You’ve been accepted to study abroad. You’ve found housing. Now comes a challenge many international students don’t expect: sending a large deposit overseas from the U.S.
Wire transfer forms can feel confusing. Fees can add up. Exchange rates can change. Deadlines can come quickly. And there’s always the worry: am I sending money to a legitimate landlord, or could this be a scam?
This guide walks you through how to pay a student housing deposit internationally. You’ll learn common payment methods, how to compare costs, and what to do before sending any money. Whether you’re heading to the UK, Australia, Canada, or somewhere else, these tips can help you pay your deposit more confidently and securely.
What is a student housing deposit (and why is it required)?
A student housing deposit (sometimes called a security deposit or tenancy deposit) is money you pay upfront to secure your accommodation. Landlords and housing providers typically require this payment to help cover potential damages or unpaid rent, depending on the terms of your agreement.
Deposit amounts vary by region and provider. Examples may include:
- United Kingdom: Often around one to two months’ rent
- Australia: Often around four to six weeks’ rent
- Canada: Often one month’s rent or a portion of one month’s rent
- European Union: Often one to three months’ rent depending on the country
Deposits are commonly due shortly after you accept an offer. Some providers may require payment before arrival, while others allow payment closer to move-in. Always read your contract and confirm your deadline in writing.
Refund policies also vary. In some places, deposits must be held in a protected or regulated scheme and returned within a set timeframe after move-out, minus any deductions allowed under the contract. If your visa application is denied before you arrive, refund policies differ widely, so it’s important to confirm your options in writing.
It’s also helpful to distinguish between different upfront payments:
- Holding fee: May reserve your spot while paperwork is finalized and may be non-refundable.
- First month’s rent: Separate from the deposit.
- Deposit: Typically held to cover potential damages or unpaid rent, per your agreement.
Before you send money: 5 critical checks
Before you pay, consider completing the following checks to reduce risk and avoid common problems.
1) Verify the landlord or housing provider
Confirm that the person or company requesting payment is legitimate. If you’re renting through your university, ask the housing office whether the provider is recognized. For private rentals, look for reviews, verify business details where possible, and ask for references if appropriate.
2) Confirm payment instructions in writing
Ask for written confirmation of:
- Exact deposit amount
- Recipient name and bank details (or official payment link)
- Payment deadline
- Accepted payment methods
Avoid relying on verbal instructions for large transfers.
3) Ask about refund policy in case of visa denial
Ask what happens if you can’t obtain a visa. If possible, request the policy (or a visa-related clause) in writing before sending money.
4) Understand currency and exchange rate implications
Confirm which currency you must pay in and how the exchange rate will be applied. Exchange rates can change daily, and different services may apply different conversion rates and fees.
5) Check deadlines and processing times
International payments can take from minutes to several business days depending on the method. Weekends and holidays can also delay processing. If your deadline is tight, choose a method with faster delivery and tracking where possible.
Payment methods explained (pros, cons, and typical costs)
Your best option depends on cost, speed, and the type of housing provider you’re paying. Always confirm what methods the recipient accepts before you initiate a transfer.
A) International wire transfer (bank-to-bank)
A wire transfer sends money from your U.S. bank to the recipient’s bank overseas.
- How it works: You provide recipient banking details such as account number and routing details (for example, an IBAN or SWIFT/BIC, depending on the country).
- Typical fees: Many banks charge an outgoing wire fee. Intermediary and receiving bank fees may also apply depending on routing.
- Exchange rate: Banks may include a markup in their offered exchange rate, which can materially affect the total cost.
- Processing time: Often 1–3 business days, but timing varies.
- When it can make sense: When a landlord only accepts bank transfer or when you need formal bank documentation.
B) Online international payment platforms
There are online services that may offer international transfers with upfront rate and fee visibility. Examples sometimes used for international payments include Wise, Flywire, and Western Union.
- Rate visibility: Many services display the exchange rate and fees before you confirm.
- Speed: Delivery times range from minutes to a few business days depending on the service and funding method.
- Fees: Some fees are flat while others are percentage-based. Faster delivery options may cost more.
- Security: Use only official websites/apps, and verify recipient details carefully.
Note: Any mention of services here is for general informational purposes only. Availability, fees, and features can change and vary by country and payment method.
C) Credit or debit card payments
Some housing providers accept card payments through their website or payment portal.
- Fees: Your card may charge foreign transaction fees, and some providers charge card processing fees.
- Dispute rights: Credit cards may offer dispute/chargeback processes depending on your issuer and circumstances.
- Where it’s common: University housing portals and large property managers are more likely to accept cards than individual landlords.
D) University housing portals
If you’re paying through an official university housing system, it can be one of the safer options because the institution may verify housing providers and use established payment processors.
