OUR OPINION: C-stores, cafeterias, parking lots and all other retail or convenience establishments on campus should accept credit and debit cards, which will benefit both University businesses and students.

According to Ronnie Wright, the assistant director for finance in the Transportation Department, students use credit card payments substantially more than cash in the parking decks that have an option.

Using credit cards is logical considering the hassle of carrying cash, visiting the ATM and the chance of getting mugged on campus.

Because of this, the visitor portion of the Dan Allen Parking Deck will only be accessible with credit card payments.

This will save visitors money because they will only have to pay for the time they park and not any overage that a cash-and-change system allows.

This is a step in the right direction. Every establishment on campus, especially retailers such as C-Stores and cafeterias, should accept credit and debit cards.

From a student’s standpoint, it would be much more convenient and, in many cases, safer because they won’t be required to carry cash or visit the ATM in the dark.

The University should be very attracted to this idea for multiple reasons.

First off, it will dramatically increase business. Countless students walk by C-stores everyday with empty wallets wishing they could stop for refreshments, but can’t use their credit or debit card.

After all, this is the 21st century and besides the rare Mom-and-Pop establishment on the corner, every retail store accepts plastic.

Four years ago you couldn’t go to the McDonald’s or Wendy’s on Western Boulevard without cash; now you slide the card yourself in front of the register. Bojangles was a revelation.

It’s about time the University gets with the program. However, this isn’t a blind request.

We understand it will have to pay to offer credit and debit payment options to students in these locations.

This doesn’t mean students should incur the extra costs. The increased retail traffic from students who don’t carry cash will offset the fees paid to credit card companies by N.C. State.

It’s hard to see a downside to this besides the initial setup costs of putting credit card-ready equipment all over campus, but the juice is worth the squeeze.

This is a win-win situation. All it requires is a little preliminary work, and credit can be accepted all over campus.

Accepting credit card payments on campus is a chance for the University to make student life better without bending over backward.