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Frequently Asked Questions

What is GiftofCollege.com?

GiftofCollege.com is a gift registry for 529 college savings plans and student loan accounts that lets friends, family and companies contribute online and with Gift of College© Gift Cards.

How can I get started?

Create a Gift of College profile on GiftofCollege.com. Connect the profile to your existing 529 college savings plan or student loan account. Then share your profile, and encourage your friends and family to contribute during important gift giving occasions.

How do I register my college savings plan or student loan account?

Go to our registration page at GiftofCollege.com and fill out our secure registration form.

Why don't I see my 529 college savings plan or student loan provider?

Though it is our goal to work with all plans/providers, there are a handful that we currently do not. If your 529 college savings plan or student loan provider is not on our list and you would like to have it added, please contact us at customerservice@giftofcollege.com

How do I know my gifts are going to the right place?

Gift of College© verifies all registered plans before gifts are accepted. Members can track their gifts on this website. Gifts will also be visible on investment plan statements and show up as Gift of College Inc.

How safe is my personal information?

GiftofCollege.com uses a 256-byte encryption coding certificate (SSL Certificate), which prevents hackers from viewing your personal information. Your information is always secure on our web site.

Can GiftofCollege access the money in a registered account?

No. Once gifts are initiated, Gift of College© transfers gifts to the designated 529 college savings plan or student loan account.

If I give a gift, can I get a refund?

No. Once you initiate a gift, the redemption funds are processed immediately and routed to the designated 529 college savings plan or student loan account. Gift of College© cannot access any redemption funds and all gifts are final.

Could my gift be rejected?

This happens rarely, and in these cases, Gift of College© immediately notifies the registered member and issues a full refund.

How long do gifts take to get to the 529 college savings plan or student loan account?

Gift contributions take up to 14 business days before being credited to the designated account.

Can I use Gift of College© if I don’t have a 529 college savings plan or student loan account myself?

Yes. You can view and make gift contributions to 529 college savings plans or student loan accounts.

Does it cost anything to register an account?

It is free to create a profile and link a 529 plan or student loan account to it. There is no charge to the gift recipient as a member. However, gift-givers contributing to a profile are assessed a 5% processing/service fee (capped at $15) per transaction. This fee covers costs associated with this gifting platform.

Are there fees to use GiftofCollege.com?

It is free to create a profile and connect a 529 plan or student loan account. There is no charge to the gift recipient as a member. Gift givers contributing to a member profile using a credit card are assessed a 5% processing/service fee (capped at $15) per transaction.
Gift cards can be purchased online from $25-$200.

The purchase charge is as follows:

$3.95 for a $25+ gift card
$4.95 for a $50+ gift card
$5.95 for a $100+ gift card

The purchase charge is paid by the gift giver and the gift recipient receives the full value of the gift card.

How do I remove my savings plan from GiftofCollege.com?

While registered savings plans are permanently attached to your account, you can uncheck the “Active” box in Account Manager/Savings Plans to make your profile invisible to viewers. You can also “Edit” your plan in the same location.

I have additional questions.

Sorry about that. Please contact us at customerservice@giftofcollege.com with your questions and we will promptly respond with an answer. If you’d like to learn the basics about 529 Plans check out our new What is a 529? booklet at https://giftofcollege.com/saving-with-a-529/

How much can I gift to the account of an individual who has established a Gift of College© profile?

Gift givers can gift from $25-$500 per transaction. Gift givers are assessed a 5% processing/service (capped at $15) fee per transaction. This fee covers costs associated with this service.

Can I purchase gift cards at GiftofCollege.com?

Yes. Gift cards are available online for purchase from $25-$200. Buy now
The purchase charge is as follows:
$3.95 for a $25+ gift card
$4.95 for a $50+ gift card
$5.95 for a $100+ gift card

How do I redeem a Gift of College© Gift Card?

If you already have a Gift of College© Account:
Visit GiftofCollege.com and log into your existing profile or sign up to create a profile.
On the Member Profile page, select “Redeem Gift Card” and enter the Gift Code.

New to GiftofCollege.com? Follow these steps to get started.
1. Visit GiftofCollege.com and create a Profile. It’s Free!
2. Select your preferred 529 Savings Plan or existing Student Loan provider.
3. Connect the account to your GiftofCollege.com profile.
4. On the Member Profile page, select “Redeem Gift Card” and enter the Gift Code.

Who qualifies for a state tax benefit when a contribution is made through Gift of College©?

529 program and tax rules vary by state. Consult your 529 plan and/or tax advisor for guidance.