Clayton State University Higher One

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Clayton State issuing refunds electronically?
Clayton State is working with Higher One to provide electronic refunds of Financial Aid and tuition so that we can get your refund money to you faster and more efficiently. Higher One will also offer you additional options for receiving your refund.
Who is Higher One?
Higher One is a bank focused on higher education. They currently work with about 60 colleges and universities nationwide, including 13 in Georgia, to provide improved refund services to students. All funds held by Higher One are FDIC insured up to $100,000.
What are my refund options?
You will have three refund options with Higher One:
- Deposit to a Higher One bank account (the OneAccount)
- have your refund sent electronically to your existing personal bank account
- Receive your refund by a check in the mail
How quickly does the university release my refund to Higher One?
The release of funds varies depending on the type of refund being issued:

For LOANS:
Once the loan has been guaranteed and the funds disbursed to the University, please allow 10-14 business days for the refund file to be released to Higher One. Please refer to question #5 for the refund timeline after Higher One has received the refund file.

For GRANTS AND HOPE:
Once the funds have been disbursed to your student account, please allow 10-14 business days for the refund file to be released to Higher One. Please refer to question #5 for the refund timeline after Higher One has received the refund file.

For CASH, CHECK, CREDIT CARD refunds after withdrawal:
After your withdrawal has been processed, please allow 10-14 business days for the refund file to be released to Higher One. Please refer to question #5 for the refund timeline after Higher One has received the refund file.
After funds have been disbursed to Higher One, how quickly will my refund be available to me?
From the time the University releases funds to Higher One, your refund will be available:
- OneAccount – same day (the OneAccount is accessed by the Clayton State OneCard)
- Direct Deposit to your personal bank account – 2-3 days
- Paper check – 7-10 business days
How will I know that my refund has been issued?
Higher One will send an email to your CSU email account when your refund has been received from Clayton State and another when your refund has been issued in the manner which you’ve selected.
What is the Clayton State OneCard?
The Clayton State OneCard is a Debit MasterCard provided free of charge by Higher One to all registered Clayton State students. This card will be used to access the OneAccount if you choose that as your refund option. This card does NOT replace the LakerCard.
Why do I need to activate my Clayton State OneCard and make a decision about my refund?
All refunds from Clayton State will be sent electronically to Higher One for processing. Activating your OneCard and making a refund decision will let Higher One know how you would like to receive your refund. Even if you don't normally receive a refund it's a good idea to activate your card and make your decision because you may get a refund in the future.
When do I need to make a decision about my refund?
You should activate your OneCard as soon as you receive it in the mail. Instructions for activation will be included. Activate your card online at the Clayton State OneCard website. As part of the activation process you will designate your refund preference.
Can I change my refund preference in the future?
Yes. You can change your refund preference each semester, if you choose, via the Clayton State OneCard website.
Am I eligible for an account even if I have bad credit or if I don’t have a Social Security Number?
Yes. Higher One provides a bank account to every student regardless of your past banking or credit history. Because this is a real bank account, it is your responsibility to not abuse the account. Higher One reserves the right to charge over-draft fees or close the account if it is abused. If your account is closed by Higher One due to abuse, future refunds must be sent to another bank or be issued by check.
How do I access my account to manage my money?
Higher One provides free online banking for all accountholders.
Will there be any cost to me for having the Higher One Account?
There is no monthly charge for the Higher One Account and no minimum balance is required. There is a $.50/transaction fee for all PIN-based purchases, so students are encouraged to swipe and sign for all transactions. As with any bank account, overdraft charges and returned check charges will be assessed when required. Please review the account disclosure information provided by Higher One for more information.
What do I need to do to get ready for this change?
- Update your mailing address via The DUCK by January 31, 2007.
- Be on the lookout for the Clayton State OneCard in the mail. The envelope will have the Clayton State University logo on the front.
- Upon receipt of your OneCard, go to the Clayton State OneCard website to activate your card and make your refund selection.
Will Clayton State send Higher One my Social Security Number?
No. Clayton State will not share your Social Security Number with Higher One. Because the OneAccount is a non-interest bearing account, there will be no interest to report to the IRS. In the event you would like to upgrade your account or take advantage of other services from Higher One, you may contact them directly. You may be required to provide your SSN.
What happens if my Higher One Debit MasterCard gets lost or thrown away? Who do I contact if I never received my Higher One card?
One of the most common problems is that the Higher One Card is destroyed when it’s received because people think it’s a credit card offer. Be on the lookout for the Higher One envelope in the mail. It looks like this.
If your card does get lost, stolen, or accidentally thrown away, contact the LakerCard Center at Clayton State (678-466-4215) or stop by the LakerCard Center in the University Center.
Is this a credit card or a debit card?
This is NOT a credit card. It’s a standard Debit MasterCard which can be used at any ATM, retail location, or for online purchases. We encourage you to “swipe and sign” for purchases so that you don’t incur the 50 cent fee for PIN-based purchases (this does not apply to Higher One ATM withdrawals).
If my card is stolen, am I liable for fraudulent charges?
Your funds are protected by MasterCard’s zero-liability policy.
Will there be a Higher One ATM available so I can get cash without a fee?
Yes. There will be a Higher One ATM on campus located across from the LakerCard Center, adjacent to the Wachovia ATM. This ATM will allow you access to your funds without an ATM fee. You may access your money through non-Higher One ATMs, but fees may apply.
Can I just get my refund sent to my existing personal bank account?
Yes. You can indicate this preference on Higher One’s secure website. You will need to provide Higher One with your bank account number and bank routing code.
I don’t have a bank account, and I don’t want the Higher One account. How do I get my refund?
You can select a check refund via the Higher One website. Be aware that your check will be sent via the US mail and may take 7-10 days for delivery from the time Clayton State releases refunds to Higher One. You will be liable for any check cashing fees charged by a bank or a check-cashing service.
Who do I contact if my refund doesn’t get deposited to my account or if I don’t get my check?
Contact the LakerCard Center for assistance at (678) 466-4215.
Can I get my refund deposited to my LakerCard?
At this time, we do not directly deposit refunds to the LakerCard.
Does the Clayton State OneCard replace my LakerCard?
No. The LakerCard will continue to be your University ID and on-campus debit card. Please do not discard your LakerCard because a replacement fee will apply. The Clayton State OneCard can be used on campus to make purchases in the University Bookstore or to make deposits to your LakerCard.