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Released: January 23, 2012
Help Desk FAQ
Credit Cards
Where can I find out more about the deal between my son’s college and the “affinity” card issuer?
Many colleges and universities sign an exclusive contract with a credit card issuer to market an affinity card to their students and alumni. These cards typically sport the school’s colors, logo or mascot, and they often provide special discounts and benefits to cardholders. The school earns money from the deal.
The CARD Act requires credit card issuers to regularly provide the Federal Reserve with a copy of credit card contracts they have with colleges and universities, alumni organizations or affiliated foundations. Issuers must list the number of open college credit card accounts, income paid to the college under the deal and the number of new accounts opened during the year. These reports, provided to Congress by the Federal Reserve, are a matter of public record. An Internet search on the words "Report on College Credit Card Agreements" should lead to the reports. See Report on College Credit Card Agreements.
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