New credit systems are available for NIU students this fall at the University Bookstore and the Village Commons Bookstore.

The credit systems enable students to buy books and supplies without bringing large amounts of money when shopping for books and supplies, said University Bookstore Director Mitch Kielb in an earlier interview.

Freshman Pat Swierk, 18, a pre-computer science major, said a friend told him about the credit system. “It makes it easier because you don’t have to carry money around, and you send the bill home.”

To charge books at the Village Commons Bookstore, students need a credit card issued from VCB. In an earlier interview, VCB Manager Richard Boardman said it takes 10 days to two weeks to get a credit card. Boardman said cards will be issued at the store during the busy book-buying season.

Students begin with a $500 credit limit. Once a credit history is established the limit gets adjusted, he said.

Boardman also said a student card’s purchasing power is not limited to books and can buy anything any day.

The VCB card has a similar interest rate as a Visa or Mastercard, he said.

At the University Bookstore, registered students must bring forms of photo identification and current NIU class schedules to buy books and supplies on credit, Kielb said.

Students who registered late can sign up for credit at the University Bookstore, he said.

Only books and supplies can be purchased with the credit system at the University Bookstore. This way, parents who pay for their childrens’ educations are assured nothing else is being bought, he said.

Students get an invoice when they make a purchase. The charges are due within 30 days of the purchase.

Senior Dale Spencer said he will use the credit system when he buys his books this fall because his own credit card is packed. “I have so much on my credit card. I don’t want to put any more on,” he said.

Students can charge books and supplies at the University Bookstore one week before and three weeks after the beginning of each semester only, Kielb said.

There is a $500 cumulative purchase limit per semester at the University Bookstore.