Many university portals also support international payment options designed for student payments. Confirm the university’s official process with your housing office before paying.
Example cost comparison: what to calculate before you send
Instead of focusing only on a transfer fee, consider the total cost, which may include:
- Transfer fee (outgoing fee)
- Exchange-rate margin (the difference between the service’s rate and the market rate)
- Intermediary bank fees (for some wire transfers)
- Receiving fees (charged by the recipient’s bank or provider)
- Card foreign transaction fees (if paying by card)
Small differences in fees or exchange rates can add up on larger deposits. When comparing methods, try to estimate both:
- Total you pay (USD)
- Total the recipient receives (in the destination currency)
Tip: If the housing provider requires an exact amount in the destination currency, ask whether you should send extra to cover potential bank charges deducted on arrival.
How to avoid scams when paying from abroad
International students are often targeted by housing scams. Watch for warning signs and verify carefully before sending money.
Common red flags
- High-pressure tactics: Demands to pay immediately or threats to “lose the room” if you don’t pay the same day.
- Unusual payment requests: Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash pickup when that’s not a standard method for the provider.
- Name mismatches: The account holder name doesn’t match the landlord, company, or signed agreement.
Ways to verify
- University confirmation: Ask your school’s housing or international student office if they can help verify the provider or listing.
- Signed agreement: Review a signed lease/tenancy agreement before paying.
- Live walkthrough: Request a live video tour rather than relying on photos.
If you suspect fraud
- Stop sending money and pause communication.
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to ask about options.
- Notify your university’s housing office if the listing was shared through student channels.
- In the U.S., you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If something feels off, it’s usually worth slowing down and getting a second opinion before transferring funds.
How long international payments take (and how to plan)
Timing matters when you have a deposit deadline. Delivery times can vary based on the method, country, and bank/payment network.
- Bank wire transfer: Often 1–3 business days
- Online transfer services: Sometimes minutes to a few business days
- Cash pickup networks: Can be fast, but only use these if the provider is legitimate and the method is standard
- Card payments: Often immediate authorization, but settlement timing can vary
Weekends and holidays: Banks may not process transfers on weekends and holidays in either country, so build in extra time.
If a payment is delayed: Contact the provider to track it, share proof of payment with your housing provider, and request an extension if needed.
What happens if your visa is denied?
Visa outcomes can affect whether you can move in. Deposit refund policies vary by country, provider, and contract terms.
Before paying, consider:
- Requesting a written clause describing what happens in the event of visa denial
- Keeping copies of all documents and receipts
- Asking what documentation is required for a refund request (for example, an official visa decision letter)
If your agreement does not address visa denial, you can still ask for a refund or partial refund, but the outcome depends on the provider and local rules.
Currency strategy: when should you convert?
Exchange rates move constantly, which can change your total cost in USD.
- Why timing matters: Even small rate changes can have a noticeable impact on larger deposits.
- Locking a rate: Some services offer ways to lock in an exchange rate for a period of time, depending on the provider and corridor.
- A practical approach: For most students, it may be safer to prioritize verified details and meeting deadlines over trying to “time” the market.
Step-by-step checklist: paying your housing deposit more safely
- Verify the landlord or university channel through official sources.
- Confirm the amount, currency, and deadline in writing.
- Compare payment methods by total cost (fees plus exchange rate), speed, and protections.
- Check whether intermediary or receiving fees may apply.
- If the amount is large and the provider allows it, consider a small test transfer first.
- Save confirmations, receipts, reference numbers, and key emails.
- Confirm the recipient received the correct amount.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay from a U.S. savings account?
Often yes, but some savings accounts have transfer limits or restrictions. Check with your bank and move funds to a checking account if needed.
Will my bank block large international transfers?
Possibly. Banks may flag unusual transfers for fraud prevention. If you expect to send a large amount, contacting your bank in advance may help avoid delays.
Is PayPal safe for housing deposits?
It can work for some payments, but not all landlords accept it. Fees and exchange rates vary by transaction type and location. Consider it only if it’s an established method for your provider and you understand the total cost.
Can someone else pay on my behalf?
Often yes, but confirm whether the provider requires the tenant’s name in the payment reference. Make sure the sender includes your name and any required reference details.
What documentation should I keep?
Save transfer confirmations, receipts, email correspondence, signed agreements, and any verification steps you completed. Keep both digital and printed copies when possible.
Choose security and transparency over speed
Paying a housing deposit internationally takes planning, but careful steps can help you reduce risk and avoid costly mistakes.
Verify the provider through official channels, confirm details in writing, and compare methods by total cost and delivery time. Keep records of every step so you have proof if anything is delayed or disputed.
Whenever possible, plan ahead so you have time to verify details and complete the transfer before your deadline.
For more guidance, your university’s international student office may offer country-specific resources on housing, banking, and budgeting abroad.