# Backpack Help Center

> What can we help you with today?

## Getting Started with Backpack

- [What is a 529 Plan?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11729602-what-is-a-529-plan.md): Learn what a 529 plan is, how Backpack helps you use it for tuition, and why prepaid plans aren’t supported.
- [Do I need a Backpack account if I have a Prepaid Tuition Plan?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/15861690-do-i-need-a-backpack-account-if-i-have-a-prepaid-tuition-plan.md): Prepaid Tuition Plans work differently than 529 Investment Plans and usually don't require a Backpack account. Here's how to pay your university instead.
- [What is a Direct Pay 529 Plan?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/15861707-what-is-a-direct-pay-529-plan.md): Some 529 plans are able to pay your university electronically through their own portal, no Backpack account needed. Learn how to tell if your plan supports Direct Pay.
- [How Your Backpack Account Works \(From 529 Plan to Tuition Payment\)](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/12543413-how-your-backpack-account-works-from-529-plan-to-tuition-payment.md)
- [Common 529 and Backpack Terms Explained](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/12549549-common-529-and-backpack-terms-explained.md)
- [Why do I need to create a Backpack account, I already have a 529?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955778-why-do-i-need-to-create-a-backpack-account-i-already-have-a-529.md)
- [Who should sign up and create the Backpack account?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11742922-who-should-sign-up-and-create-the-backpack-account.md): The Owner of the 529 College Savings Plan should create the Backpack account whenever possible.
- [Whose information should I enter when signing up?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11742899-whose-information-should-i-enter-when-signing-up.md): Use your info when signing up. For some 529 plans, the plan owner must create the account. Student and 529 beneficiary must match.
- [What information will I need to create a Backpack account?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955784-what-information-will-i-need-to-create-a-backpack-account.md)
- [Why do I need to provide my SSN and is it secure?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955790-why-do-i-need-to-provide-my-ssn-and-is-it-secure.md)
- [How do I create an account?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8568912-how-do-i-create-an-account.md): Don't have a Backpack account yet? We'll walk your through the signup process.
- [What Financial Advisors need to know](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11699417-what-financial-advisors-need-to-know.md): Guide for financial advisors - what you need to now about Backpack and how to use 529 funds to pay tuition electronically
- [Does Backpack work with Prepaid plans?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11731145-does-backpack-work-with-prepaid-plans.md): Backpack is not compatible with prepaid 529 plans
- [Why Isn't My Student ID Being Accepted?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/15863105-why-isn-t-my-student-id-being-accepted.md): Why student ID numbers sometimes get rejected, and where to find the correct one for your school.
- [Selecting the Correct 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/15876493-selecting-the-correct-529-plan.md): Not sure what to enter for your 529 plan, or don't see it listed? Learn how to find your correct plan name, how to navigate your advisor or firm managed plan, and how to connect and pay if your pla...

