MoneyGram can send money directly to a bank account, but only through their online platform or mobile app — not at physical locations
If you want to transfer money from MoneyGram to someone's bank account, you have one main path: use MoneyGram.com or their mobile app to send the money as a bank deposit. You cannot walk into a MoneyGram agent location and request a bank transfer. The person receiving the money must have a bank account in the country where you're sending it, and the transfer typically takes one to three business days to arrive.
This is different from the cash pickup option most people associate with MoneyGram. When you send money for bank deposit, the recipient doesn't go anywhere — the funds land in their account automatically. You'll need their full name, bank account number, and routing number (in the US) or the equivalent banking details for their country.
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers through MoneyGram only work online or through the mobile app, not at agent locations.
- You need the recipient's bank account number and routing number (or equivalent) before you send the money.
- Transfers to US bank accounts usually arrive within one to three business days.
- MoneyGram charges a fee for bank transfers, which varies based on the amount and destination country.
- The recipient does not need to do anything once the money is sent — it deposits automatically if the account details are correct.
How to send money to a bank account through MoneyGram online
Go to MoneyGram.com and select "Send Money." Choose "Bank Account" as the delivery method. You'll enter the recipient's name, their bank account number, and their routing number. For US transfers, you'll also specify whether it's a checking or savings account. For international transfers, the form adjusts to ask for the details that match the recipient's country — IBAN, SWIFT code, or local bank codes depending on where they bank.
After you enter the recipient's information, MoneyGram shows you the fee and the exchange rate (if sending internationally). You then pay for the transfer using a debit card, credit card, or bank account linked to your MoneyGram profile. Once payment clears, the money is queued for deposit. You'll receive a confirmation number and can track the transfer status online.
The mobile app follows the same steps. Open the app, tap "Send Money," select "Bank Account," and enter the recipient's details. The process is identical to the website version.
What information you need before sending
For a US bank account, you need: the recipient's full name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, and their routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies their bank. If they don't know it, they can find it on a check, call their bank, or look it up on their bank's website.
For international transfers, the required details change by country. Common ones include IBAN (International Bank Account Number), SWIFT code, and the recipient's bank name and address. MoneyGram's form tells you which fields are required for that specific country once you select it.
Do not guess at account numbers or routing numbers. If even one digit is wrong, the money will not reach the intended account. Some banks will return it to MoneyGram, which then refunds you — but this takes extra time. Always confirm the details with the recipient before you send.
How long it takes and what happens if something goes wrong
Transfers to US bank accounts typically arrive within one to three business days. International transfers take longer — usually three to five business days, depending on the destination country and their banking system. Weekends and holidays can extend these timelines.
If the account number or routing number is incorrect, the receiving bank will reject the deposit. MoneyGram then initiates a reversal, which sends the money back to your original payment method. This reversal process can take an additional five to ten business days. You'll see the refund appear as a credit to the card or bank account you used to pay for the transfer.
If the recipient's name doesn't match their account exactly, some banks will still accept the deposit. Others will reject it. This varies by bank policy. If you're unsure, contact the recipient's bank before sending to ask whether the name must match perfectly.
Fees and exchange rates for bank transfers
MoneyGram charges a flat fee for bank transfers, plus a percentage of the amount you're sending. The exact fee depends on how much you're sending and which country the money is going to. For example, a $100 transfer within the US might cost $5 to $10, while a $500 transfer might cost $15 to $25. International transfers have higher fees because they cross banking systems.
When you enter the amount on MoneyGram.com or the app, the fee is shown before you pay. You can see the exact cost and the amount the recipient will receive. If the fee seems high, you can cancel and try a different service — MoneyGram is not the only option for bank transfers, and fees vary widely.
For international transfers, MoneyGram also applies an exchange rate. This rate is set by MoneyGram and may not match the mid-market rate you see on financial news sites. The exchange rate shown during checkout is the one you'll receive, so you can see the exact amount the recipient gets in their local currency before you confirm the payment.
When bank transfer is not an option
Some countries do not support MoneyGram bank transfers. If you select a destination country and "Bank Account" is not available as a delivery method, it means MoneyGram cannot send to banks in that country. In those cases, your only option through MoneyGram is cash pickup at an agent location.
You can also check MoneyGram's website for a list of supported countries and delivery methods. If the country you need is not listed, you'll need to use a different money transfer service. Wise, OFX, and other international transfer platforms may support that destination when MoneyGram does not.
Bank transfers versus cash pickup: which to choose
Bank transfer is faster and safer than cash pickup if the recipient has a bank account. The money goes directly into their account with no risk of loss or theft. They don't have to travel anywhere or show ID at a pickup location. For regular transfers or large amounts, bank deposit is usually the better choice.
Cash pickup is useful when the recipient does not have a bank account, needs the money when ready (same day in many locations), or prefers cash. But it requires them to go to a MoneyGram agent location, and they must bring ID. If you're sending to someone who is unbanked or in a remote area, cash pickup may be your only option.
If the recipient has a bank account, ask them which method they prefer. Many people prefer bank deposit because it's automatic and they don't have to do anything. Others prefer cash pickup for when ready access. MoneyGram lets you choose at the time of sending, so you can ask the recipient before you initiate the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a savings account, or only checking?
You can send to either. When you enter the account details on MoneyGram, you specify whether it's a checking or savings account. The process is the same for both. Make sure you select the correct type, because sending to the wrong account type can cause the deposit to be rejected.
What if the recipient's bank rejects the deposit?
MoneyGram initiates a reversal and sends the money back to the payment method you used. This takes five to ten business days. You'll see a credit appear on your card or bank account. Contact MoneyGram's customer service with your confirmation number if the refund doesn't arrive within two weeks.
Can I cancel a bank transfer after I send it?
If the transfer has not yet been processed by the receiving bank, MoneyGram may be able to cancel it. Contact their customer service when ready with your confirmation number. Once the money has been deposited into the recipient's account, you cannot cancel it — you would have to ask the recipient to send it back.
Do I need a MoneyGram account to send to a bank account?
No. You can send money through MoneyGram.com or the app without creating an account, though creating one makes repeat transfers faster. You'll need to provide your name, address, and payment information at checkout either way.
Is there a limit on how much I can send to a bank account?
MoneyGram has daily and monthly limits that vary based on your payment method and verification status. Limits are typically $2,999 per transaction for first-time users, but can be higher if you verify your identity. Check the website or app for your specific limit before sending.