Skip to main content

Information for Businesses

Hundreds of businesses participate in the free Wildcard Advantage program, which provides special discounts and offers for Northwestern-issued ID Card holders.

Benefits of the Wildcard Advantage program

  • The University's 23,000 students, faculty, staff, spouses/partners, and contracted workers are given increased exposure to your business.
  • Your discount will be listed for free on the Wildcard website, which will include a link to your website.
  • Complimentary window sticker to publicize your participation in the program.

Identifying a Northwestern-issued ID Card

There are multiple versions of Northwestern-issued ID Cards, which you may see when students, faculty, staff, spouses/partners, part-time/temporary employees, or contracted workers use your discount. View images of the different types of cards.

Requirements and Application for Businesses

Please note: Any new applicants – including online businesses – must have a local storefront in close proximity to either the Evanston or Chicago campus, including the Medill Chicago Newsroom at 303 East Upper Wacker Drive.

  • Your discount must be specified in the listing
  • Your staff must be notified of the discount
  • View the Northwestern-issued ID card of any Northwestern student, faculty, staff, spouse/partner, or contracted worker using the discount at time of payment or offer
  • Keep your listing current and let us know of any changes to your listing

How to Join

Please submit our Wildcard Advantage Application Form. We will review your application and be in touch within 1-2 business days.

Disclaimers

  • We reserve the right to deny applications.
  • The Wildcard Advantage Program is for the personal use of Northwestern faculty, staff, students, spouses/partners, part-time/temporary employees, and contracted workers with a valid Northwestern-issued ID card. The University is not responsible for transactions and/or disputes resulting from the use of its website and does not promote or endorse any specific business listed.
  • Businesses provide all of the information for their individual listings and are responsible for informing us of any listing changes.
  • There is no binding legal agreement or participation fee. You may opt out of the program at any time.
  • Northwestern does not subsidize any discounts offered by any participating Wildcard Advantage business. 
  • A business's participation in the Wildcard Advantage program does not constitute or create a contract or an agent relationship between the business and Northwestern. Participation in the program is separate and distinct from a Preferred Vendor contract with Northwestern's Procurement and Payment Services.

Contact Wildcard Advantage

For information specific to the Wildcard Advantage program, please email wildcardadv@northwestern.edu.