## Linking Your 529 Plan

- [How do I link to my 529 and withdraw?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9306815-how-do-i-link-to-my-529-and-withdraw.md): Adding your Backpack account as a new bank or financial institution so that you can withdraw your 529 funds to your Backpack account
- [How to find your Fidelity 529 account & routing number?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10187405-how-to-find-your-fidelity-529-account-routing-number.md): Backpack supports direct debiting your Fidelity 529 Plan. Here's how to find your Fidelity account & routing to enable direct debits.
- [How to Link an Additional 529 Plan to Your Backpack Account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9627817-how-to-link-an-additional-529-plan-to-your-backpack-account.md): Easily link multiple 529 Plans to your Backpack account using the same account and routing numbers.
- [What do I enter for the Bank Account Name when linking my 529 plan?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11735097-what-do-i-enter-for-the-bank-account-name-when-linking-my-529-plan.md): Enter the Backpack account owner’s name when asked for the bank account name.
- [How do I confirm my 529 plan is linked to Backpack?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11748297-how-do-i-confirm-my-529-plan-is-linked-to-backpack.md): To confirm your 529 is linked, here's how to check your 529 plan's bank information
- [Having issues linking your 529 Plan or it is still verifying?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11730093-having-issues-linking-your-529-plan-or-it-is-still-verifying.md)
- [Plaid Verification of a Backpack account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11779072-plaid-verification-of-a-backpack-account.md)
- [How to add funds to your Backpack account without linking](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11771525-how-to-add-funds-to-your-backpack-account-without-linking.md): Add funds to your Backpack account without linking a 529—just use your personal bank account via the “Add Money” flow
- [Common 529 Provider Timelines and What to Expect](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/12549543-common-529-provider-timelines-and-what-to-expect.md)
- [529 Linking and Withdrawing - Ascensus plans](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10087888-529-linking-and-withdrawing-ascensus-plans.md)
- [Backpack: Demo Videos](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11786311-backpack-demo-videos.md): Providing with interactive demo videos of Backpack’s system, including creating an account, linking a 529 and making a tuition payment.
- [CollegeAmerica 529 by Capital Group American Funds](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9457879-collegeamerica-529-by-capital-group-american-funds.md): How to link & add your Backpack account to your CollegeAmerica 529
- [Florida Investment 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9508611-florida-investment-529-plan.md)
- [Texas College Savings 529](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9512097-texas-college-savings-529.md)
- [my529 Utah](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9586010-my529-utah.md)
- [Fidelity 529 Plans](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9701216-fidelity-529-plans.md)
- [USAA 529 by Victory Capital Management](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9949613-usaa-529-by-victory-capital-management.md)
- [VHEIP Vermont College Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10022978-vheip-vermont-college-savings-plan.md)
- [Alaska 529 College Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10023170-alaska-529-college-savings-plan.md)
- [Mississippi Affordable College Savings Program \(MACS\)](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10023539-mississippi-affordable-college-savings-program-macs.md)
- [Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10023634-bloomwell-529-education-savings-plan.md)
- [Virginia529 College Savings Program](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9997541-virginia529-college-savings-program.md)
- [College Counts 529 - Alabama](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10023977-college-counts-529-alabama.md)
- [Stable Value Plus 529 College Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10024109-stable-value-plus-529-college-savings-plan.md)
- [Start Saving Program - Louisiana](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10030257-start-saving-program-louisiana.md)
- [NY's 529 College Savings Program](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10034119-ny-s-529-college-savings-program.md)
- [WA529 Invest - DreamAhead 529 College Investment Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10034257-wa529-invest-dreamahead-529-college-investment-plan.md)
- [Maryland 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10063684-maryland-529-plan.md)
- [College Invest 529 Smart Choice by FirstBank](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10083935-college-invest-529-smart-choice-by-firstbank.md)
- [NextGen 529 by Vestwell](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10087236-nextgen-529-by-vestwell.md)
- [NextGen 529 by Merrill Edge](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10087274-nextgen-529-by-merrill-edge.md)
- [Putnam 529 for America](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10087303-putnam-529-for-america.md)
- [NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10087340-njbest-529-college-savings-plan.md)
- [Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10087498-franklin-templeton-529-college-savings-plan.md)
- [Future Scholar](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10087574-future-scholar.md)
- [College Access 529](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10034716-college-access-529.md)
- [SMART 529 Select](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10087771-smart-529-select.md)
- [NEST 529 Education Savings](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10088344-nest-529-education-savings.md)
- [NC 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10088388-nc-529-plan.md)
- [Oregon College Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10088411-oregon-college-savings-plan.md)
- [Michigan 529 Advisor Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11689941-michigan-529-advisor-plan.md)
- [Merrill Lynch 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11715655-merrill-lynch-529-plan.md)
- [Bright Directions Advisor Guided 529](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11751821-bright-directions-advisor-guided-529.md): How to link using Plaid and withdraw from your Bright Directions 529
- [Vanguard 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11758833-vanguard-529-plan.md)
- [Edward Jones 529](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765120-edward-jones-529.md)
- [StateFarm 529](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765133-statefarm-529.md)
- [Indiana 529 Advisor Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765227-indiana-529-advisor-savings-plan.md)
- [LoneStar 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765248-lonestar-529-plan.md)
- [John Hancock Freedom 529 Educational Trust of Alaska](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765276-john-hancock-freedom-529-educational-trust-of-alaska.md)
- [The Hartford SMART529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765296-the-hartford-smart529-plan.md)
- [BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765331-blackrock-collegeadvantage-529.md)
- [Morgan Stanley 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765373-morgan-stanley-529-plan.md)
- [Wells Fargo 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765384-wells-fargo-529-plan.md)
- [UBS 529 Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765388-ubs-529-plan.md)
- [Navy Federal Credit Union](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11765396-navy-federal-credit-union.md)
- [ScholarShare College Savings Plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11889921-scholarshare-college-savings-plan.md)
- [Understanding Fidelity 529 Plan Types: Direct-Sold vs Advisor-Managed](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/13657242-understanding-fidelity-529-plan-types-direct-sold-vs-advisor-managed.md): When linking your Fidelity 529 plan to Backpack, it's important to know which type of plan you have. Fidelity offers some state 529 plans in two versions: direct-sold and advisor-managed.
- [What to do if your 529 plan asks for a voided check, bank letter, or bank statement](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/15503235-what-to-do-if-your-529-plan-asks-for-a-voided-check-bank-letter-or-bank-statement.md): You can download a bank letter from your settings tab

