Virtual Cards (Digital & Mobile IDs)

This article is for Community Admins.

Penji supports Virtual Cards, allowing students to check in at Kiosks using mobile or digital IDs instead of physical cards. This feature is available through an additional cards.csv file provided via your institution’s existing SFTP integration.

Virtual Cards are ideal for institutions that are moving away from physical student IDs or supporting mobile credentials (such as Apple Wallet, Android, or wearable-based IDs).

How Virtual Cards Work

Virtual Cards are enabled through your school’s existing SFTP data integration.

Here’s the flow:

1. Your IT department provides Penji with an additional file called cards.csv via SFTP.

2. This file contains unique Card IDs tied to a student’s virtual credentials.

3. Once the file is processed, students can use their virtual card at Penji Kiosks, just like a physical ID.

4. Virtual Cards work for both Drop-Ins and Events.

No changes are required on the student side beyond using their virtual ID at the kiosk.

What Is the cards.csv File?

The cards.csv file links a Penji user to a virtual card identifier issued by your institution.

What the File Contains

• A way to identify the user (such as email or user ID)

• A Card ID associated with the student’s virtual credential
  (e.g., a card stored on an Apple Watch or Android device)

Penji does not generate Card IDs, these must come from your institution’s ID system.

Supported Use Cases

Virtual Cards can be used anywhere Kiosk check-ins are enabled, including:

• Drop-In services

• Event attendance

• Study groups or workshops

• Centers transitioning away from physical ID cards

Physical cards and virtual cards can coexist if needed.

Important Notes

• The student must already exist in Penji (via your normal student import).

• Each Card ID must be unique to one user.

• Any updates or changes to virtual cards require updating the cards.csv file.

• Virtual Cards are supported only at Kiosks (not manual check-ins).

Is This a Good Fit for Your Institution?

Virtual Cards are a great option if your institution:

• is transitioning to mobile or digital IDs

• no longer issues physical student cards

• wants flexible check-in options for students

If you think this feature could be a good fit, we’d love to help you get started.

Contact Penji Support: [e-mail]