A group of student sitting in a place where they can eat and on the table is chick fila.

Flex Spending and Lion Cash

Keeping Your Future Fueled

Use FLEX credit to buy food on campus, and use Lion Cash like an on-campus debit card for food and non-food purchases!

What is FLEX?

FLEX is a credit associated with all meal plans and can be used at all on-campus dining locations.

MEAL EXCHANGE is different than FLEX. You may use the exchange swipe for $7 credit to be used at any dining location, excluding Chick-fil-A and Starbucks.

View Meal Plan Options

What is Lion Cash?

LION CASH is money that is deposited into your Lion Card account and then drawn out like a debit card. Several on-campus vendors accept Lion Cash.

Load it Lion Card Auxiliary Services

There are three easy ways to keep a Lion Card loaded with Lion Cash, whether you’re a student putting funds on your card or you’re a parent, friend, or relative who wants to put Lion Cash on a student’s Lion Card.

Visit the Lion Card Office in Halladay Student Services, Suite 104 to load your card with funds using cash, check, or credit card.

Visit a campus kiosk, also known as Account Management Centers, to load your card with funds using cash or credit card. Kiosks are located at the Velma K. Waters Library and the Rayburn Student Center.

Anyone with your student ID number can load your Lion Card with funds. Simply go to LionCard and use a major credit card.

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A female in the middle of the picture with Flex or Lion Cash and questions marks at the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my meal plan without using my Lion Card?

No, you must present your Lion Card to access your meal plan and/or FLEX. If you lose your card, please visit the Lion Card Office and purchase a replacement for a fee.

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What is the difference between Lion Cash and FLEX?

FLEX is a credit automatically associated with your meal plan, while Lion Cash is a voluntary deposit made to your Lion Cash account. For more information about Lion Cash, visit the Lion Card Office or the Lion Card webpage.

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How does campus dining services accommodate food allergies and/or plant-based diets?

The Lion’s Mane Cafe offers Simple Servings, a station that avoids the top-eight most-common allergens. It also offers the Vegetarian Station, featuring well-rounded vegan and vegetarian meals.

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Am I required to have a meal plan?

All incoming first-year and second-year (post-high school) students who live on campus must purchase a meal plan. All other students who live on campus, including third-year (post-high school) students and up, are required to purchase a meal plan and may select from all available plans. Non-residents may also voluntarily select from all available plans . If you have a question about the meal plan options, please call Residential Living & Learning at 903.886.5797.  More information regarding meal plans and how to sign up or upgrade your plan is available on your MyLEO account.  For students with specific dietary needs, please contact the ADA office.  See the campus dining for all available meal plans.

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What does the number in my meal plan mean?

Meal plan options vary, and the number represents the number of meals available to you per week. For example, the 19 Meal Plan + $800 FLEX allows you to eat 19 meals per week in the Lion’s Mane Cafe. Or, you may exchange a meal in the Lion’s Mane Cafe for a $7 credit in the Lion’s Lair. This plan also includes $800 FLEX to use at any dining location on campus.

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Where can I use my FLEX?

FLEX can be used at all campus dining areas, including retail and concessions at select sporting events and The Roaming Lion food trailer.

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If I don't use all of my FLEX for the semester, will my balance transfer to the next semester?

Yes, effective Fall 2024, any unused balance of FLEX at the end of the fall term will roll over to the spring term, but at the end of the spring term your unused FLEX will expire.

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When will my FLEX be available on my Lion Card?

Your card will receive an initial deposit of FLEX on the first class day. The amount will depend on the plan you choose. The remainder of your FLEX balance will be deposited on approximately the 12th class day.

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If I run out of FLEX, will I be able to add more throughout the semester?

No. Once depleted, FLEX spending cannot be replenished until the next term.

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Contact Us Auxiliary Services

Meet our Staff

Jennifer Perry Auxiliary Services Manager
Bryson Swearingen Business Coordinator I
Jessica Carty Business Coordinator I
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Contact Us

  • Halladay Student Services Building Suite 104
  • P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429-3011

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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