Back-to-School Guide: How Parents Can Settle Fees Digitally

Equity

As schools reopen after the holidays, parents and guardians are once again juggling school fees, uniforms, books and daily student expenses—often under tight timelines and tighter budgets.

One of the biggest challenges at the start of term remains paying school fees, with long queues at bursars’ offices still common in many schools.

Yet as cash use declines and digital payments expand, parents now have more options to settle school-related expenses quickly and securely—without spending hours in line.

1. Pay School Fees Without Visiting the School

Many schools now accept fees through till numbers or bank-linked mobile platforms, allowing parents to pay directly from their phones. This approach eliminates travel time and reduces the risk of carrying large amounts of cash.

Banks such as Equity have integrated school fee payments into their mobile apps, USSD services and online banking platforms, enabling parents to complete transactions remotely and receive instant confirmations for their records.

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2. Use Cards for Back-to-School Shopping

From uniforms and textbooks to transport and stationery, debit and credit cards are increasingly accepted by retailers across the country.

Card payments allow parents to track spending, avoid cash shortages and shop both in-store and online with ease. Equity-issued cards, which are widely accepted across the country, enable parents to make secure payments and reduce the need to withdraw cash during the busy school-opening period.

3. Simplify Pocket Money for Students

Managing daily pocket money is another challenge for parents, particularly for students who commute or stay in boarding schools.

Prepaid cards offer a controlled alternative to cash, allowing parents to load specific amounts and monitor usage.

Some banks, including Equity, offer prepaid card options that do not require a linked bank account, making them suitable for students while giving parents oversight and peace of mind.

4. Send Money Quickly When Needed

Mobile and SIM-based banking services allow parents to send money instantly for emergencies such as transport or meals.

Transfers between family members can be completed in seconds, helping students avoid disruptions during the school term.

5. Keep Transactions Secure

As digital payments increase, parents are advised to remain vigilant. Banks recommend keeping PINs private, avoiding public Wi-Fi when transacting, regularly reviewing account statements and activating transaction alerts.

As the new school term begins, digital payment options are offering parents a practical way to manage fees and school expenses efficiently.

Parents using platforms such as the Equity mobile app, USSD (*247#) or online banking can transfer fees directly to a school’s till number and receive instant confirmation, which can be shared with the school where required.

With the right tools and precautions, settling school fees no longer has to mean long queues or last-minute pressure