Hero Innovation Group Partners with TransferMate to Power International Student Payments to Canada

Hero Innovation Group has announced a new partnership with TransferMate to simplify international living expense payments for students studying in Canada.

Hero offers prepaid card solutions for international students under their flagship product, SideKick Card, enabling parents abroad to fund their children’s everyday expenses while studying in Canada. Through this new collaboration, TransferMate will handle global collections and cross-border transfers, ensuring fast, secure, and compliant delivery of funds directly to Hero Financials.

“Managing finances abroad can be stressful for both students and their families,” said Tai Jiang, CEO at Hero Innovation Group. “By integrating with TransferMate’s global payment network, we’re making it easier than ever for parents to securely fund their child’s spending needs in Canada. Together, we’re bringing confidence and transparency to cross-border student support.”

Under the partnership, funds sent from students overseas are collected by TransferMate and delivered directly into Hero's Canadian banking infrastructure. These funds are then loaded onto the student’s SideKick Card, giving them immediate access to local currency for everyday purchases. SideKick's mobile and web application also gives parents full visibility and control over card usage and expenses.

“At TransferMate, we’re committed to reducing the friction in international education payments — not just for tuition, but for day-to-day living expenses too,” said Thomas Butler, Head of Education at TransferMate. “Partnering with Hero Innovation Group means families can now support their children abroad with speed, clarity, and peace of mind. It’s a natural extension of our education mission.”

Designed specifically with international students in mind, SideKick Card allows parents to top up instantly, receive spend notifications, set spending limits, and freeze cards if needed. The solution promotes responsible financial habits while offering reassurance and oversight to families supporting students overseas.

Hero Innovation Group plans to expand into the U.S. market in 2026, continuing its mission to give international students greater financial freedom and security, wherever they choose to study. The partnership with TransferMate ensures the infrastructure is in place to support this next phase of growth.

To talk to the TransferMate education team, contact us here.