Stanford
Student Services

Stanford Card Plan (SCP)

The StanfordCardPlan (SCP) can help you purchase books and other necessities before your financial aid is available. It allows you to charge up to $1,500 per quarter at the Stanford Bookstore and other on-campus locations. You can also use SCP for printing and copying expenses on campus.

Your SCP charges are added directly to your university bill, with payment due according to the billing schedule. 

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for SCP: 

  • You must be a degree-seeking student, with active status and eligible to enroll for the current quarter;
  • Have no financial holds on your account;
  • Have an active ID card;
  • Have granted permission for funding to apply toward your applicable charges. To grant permission, please follow these breadcrumbs in Axess: My Finances > Bill & Payment System > Update Billing Permissions > Grant Permissions. 

Nonmatriculated students, including visiting Summer Session students and Postdocs, are not eligible. 

How do I enroll?

If you are a new student who has not previously enrolled in the StanfordCardPlan, you may do so beginning September 15:
Axess (Student role) > My Finances tab > Stanford Card Plan > Sign up for Stanford Card Plan

You only need to enroll once for the SCP, unless you become ineligible, at which time your SCP will be deactivated. If you become eligible again (for instance, you pay your bill and your financial hold is released), you can then re-enroll in the plan. 

What is the SCP refresh schedule?

The StanfordCardPlan refreshes quarterly (Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer), typically on the Friday before the new term start date, allowing you to charge up to $1,500 each quarter. The winter quarter SCP refreshes two weeks earlier due to the winter break closure.

What are the SCP Terms & Conditions? 

To access the full terms and conditions for SCP, view this webpage.