You can send cash from a credit card. In the list of accounts it will say citibank visa, citibank mc, or other banks as a choice. They will send a packet allowing you to add checking accounts which then could be used to deposit cash. At this point I am depositing cash into a credit card so it acts as a payment.
RE: Savings Bonds. go to www.savingsbonds.gov.
This is purchased from the us government - dept of public debt, NOT from Chase. Chase is the one with Travelers checks or foreign currency. Savings bonds can be purchased as II bonds which are at face value - you pay $1000 for a $1000 bond. You can only buy $1000 at a time, but you can immediately go back and buy more. If you think you Might be eligible for the benefits for education (your income has to be below a certain amount) make sure your child is the beneficiary, NOT a joint owner. I believe it is explained at the web-site. By charging to your credit card - it is viewed as a purchase and you get miles.Remember there is a $30,000 per year limit per SS#. Yours can be used, your child's (then you would want those to be jointly with you), or a spouse or a grandparent, if you need to get a really large sum bought in one year.
Happy bonding.
Thanks doc2be for the compliment.

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DtG