How to deposit money into your student’s Optional Dining Account (ODA)

September 20, 2024
Categories: 49er ID, ODA Tags: 49er ID, ODA, Optional Dining Account
Image with text How to Guest Deposit to ODA

As a parent or family member, ensuring your college student has access to nutritious food options is essential. The Optional Dining Account (ODA) is a convenient way to supplement your student’s meal plan or provide funds for food on campus if your student doesn’t have a meal.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a guest deposit into your student’s ODA.

What is an Optional Dining Account?

The Optional Dining Account is available to all UNC Charlotte students. It allows them to purchase meals and snacks at various campus dining locations, including dining halls, popular restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s, markets and athletics concessions. This account can be especially helpful when a meal plan runs low or if your student doesn’t have a meal plan.

Advantages of the Optional Dining Account

One of the best features of the ODA is that any remaining funds roll over from semester to semester and from year to year, meaning your student won’t lose their balance when a new semester begins. Additionally, funds can be refunded if needed upon graduation or separation from the University.

Watch a video overview of how to make a guest deposit.

Steps to Make a Guest Deposit

  1. Visit eAccounts
    Visit the eAccounts online web portal.
  2. Begin the deposit process
    Click on Make a Deposit. You’ll be prompted to enter your student’s last name and their nine-digit student ID number, which begins with 801. After entering the required information, click Contribute.
  3. Select the account and enter the amount
    On the next screen, choose the ODA as the account you wish to deposit funds into. Enter the dollar amount you would like to contribute; please note that the minimum deposit is $5. Afterward, select your preferred payment method and click Next.
  4. Complete the payment information
    You will then be directed to a screen where you can enter your payment information. Once you’ve filled in the details, click Submit to finalize your transaction.

Instant access to funds

Once the deposit is processed, your student will see their new ODA balance immediately in their eAccounts app. This allows them to enjoy their favorite meals or snacks right away!

For more information and to start the deposit process, visit the campus spending accounts webpage.