Temple University has officially ended its Diamond Dollars program, a pre-paid payment method that had been a staple on campus for 25 years. The program, which was discontinued in May, allowed students to make purchases at various campus locations without using cash or credit cards.
“Here at Richie’s, for a long time, I was a big fan of Diamond Dollars. It was a big part of the business,” said a representative from Richie’s Café. “It was a great thing to be part of the university, and I think it was a great idea, a great program. But with great technology coming around, with Apple Pay and stuff, it’s more like a business move. It’s not like they want to.”
The university stated that the decision to end Diamond Dollars was driven by declining sales following the COVID-19 pandemic and increased competition from other payment options like Venmo and Apple Pay.
“One of the places I would often use my Diamond Dollars at was Richie’s Café, where I now have to bring a debit or credit card,” said Temple student Kylie O’Connor.
Students have noticed the impact of the program’s removal, as it has affected their spending habits on campus.
“I would say it affected me because I used it a lot last year for stuff around campus or in the student center, or a lot of stuff with GrubHub. Recently, when I buy stuff on campus, I have to use my own money, so I’m spending a lot more than I had been last year,” said junior Riley Randall.
For parents, the discontinuation of Diamond Dollars has also presented challenges. Many preferred using the program as a way to control and monitor their children’s spending.
“Now, I cannot see exactly where my money is going after I give it to my daughter. Before, I was able to put the money in Diamond Dollars and know it was getting spent at specific places,” said parent Dan Frydlewicz.
Despite its end, Diamond Dollars played a significant role in campus life for over two decades. As the university adapts to new financial trends, students and staff are adjusting to alternative payment methods. While the program may be gone, its impact on the Temple community will not be forgotten.