Starting this fall, NIU students can buy books and supplies by using a new credit system at the University Bookstore and the Village Commons Bookstore.

Both stores have a new system of charging, but they are not the same. The VCB credit system requires an actual credit card issued, whereas the University Bookstore requires photo identification and a current NIU class schedule, said University Bookstore Director Mitch Kielb.

Kielb said it is simple to charge books and supplies with the new system because “there’s no sign-up and no card.”

“If you’re a registered student, bring in your schedule and a picture i.d.. You can charge up to $500 per semester on books and supplies,” he said.

Students registering late can sign up in person at the University Bookstore, Kielb said.

The charging system at the NIU bookstore assures parents who pay for their childrens’ educations that only books and supplies can be purchased, he said.

Another benefit of charging is students do not have to bring a lot of money when they get school supplies, Kielb said.

The student has 30 days to pay the balance. If the student does not pay within the time limit, the remaining balance will be added to the tuition bill, he said. The interest rate will be about one-and-a-quarter to one-and-a-half percent.

Books and supplies can be charged at the University Bookstore one week before and three weeks after the start of fall and spring semesters only, Kielb said.

The VCB credit system requires students to use a VCB credit card.

VCB Manager Richard Boardman said it takes 10 days to two weeks to get a credit card. He said during the first few days of school, however, credit cards might be issued at the store.

Boardman said the card has a similar interest rate as a Visa or Mastercard.

“Once you get a card, it’s good on everything everyday,” he said.

Boardman said students begin with a $500 credit limit, and it gets adjusted after a credit history is established.