The Swarthmore College Bookstore accepts cash, travelers checks, personal checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express). We can also set up Bookstore Debit Accounts and Bookstore Credit Accounts for purchases in the Bookstore.

BOOKSTORE DEBIT ACCOUNTS

Once you have funds on deposit, a student can use their Swarthmore College Bookstore Debit Account to make purchases in the Bookstore. You can deposit funds on our web site, send a check, or call us with credit card information (number and expiration date). We just need to know the amount of the deposit, the and the name & class year of the student. After that, the student I.D. Card serves as the Debit Card.

To make a purchase, the student simply tells the cashier that they want to use their Debit Account. Then they show their I.D. Card to the cashier. The cashier will ring the sale, tell the student what their new balance is, and give the student a detailed receipt for their purchases. The student signs a slip showing that they have approved the reduction from their account.

You can put additional funds on deposit at any time using our web site, sending a new check, or by calling us at (610) 328-7756 with credit card information. Funds never disappear; they carry over to the next semester or academic year. Upon request, a check will be issued for any remaining balance at the end of the academic year.

BOOKSTORE CREDIT ACCOUNTS

To open a credit account, simply provide us with a credit card number, expiration date, your name and daytime phone number, student's name, and a monthly limit. Purchases work the same way as with debit accounts (using student I.D. card, signing, receipts, etc.). At the end of each month we tally the purchases and charge the credit card number that we have on file.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHECKS

While we are happy to accept out-of-state checks, most Swarthmore College students open checking accounts at the Swarthmore College Branch of the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. The Credit Union is located in Kohlberg Hall right in the middle of the College campus so it is very convenient. But please note: don't wait until you arrive on campus to open your Credit Union account! Every year we have students who wait until they arrive on campus to open their accounts. Then they have to wait for the accounts to be processed and their deposit checks to clear. While they're waiting for all of that to happen, classes have started and the students don't have their books. Don't let that happen to you! If you plan to open a Credit Union account, do it during the summer so it is ready when you arrive on campus. For details on opening an account, contact the Credit Union staff at (610) 328-7321.