6 Ways to Send Your College Kid Money

It’s the most common question we get asked by parents during orientation:  

“How do I get money to my college student?" 

Knowing the answer before the emotions of move-in will make your life (and your student’s) so much easier.  

This is the way 

Here’s how to send your kid money – and absolutely none of these involve a check in the mail (because that’s so old-school): 

1. Zelle®. Fast, easy and free to use through your UW Credit Union account – Zelle® is a common way to send money to students. Even if they bank somewhere different than you do¹ in the U.S., you can send money to your student by using their email address or U.S. mobile phone number. Note there is a daily limit of $3,500 and a 30-day limit of $10,000. 
2. Link external accounts. If you and your student have accounts at different financial institutions, you can link the two digitally and set up for one-time or recurring transfers, which happen in four days or less. There is an option to expedite the transfer for a small fee. 
3. Transfer between accounts. If you are a joint accountholder on your student’s account and also a member, you can transfer money between accounts for free. 
4. Paying bills directly. You may choose to pay some of your student’s bills directly from your own account (i.e. tuition, credit card). 
5. Cash advance with VISA® card. This option might be advantageous if you’re moving money from international accounts but it can involve fees³.
6. Domestic & international wire transfers. Send money within the U.S. within 24 hours, or to foreign bank accounts within seven business days, for a fee.  

Questions to answer together   

Before your student leaves for school, take time to go over expectations and boundaries together.  

• Who is paying for what (tuition, living expenses, etc.)? 
• Are you giving them ongoing financial help or emergency-only? 
• Will you send a set amount at a set time (i.e. beginning of the month) or as needed? 
• What’s okay to ask for help with and how will you do that? 
• What happens when plans change mid-semester? 

Setting expectations ahead of time can help prevent stress, avoid last-minute panic and allow students to build their independence gradually.  

It’s also a great time to review basic financial tips every college student can use (and parents should be aware of).  

Encourage their independence but remind them they can lean on you for help, too.  

When things don’t go as expected 

Surprise expenses happen: 

• Apartment deposits needed ASAP 
• Medical copays 
• Travel home on short notice 

UW Credit Union has branch locations on or near many Wisconsin campuses. We are always here as a resource when your student has an unexpected situation crop up – or if they just want to talk to someone in person about anything.  

Give each other grace 

This is a transition period for everyone. Remind your student (and yourself!): 

• Mistakes will be made.  
• Getting help is not failure. 
• Independence is a gradual process. 
• Learning to ask thoughtful money questions is a life skill. 

We’re here to help – whether that’s financial education, a local expert available to answer your money questions or providing a roll of quarters for laundry night. Count on us to be here for every you.  

Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, and are used herein under license. 

¹U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes. 

³APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates are subject to change. APR varies with the market; the following APR ranges are current as of 1/26/26: Visa Credit Card: 12.65% - 24.00%; Visa Rewards Credit Card: 15.25% - 26.60%; Visa Signature Rewards Card: 18.91% - 27.00%. View the complete Application & Solicitation Disclosure.