Nittany Co-Op Purchasing Card
The Co-Op Purchasing Card lets chapter leadership make purchases at approved Nittany Co-Op vendors without paying out of pocket. Instead of settling the bill on-site, the vendor sends the invoice directly to the Co-Op. We pay the vendor on your chapter’s behalf, then bill the expense back to your chapter.
Why use a Co-Op card?
Stop fronting money for your chapter. No more paying for a supply run with your personal card and chasing reimbursement from your brothers for three weeks. The bill goes straight to the Co-Op.
Keep your vendors happy. Late payments make vendors slow to take your calls, and ready to refuse your next order. The Co-Op pays on time, every time, so your chapter stays in good standing with the people you actually need on short notice.
Get purchases handled fast. No waiting on a treasurer with your chapter’s credit card, or a check to clear into your account before you can pick up what the house needs. Present your Co-Op card and pay the vendor directly with your Co-Op account.
Hand off cleanly. Every purchase is documented and billed through the Co-Op, so when your term ends, your successor inherits a clear record instead of a shoebox of receipts.
How it works
- Eligibility is set by your alumni. Only chapter leadership can hold a Co-Op card, and your alumni corporation decides which positions qualify. Most groups approve the President, Vice President, House Manager, and Treasurer. Some also include the Kitchen Manager. We’ll confirm your position against the list your alumni board has on file.
- Submit the request form below. One submission per cardholder.
- Cards are issued for the duration of your board term. Approved officers receive their card once it is approved to be issued (within a few hours, unless further approval by alumni is needed).Â
- Use the card at an approved vendor. Present it at checkout instead of paying out of pocket.
- The Co-Op handles the rest. The vendor bills the Co-Op, the Co-Op pays the vendor, and the expense is billed back to your chapter.
Approved vendors
The card can only be used at vendors on the approved list. See the current list here: Approved Co-Op Vendors. The list is updated as vendors are added or removed, so check it before making a purchase.
Who should apply
Any chapter officer authorized to make purchases on behalf of the chapter. Cards are issued on a rolling basis and are tied to your Chapter leadership role term duration. Cards must be requested again with each new term or role on the board.Â
Getting your card
If your request is approved, your card will be sent to you by text. Open the message on your phone and add the card to your Apple Wallet. That’s it — the card in your Wallet is your Co-Op Purchasing Card. Tap to pay at any approved vendor, the same way you’d use any other card in your Wallet.
There’s no physical card to keep track of, and nothing to lose. Just make sure the phone number on your request form is the one you actually use.
Android users: Apple Wallet is the only option at this time. If you use an Android phone, a physical card will be issued to you instead. Contact Nicole at the Co-Op (814.237.8800) to arrange pickup.