In order to receive a payment of your financial aid, you will need to create a BankMobile profile. BankMobile is a fully online bank MiraCosta has partnered with in order to disburse money to students as quickly as possible. See below for more information on your options for receiving your funds:
Students can change their preference on BankMobile anytime but we recommend students to stick to one preference to prevent any delays with their disbursements.
BankMobile Options
BankMobile has two refund preference options. “Refund Preference” means how you would like to receive your disbursements.
Option1: Set up Direct Deposit through BankMobile
- To set up direct deposit to your personal bank account, you will need your account and routing number.
- If you select this option typically your funds are received within 1-2 business days after the disbursement date (or longer, depending on your banking institution).
- This option does not require students to pay BankMobile standard banking fees. However, your bank may have their own standard banking fees.
Option 2: Open a BankMobile Bank Account
- When you create a BankMobile account you will receive a BankMobile debit card.
- If you select this option funds are deposited the same day they are disbursed with no delays.
- Funds are disbursed on Fridays.
- Sometimes, the funds might not show in your bank account until later in the day, so don't worry if they don't appear right away.
Disclaimer: BankMobile may have standard banking fees.
How to Set Up a BankMobile Profile
- Log in to your SURF account.
- Navigate to the Tasks tile and ensure you are on the To-Do List section.
- Click on the BankMobile tab.
- Follow the guided prompts to set up your BankMobile account and choose your refund selection.
If you do not have BankMobile on your To-Do list, see “Returning Students” below for more information.
You will need access to a mobile phone that can receive text messages. BankMobile will send a one-time passcode (OTP) by text message to verify your identity during the setup process.
If the mobile phone number on file is incorrect, or if you enter a different phone number during setup, BankMobile may require additional identity verification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a selfie.
Returning Students
If you are returning to MiraCosta College after a period of time of no enrollment, there is a high chance that your BankMobile profile has been deactivated.
If you previously had a BankMobile Profile
Go to bankmobilevibe.com and log in. If you do not remember your username and profile, you can reset it by selecting “forgot login information”. If you have trouble resetting your information, please contact BankMobile.
If you have never set up a BankMobile Profile
Please contact the Welcome Center to get more information about how to activate your BankMobile profile.
If you encounter difficulties setting up your BankMobile profile, please reach out to the Welcome Center at 760.795.6620 or MCCFinAid@miracosta.edu.
BankMobile FAQs
Do I have to open a BankMobile account?
No, you are not required to open a BankMobile checking account. However, you will need to create a BankMobile profile to select your refund preference. You can choose to have funds deposited into your personal bank account instead. First-time college students or students receiving aid for the first time will receive an email from BankMobile usually 1-2 weeks before the first day of school.
Can I receive a check instead of a direct deposit?
- Students cannot select a check as a refund preference.
- Students can receive it if they are having difficulties with BankMobile but it will take longer to receive it. BankMobile will only issue a check for a student after 21 days of a disbursement being processed and no refund preference was selected
- To avoid delays, ensure your address on file is correct.
How can I update my refund preference?
- Log in to your BankMobile account at www.bankmobilevibe.com.
- Navigate to Refund Preferences and select "Update Preference."
- Make your new selection. Changes apply to future disbursements only.
How long does it take to receive a debit card or check?
- Debit card: Approximately 14 days after account setup.
- Check: Mailed 21 days after disbursement if no refund preference is selected.
Mobile Phone Verification
Students must verify their identity using a mobile phone number that can receive text messages.
If the phone number on file is correct:
- BankMobile will send a one-time passcode (OTP) by text message.
- Enter the code to continue setting up your refund preference.
If the phone number on file is missing or incorrect:
- You will be asked to provide a mobile phone number.
- BankMobile may require additional identity verification, including a government-issued photo ID and a selfie.
If you do not have a mobile phone that can receive text messages:
- Electronic deposit options will not be available.
- Paper check may be your only refund delivery option.
Each student should use their own unique mobile phone number. Using a phone number associated with multiple student accounts may cause delays or restrictions on your profile.
Troubleshooting Address Issues
In order for BankMobile to create a profile for you, they will need to verify that your address is valid. If your address or the format of your address is incorrect, you will not be able to set up a BankMobile profile. This may cause disbursement delays.
- Ensure the address provided in your SURF account is accurate and USPS deliverable (no P.O. Boxes).
- If the address on file is incorrect, update it in your Surf.
- For students who have an address on a military base, your address may not be accepted by BankMobile. If this is the case, please use another address.
Contact the Welcome Center for more assistance.
How can I contact a BankMobile Customer Service?
- Customer Care by Phone: 877.327.9515 from 8AM - 11PM (EST) 7 Days a Week
- Automated Service Line: Available 24 hours a day