## Transferring & Withdrawing Funds

- [How do I withdraw my 529 funds to my Backpack account?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9683759-how-do-i-withdraw-my-529-funds-to-my-backpack-account.md): Learn how to easily transfer funds from your 529 account to your Backpack account
- [Withdrawing \(Add 529 funds\) to your Backpack Account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10355725-withdrawing-add-529-funds-to-your-backpack-account.md)
- [How long does it take for my funds to reach Backpack after withdrawing from my 529?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9657681-how-long-does-it-take-for-my-funds-to-reach-backpack-after-withdrawing-from-my-529.md)
- [I can't withdraw from my 529 Plan to my newly added Backpack Account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9627798-i-can-t-withdraw-from-my-529-plan-to-my-newly-added-backpack-account.md): Understanding the 15-Day Holding Period for some 529 Plans
- [I can’t wait out my 529's hold period, what can I do?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11742941-i-can-t-wait-out-my-529-s-hold-period-what-can-i-do.md)
- [Withdraw your College Counts 529 funds to Backpack](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11825341-withdraw-your-college-counts-529-funds-to-backpack.md): Withdrawing to your Backpack Account
- [What to Do With Extra Funds in Your Backpack Account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/13016018-what-to-do-with-extra-funds-in-your-backpack-account.md): Learn how to use leftover Backpack funds for future education expenses and how to re-contribute funds back to a 529 plan.
- [Can I use UTMA Funds with Backpack?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/13414920-can-i-use-utma-funds-with-backpack.md): Learn how to use Uniform Transfers to Minors Act \(UTMA\) accounts

## Making a Tuition Payment

- [How to Make a Tuition Payment with Backpack \(Step-by-Step Guide\)](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8568914-how-to-make-a-tuition-payment-with-backpack-step-by-step-guide.md)
- [Can I create a tuition payment before my 529 funds arrive?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/12549409-can-i-create-a-tuition-payment-before-my-529-funds-arrive.md)
- [How Pending Tuition Payments Work \(and Why You Should Set One Up Early\)](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/12571526-how-pending-tuition-payments-work-and-why-you-should-set-one-up-early.md)
- [When will my university receive my payment?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955845-when-will-my-university-receive-my-payment.md): As soon as your payment is completed in Backpack, your university is notified. Universities usually apply them in 1–2 business days.
- [When will my student’s enrollment status update?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955857-when-will-my-student-s-enrollment-status-update.md)
- [What is a Pending Tuition Payment?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9653610-what-is-a-pending-tuition-payment.md): Learn what a pending tuition payment is, how to find it on your Dashboard, and steps to ensure timely processing from your 529 plan.
- [Does Backpack send physical checks?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955859-does-backpack-send-physical-checks.md)
- [Is there a way to rush my payment?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955851-is-there-a-way-to-rush-my-payment.md)
- [How does Backpack know where to send my payment?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955839-how-does-backpack-know-where-to-send-my-payment.md)
- [University Payment Plans - How to use your Backpack account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11778537-university-payment-plans-how-to-use-your-backpack-account.md): You can use your Backpack account as a bank account when setting a payment plan through your school
- [How to Pay Tuition at a Non-Partnered University](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11427564-how-to-pay-tuition-at-a-non-partnered-university.md): If your school isn't one of Backpack's direct partners, don't worry — you can still use your Backpack account to make a tuition payment.
- [Payment option alternatives](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9985397-payment-option-alternatives.md): Waiting for your 529 Plan to verify your new Backpack account? Use these alternative 529 withdrawal options if you are in a hurry.
- [How to Cancel a Pending Payment in Backpack](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/12772377-how-to-cancel-a-pending-payment-in-backpack.md)
- [Can I use funds in my personal checking account to pay through Backpack?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/15235076-can-i-use-funds-in-my-personal-checking-account-to-pay-through-backpack.md): Learn how to pay through Backpack using funds already in your personal checking or savings account, including 529 funds that were previously transferred there.
- [How do I find what tuition amount to pay?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/15805583-how-do-i-find-what-tuition-amount-to-pay.md)

