

For more information about the Cougar 1Card and refunds, please visit www.CougarOne.com!

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