What is the Gorilla Card?
The Gorilla Card is the Pittsburg State University Student ID Card.  

What changed with the NEW Gorilla Card?

1. The card has a new look!
2. The card now has a 16-digit ISO number that allows for financial transactions such as the automatic disbursement of Financial Assistance and for banking features to be added.
3. In addition to using Banana Bucks on campus, you can now use your Gorilla Card, with your Gorilla Checking Account at Commerce Bank, at ATMs and Interlink Merchants nationwide.

What is the Gorilla Checking account?
The Gorilla Checking Account is an FDIC-insured FREE checking account that is available only to PSU students, faculty, and staff. This account can link to your Gorilla Card and a Commerce Bank Visa Check Card. This account can be managed with Commerce Bank’s online banking and bill payment option as well.

Why do I need a Commerce Bank Account?
In order to provide faster, more secure and more efficient financial assistance and other refunds to students, the University is partnering with Commerce Bank to route all university refunds thru your Gorilla Card and Gorilla Checking account. You have more options for managing these funds with this process. They include:

1. Spend the funds nationwide using the Gorilla Card.
2. Withdraw the funds at ATM machines nationwide.
3. Withdraw the funds at any Commerce Branch in Pittsburg.

You may also manage the funds using Free Online Banking & Bill Pay.

How can I get my refund or excess financial assistance off my card?
The funds are deposited into your Gorilla Checking Account by issuing a “credit” to your unique 16-digit card number. You can add a PIN (personal identification number) number to your card at any Commerce branch in Pittsburg. You have the following options to access your funds:

1. Spend the funds nationwide using the Gorilla Card.
2. Withdraw the funds at ATM machines nationwide.
3. Withdraw the funds at any Commerce Branch in Pittsburg.

You may also manage the funds using Free Online Banking & Bill Pay. Visit www.pittstate.edu/gorillacard for complete information.

What are the daily ATM withdrawal and purchase limits on my Gorilla Card?
You may withdraw up to $600 per business day at the ATM. You may also make merchant purchases up to $600 per business day. There is no limit on the amount of in-person teller withdrawals at Commerce branch locations.

Will I get charged for using the ATM and getting cash?
If you use a Commerce Bank ATM to obtain cash from your Gorilla Checking account, there will never be a charge associated. If you use another bank’s ATM machine, that bank may charge you a fee. Commerce Bank will charge you a fee of $1.50 every time you use another bank’s ATM.

How am I able to use my Gorilla Card nationwide?
By funding your Commerce Bank Gorilla Checking Account and applying a PIN number to your card – your card can be used at ATMs and Interlink merchant locations nationwide. Look for the Interlink logo on signs and a PIN pad at the checkout. Just enter your PIN and go. The money will come directly from your Gorilla Checking Account. For a listing of Interlink network merchants go to: http://usa.visa.com/visaInterlink/

What if I go out of town or want to use my Gorilla Checking account at locations that do not accept the Gorilla Card or PIN-based transactions?
You might consider getting a Visa Check Card and have it linked to your Gorilla Checking account. Your Visa Check Card will allow you to use your card anywhere that Visa Debit is accepted including the Internet. You may also order checks for use on the Gorilla Checking account.

What if I have an account at another bank? Do I have to have the Gorilla Checking account, too?
Yes. PSU strongly recommends that each student establish a Commerce Bank Gorilla Checking account. Any refunds or excess financial assistance will go directly to this account. This is the fastest and most secure way to receive your refund. If you do not have a Gorilla Checking account, you may not receive your PSU refund as fast. It is each student’s choice to use the Gorilla Checking account for his or her personal financial matters. Funds may be withdrawn with no fees and deposited in your preferred bank.

How do I keep track of my Gorilla Card transactions and my account balance?
You can log all transactions and keep track of your balance in your transaction register. If you don’t have one, visit any Commerce Branch and pick up a free register.

What if I have an account already with Commerce Bank? Can I link my Gorilla Card to my existing account?
You may be able to convert your existing account to Gorilla Checking and keep the same account number. Stop by any Commerce Bank Pittsburg branch to review your options.

How will I know if my purchases are coming from Banana Bucks or my Gorilla Checking account with Commerce Bank?
Just remember that the locations where you use your Banana Bucks will process the transactions in a different manner. Banana Bucks purchases do not require the use of a PIN number or signature. Gorilla Card transactions will require you to enter your PIN number.

What if I choose to withdraw all the University refunds each semester?
There are no penalties or fees for withdrawing all funds as soon as they’re available. Your Gorilla Checking account will remain open for up to one year with no activity. If no further deposits are made by yourself or PSU the account will close automatically.

Will the Gorilla Checking account impact my credit score?
No. Commerce does not report checking account data to credit bureaus. An active or inactive Gorilla Checking account will not appear on your credit report.

Does PSU or anyone else have access to my funds or my account?
No. You are the only one who can access the Gorilla Checking account. PSU does not have access to your account number or any information about your Gorilla Checking account. All bank security policies apply to funds deposited in the Gorilla Checking account by PSU or anyone else. See the Commerce Deposit Agreement for more information.

What if PSU or someone else makes a deposit in error?
All banks are required to correct posting, deposit or other errors as soon as possible. Commerce may make adjustments to the account to correct any direct deposit or other errors. See the Commerce Deposit Agreement for more information.

Will I receive a monthly statement for my Gorilla Checking account?
Yes. You will receive a monthly statement from Commerce Bank. To update your address visit any Commerce Branch. You may also manage your account using Free online banking.

Can my Gorilla Checking account be a joint account?
No. In order to guarantee that you are the only person who can access your refunds from PSU, you must be the sole owner of the account. You can however, designate a POD (Payable Upon Death) beneficiary on the account by visiting any Commerce branch.

Can I add a POD beneficiary to my Gorilla Checking account?
Yes. You can designate a POD (Payable Upon Death) beneficiary on the account by visiting any Commerce branch.

What happens to my Gorilla Checking account if I take a semester off or study abroad?
Your Gorilla Checking account will remain open for 1 year with no balance and no activity. If you receive a PSU refund upon returning to campus, those funds will be available in your account and you will use the same Gorilla Card to access the funds.

What happens to my Gorilla Checking account after I graduate?
If you do not actively use your account and the account has no balance, the account will close automatically after 1 year with no balance and no activity. If you actively use your account, you can continue to use your Gorilla Checking account after graduation or you may convert your account to another type that better fits your needs. Visit any Commerce Bank branch to discuss these options.

Where else can I find Commerce branches?
Commerce is a regional bank with branches in Kansas, Missouri & Illinois. You’ll find dozens of branches and ATMs in the area including Joplin, Springfield, Branson, Columbus, Independence, Kansas City, Wichita and many other communities. Click on commercebank.com to find a branch and ATM locator.

Where can I go to get more information?
PSU Gorilla Card Office
Overman Student Center
Pittsburg, Kansas
620-235-4796
www.pittstate.edu/gorillacard

Commerce Bank
Overman Student Center
Pittsburg, Kansas
620-235-6378
commercebank.com (search: University Card)
E-mail: ucard@commercebank.com