## Account Management

- [How do I login to my account?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8593994-how-do-i-login-to-my-account.md)
- [Why don’t I have a password?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955833-why-don-t-i-have-a-password.md)
- [How to find your Backpack Account and Routing Number](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9513483-how-to-find-your-backpack-account-and-routing-number.md): Need your Backpack account & routing number? Find them in 2 easy places!
- [Troubleshooting Common Sign-Up Issues](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8593998-troubleshooting-common-sign-up-issues.md)
- [How do I close my Backpack account?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11743014-how-do-i-close-my-backpack-account.md)
- [How can I change my personal or account information?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955816-how-can-i-change-my-personal-or-account-information.md)
- [Adding multiple students to your Backpack account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/12858900-adding-multiple-students-to-your-backpack-account.md): Learn how to add and manage multiple students under one Backpack account. Add up to five students, link unique 529 plans, and pay tuition separately, all from one dashboard.
- [How to update your student details and 529 plan](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/12844523-how-to-update-your-student-details-and-529-plan.md): Learn how to update your student’s name, student ID, or 529 plan directly from your Backpack account.

## Non-Tuition Expenses

- [Accidentally Paid for Education Expenses Out-of-Pocket?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/10126698-accidentally-paid-for-education-expenses-out-of-pocket.md): Reimburse yourself by making a withdrawal to your personal bank account
- [How do I make a purchase with my Backpack account?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8985878-how-do-i-make-a-purchase-with-my-backpack-account.md)
- [How to Shop Online with your Backpack Account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9390182-how-to-shop-online-with-your-backpack-account.md): You can shop on Amazon or anywhere PayPal is accepted using your 529 Funds in your Backpack Account
- [How to Shop on Amazon using your Backpack Account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9390241-how-to-shop-on-amazon-using-your-backpack-account.md): Learn how to add your Backpack Account as a payment method so that you can checkout and pay using your Backpack Account on Amazon.
- [How to Shop Online Using PayPal with Your Backpack Account](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9390245-how-to-shop-online-using-paypal-with-your-backpack-account.md)

## 529 Plan Guidance

- [What are qualified higher education expenses?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8568895-what-are-qualified-higher-education-expenses.md)
- [Can I pay for room and board all year long or only while my child is in school?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/9672130-can-i-pay-for-room-and-board-all-year-long-or-only-while-my-child-is-in-school.md): Learn how to use 529 funds to pay for your child's room and board throughout the year, as long as they are enrolled at least half-time.
- [Are there tax implications for using 529 funds with Backpack?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11751093-are-there-tax-implications-for-using-529-funds-with-backpack.md)
- [What do I do if I get a notice letter from the IRS about my 529 spend?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8846687-what-do-i-do-if-i-get-a-notice-letter-from-the-irs-about-my-529-spend.md): Find out how 529 Purchase Protection offers support and documentation in case of an IRS audit.
- [What if the IRS still imposes taxes or penalties?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8846688-what-if-the-irs-still-imposes-taxes-or-penalties.md): Understand the steps to claim reimbursement for taxes and penalties imposed by the IRS under the 529 Purchase Protection plan.
- [Who gets the 1099-Q statement for qualified withdrawals?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/13015519-who-gets-the-1099-q-statement-for-qualified-withdrawals.md)
- [Common Tax Questions for 529 Account Holders](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/13515844-common-tax-questions-for-529-account-holders.md): Common tax questions about 1099-Q and 1098-T forms for 529 account owners using Backpack.
- [How do I re-contribute funds from my Backpack account to my 529 plan?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/15422791-how-do-i-re-contribute-funds-from-my-backpack-account-to-my-529-plan.md): Learn how to re-contribute funds back to a 529 plan.

## Legal and Compliance

- [Is Backpack a bank?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955805-is-backpack-a-bank.md)
- [Who is OMB Bank?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11731662-who-is-omb-bank.md): OMB \(Old Missouri Bank\) is Backpack’s FDIC-insured partner that issues the checking account used to accept your 529 funds.
- [Are my funds safe with Backpack?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955801-are-my-funds-safe-with-backpack.md)
- [Are my funds FDIC insured?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955807-are-my-funds-fdic-insured.md)
- [Understanding Your Legal Relationship with Backpack](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11729773-understanding-your-legal-relationship-with-backpack.md): A guide to how Backpack handles your data, protects your rights, and stays compliant with financial regulations.
- [What happens if I don’t recognize a transaction?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8955808-what-happens-if-i-don-t-recognize-a-transaction.md)

## Contact Us

- [Does Backpack offer phone support?](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/11734631-does-backpack-offer-phone-support.md)
- [Contact the Backpack team](https://help.backpackpay.com/en/articles/8594013-contact-the-backpack-team.md)