How to Check Your SDSU Hobo Dough and Dining Balance Online

As an SDSU student, keeping track of your campus spending accounts is crucial for budgeting your meals, printing, and other daily expenses. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the methods available to check your Hobo Dough and dining flex dollar balances, along with essential tips for managing your funds effectively.

Understanding Your SDSU Campus Accounts

Before learning how to check your balances, it's important to understand what these accounts are and how they differ:

Hobo Dough

• A prepaid, declining balance account linked to your MyJacks Card
• Functions like a debit card for on-campus and select off-campus locations
• Funds roll over between semesters and academic years
• Refundable (with a $10 minimum) when you leave the university
• Purchases are subject to sales tax

Dining Flex Dollars

• Included with most SDSU meal plans
• Can only be used at campus dining locations
• Tax-exempt purchases
• Expire at the end of each academic year

Key Difference: Flex dollars are use-it-or-lose-it funds tied to dining, while Hobo Dough is more flexible and permanent.

Method 1: Checking Balances Through the eAccounts Mobile App

The most convenient way to monitor your balances is using the Transact eAccounts mobile application:
1. Download the App

• Available for free on iOS and Android devices
• Search for "Transact eAccounts" in your app store

2. Log In

• Use your SDSU credentials (the same as your campus login)
• First-time users may need to select "South Dakota State University."

3. View Your Balances

• Your current Hobo Dough and dining flex dollar balances appear on the main screen
• Transaction history shows your last 30 days of activity

App Features:

• Set up low balance alerts
• Temporarily deactivate your card if lost
• View nearby locations that accept Hobo Dough

Method 2: Checking Balances Online via MyJack's Card Portal

For those who prefer using a computer:

1. Visit the official MyJacks Card website
2. Log in with your SDSU credentials
3. Your current balances will be displayed prominently
4. For detailed records:

• Click on "Transaction History"
• Filter by date range or account type

Portal Benefits:

• Easier to view and print longer transaction histories
• More straightforward interface for adding funds
• Better for managing multiple accounts (if you have them)

Method 3: Checking Balances at Campus Locations

You can view your remaining balance:

• At campus dining locations, after making a purchase
• On vending machine displays when using your MyJacks Card
• At printing stations across campus

Important Note: When you have both account types, the system will always spend Flex dollars first, as they expire.

Best Practices for Managing Your Campus Funds

Setting Up Account Alerts

Configure low balance notifications through:

• The eAccounts app (under Notification Settings)
• The online portal (in Account Preferences)

Recommended alert thresholds:

• $20 for Hobo Dough
• $50 for flex dollars (since they expire)

Tracking Your Spending

• Review transactions weekly to catch any errors
• Save receipts for larger purchases
• Note that some transactions may take 24-48 hours to appear

Adding Funds to Your Accounts

• Hobo Dough can be added online with a credit/debit card
• Flex dollars can only be added by changing your meal plan
• Minimum deposit for Hobo Dough is $10

Security Measures

• Never share your login credentials
• Report lost cards immediately through the app or portal
• Change your password if you suspect unauthorized access

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Balance doesn't match expectations
Solution: Check pending transactions, which may take 1-2 business days to clear
Problem: Can't log in to check the balance
Solution: Reset your SDSU password or contact IT services
Problem: Discrepancy in account balance
Solution: Contact Card Services with transaction details

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I transfer funds between Hobo Dough and flex dollars?
A: No, these are separate accounts with different rules.
Q: What happens to unused flex dollars?
A: They expire at the end of the academic year with no refund.
A: Participating locations include select restaurants and convenience stores near campus.
Q: How do I get a refund for Hobo Dough?
A: Submit a request through Card Services when leaving the university.

Contact Information for Assistance

For account-specific help:

• Card Services Office (for Hobo Dough):

Wagner Hall 133
(605) 688-6943
card.services@sdstate.edu

• SDSU Dining Services (for meal plans):

University Student Union
(605) 688-5145
sdsudining@sdsu.edu

Final Recommendations

1. Use the mobile app for daily balance checks
2. Set up alerts to avoid running low on funds
3. Spend flex dollars first, since they expire
4. Review transactions regularly to catch any errors

By following this guide, you'll never be surprised by your campus account balances and can make the most of your SDSU dining and spending options. Remember to check your balances regularly, especially as the academic year ends, to ensure you don't lose any flex dollars.