You can send money through money transfer services, prepaid cards, and cash-based options even without a traditional bank account
If you don't have a bank account, you're not locked out of sending money to someone else. Several services let you transfer funds using just a government ID and cash. The main routes are money transfer companies (which send funds to a recipient anywhere), prepaid debit cards (which let you load money and send it like a bank would), and cash pickup services (where the recipient collects the money in person at a physical location).
Each method has different costs, speed, and limits on how much you can send. The right choice depends on where the money is going, how fast it needs to arrive, and how much you're sending.
Key Takeaways
- Money transfer companies like Western Union and MoneyGram let you send cash to someone else without either of you needing a bank account.
- Prepaid debit cards from services like NetSpend or Chime let you load money and transfer it electronically, and some offer free transfers to other prepaid cards.
- Costs vary widely — some transfers cost $5 to $15, while others charge a percentage of the amount sent, so compare before you send.
- Cash pickup services are fastest for domestic transfers (often same-day or next-day) but cost more than bank-to-bank transfers would.
- International transfers without a bank account are possible but slower and more expensive than domestic ones.
Money transfer companies: the most straightforward option
Money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Ria are designed specifically for people sending cash without a bank account. You walk into a location (usually a grocery store, pharmacy, or dedicated agent office), give the agent cash, provide the recipient's name and location, and they receive the money. No bank account required on either end.
Western Union and MoneyGram have the most locations in the United States — thousands of pickup points. You can also send money online through their websites if you have a debit card, but if you're sending cash specifically, you go in person. The recipient picks up the money at a location near them, usually within minutes to a few hours for domestic transfers.
Costs depend on the amount and destination. A $100 domestic transfer might cost $5 to $10, while larger amounts or international transfers cost more — sometimes a flat fee plus a percentage. Ask the agent for the exact cost before you hand over money. Some services charge differently depending on whether the recipient picks up cash or receives it to a bank account.
Prepaid debit cards: if you want to send electronically
A prepaid debit card is a card you load with your own cash, and it works like a debit card at stores and online. Some prepaid card companies also let you transfer money to other people's accounts or cards. This is useful if you want to send money electronically rather than having someone pick it up in person.
Services like NetSpend, Chime, and Gobank offer prepaid cards. You load money onto the card at a retail location (like Walmart or CVS) or by direct deposit, then transfer funds to another person's bank account or prepaid card. Some services charge per transfer ($1 to $3), while others offer free transfers between their own cardholders. Check the fee schedule before you open an account.
The advantage is speed — transfers between prepaid cards can happen when ready or within one business day. The disadvantage is that you're paying for the card itself (usually $5 to $15 per month, though some have no monthly fee) and possibly per transfer. This works best if you're sending money regularly, not just once.
Mobile payment apps: for transfers between individuals
Apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Venmo let you send money to another person's account without a traditional bank account — you can load money onto these apps using a prepaid card or by linking a bank account if you have one. Some let you load cash at retail locations.
PayPal is the most widely used. You can create an account, load money using a prepaid card or cash at a Walmart MoneyCenter, and send it to someone else's PayPal account or email address. Transfers between PayPal accounts are usually free. The recipient can then withdraw the money to their own prepaid card or bank account, or use it to pay someone else.
The catch is that the person receiving the money usually needs their own account with the same app. This works well if you're sending to someone who already uses PayPal or Venmo, but not if they need cash when ready or don't have a smartphone.
International transfers without a bank account
Sending money to another country without a bank account is possible but slower and more expensive than domestic transfers. Western Union and MoneyGram both offer international services — you can send cash in person, and the recipient picks it up at a location in their country.
International money transfer companies like Wise, OFX, and Remitly also serve people without bank accounts, though many require you to have a bank account or prepaid card to send the money. Check their websites to see which ones accept cash payments. Costs are higher for international transfers — you might pay $15 to $50 depending on the country and amount.
The speed varies. Cash pickup services usually deliver within one to three business days. Bank-to-bank transfers (if you use a prepaid card linked to one of these services) can take three to seven business days internationally, depending on the destination country's banking system.
Comparing costs and limits across methods
The cost of sending money varies dramatically by method and amount. A $100 domestic transfer might cost $5 with one service and $15 with another. International transfers cost more — often $20 to $50 for the same $100.
Most services also have limits on how much you can send in a single transaction or per day. Western Union typically limits domestic cash transfers to $900 to $1,000 per transaction, though you can send multiple transactions. Prepaid cards often have daily limits of $500 to $2,000 depending on the card. Check the specific service's limits before you plan a large transfer.
For small, frequent transfers, a prepaid card with free transfers to other cardholders might be cheapest. For one-time transfers or sending to someone without an account, a money transfer service is usually simpler, even if it costs more per transaction.
What you need to send money
Every service requires a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some also ask for your address and phone number. If you're sending to another country, you may need to provide the recipient's address and ID number as well.
For cash transfers through Western Union or MoneyGram, you just need the cash and your ID. For prepaid cards and apps, you need either cash to load at a retail location or a debit card (if you have one). Some apps also accept direct deposit if your employer offers it.
Keep the receipt or confirmation number the service gives you. If something goes wrong with the transfer, you'll need it to track the money or get a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to send money without a bank account?
Cash pickup services like Western Union deliver domestically in minutes to a few hours. Prepaid card transfers take one business day. International transfers take one to seven business days depending on the method and destination country. Ask the service for a specific timeline before you send.
Can I send money if I don't have an ID?
No. Every money transfer service requires a government-issued photo ID to prevent fraud. If you don't have one, you'll need to get a state ID card or passport first. Your local DMV or passport office can help you with this.
What happens if the recipient doesn't pick up the money?
Most services hold the money for 30 to 90 days. If it's not picked up in that time, the money is returned to you. Contact the service with your confirmation number to request a refund if the recipient doesn't collect it.
Is it cheaper to send money through a prepaid card or a money transfer service?
It depends on the amount and frequency. For one-time transfers, money transfer services are usually simpler. For regular transfers, a prepaid card with free transfers between cardholders can be cheaper over time, even with the monthly card fee.
Can I send money internationally without a bank account?
Yes, through Western Union, MoneyGram, and some international money transfer companies. Costs are higher and delivery is slower than domestic transfers — expect to pay $20 to $50 and wait one to seven business days depending on the destination country.