Venmo Unveils Big 12 Debit Cards: A Game-Changer for College Students and Fans

On July 8, 2025, Venmo, a prominent social payments platform under PayPal Holdings Inc., announced the launch of its new Big 12 Conference and school-branded debit cards. This initiative is designed to cater to students, alumni, and fans from participating universities within the Big 12 Conference, allowing them to showcase their school pride while earning rewards on their everyday purchases.

The Big 12 Conference and school-branded Venmo Debit Mastercard offers an enticing 15% cash back on everyday transactions made both in-store and online. This feature enables cardholders to maximize their spending power, whether they're grabbing coffee, shopping for apparel, or buying game-day snacks.

Cardholders will have access to limited-time 15% cashback offers from a selection of their favorite brands directly through the Venmo app. Additionally, throughout the 2025-26 school year, users can anticipate exclusive perks, including ticket giveaways and gameday upgrades, making this offering not merely a financial tool but an integral part of the collegiate experience.

Geoff Seeley, Chief Marketing Officer of PayPal, emphasized the company's deep-rooted connection to college campuses, stating, “We're not just putting logos on debit cards – we're creating experiences rooted in the passion and community of college sports so people can feel closer to their schools.”

In a significant move, Venmo has also announced partnerships with prominent Big 12 student-athletes—NiJaree Canady, Olivia Miles, and Sam Leavitt—who will serve as brand ambassadors for the debit cards throughout the 2025-26 school year. These partnerships will not only showcase the benefits of the Venmo Debit Card but also allow athletes to receive a portion of their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments directly into their Venmo accounts.

The student-athletes expressed their enthusiasm for this collaboration, highlighting its impact on personal financial empowerment. NiJaree Canady, a Texas Tech softball pitcher, remarked on the significance of paving the way for future female athletes, while Olivia Miles, a guard for TCU, noted that the partnership allows her to take ownership of her financial journey. Sam Leavitt, a quarterback for Arizona State, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the freedom to utilize his NIL funds in meaningful ways.

The Big 12 Conference and school-branded Venmo Debit Cards will be available for sign-up and virtual access starting August 11, 2025, with physical cards expected to ship in September. Students, athletes, alumni, and fans from universities such as Arizona, Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah, and West Virginia can look forward to this exciting new offering.

Later today, the Big 12 College Football Media Day will feature a discussion led by Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner, alongside Geoff Seeley and the student-athletes. They will delve into a new revenue-sharing agreement that aims to enhance the financial benefits for student-athletes, marking a pivotal moment in collegiate athletics.

The introduction of the Big 12 Conference and school-branded Venmo Debit Cards signifies a forward-thinking approach to college sports, blending financial empowerment with school spirit. As Venmo continues to innovate in the realm of payments, this initiative stands to transform how students and fans engage with their universities and manage their finances. With the backing of influential student-athletes and exclusive rewards, Venmo is poised to further entrench itself as a vital tool for the next generation.