How to send money to someone without a bank account

5 ways to send money to someone without a bank account

These days, people live much of their financial lives online. Banking. Investing. Online shopping. Many do it all via apps or websites. The days of cash and in-person transactions are fading.

That might leave those who do still rely on cash feeling out of the loop. And those without a bank account might feel even more isolated.

Almost 6% of US adults are unbanked, meaning they have no savings account, checking account, or bank. If you or your loved ones are among those living without an active bank account, it might seem difficult to move your money where it matters most. But rest assured, you have options.

In this article, we’ll look at how to send money to someone without a bank account so you can reach your loved ones, support friends, and transfer important payments.

1. Money orders

As an alternative to cash or check, money orders are issued by a bank. You can use them to send money to anyone, anywhere in the world. Unlike personal checks, which draw funds from a bank, money orders require you to prepay the amount you’re sending.

Simply follow these steps to purchase a money order:

Go to a bank, post office, or other authorized money order issuer like Western Union (at participating agent locations).
Provide the recipient’s information and the amount you want to send. Most issuers also charge a fee for money orders, so be prepared to pay a little more than the amount you’re sending.
Make your payment and receive your secure money order. Issuers typically accept cash, debit cards, or credit cards.
Give the money order to the recipient, who can cash it at any authorized issuer.

2. Retailer-to-retailer transfers

With a retailer-to-retailer transfer, you can walk into a retail store to send money that a recipient can pick up at another retail location. Certain retailers, like Walmart and Walgreens, partner with Western Union to offer money transfers.

First, locate a retailer that facilitates cash transfers.
After you provide details like how much cash you want to send and the recipient’s information, the retailer will process the transaction. They’ll also collect any associated fees.
The recipient will be notified when the transaction is complete. They can then head to a cash pickup location to get their money.

You’ll want to make sure to use a retailer that is easily accessible for your recipient, so they don’t have to go far out of their way to pick up the cash.

3. Digital wallets

A digital wallet is where you can store money on a mobile device. With a digital wallet, users can make transactions both in person and online, making it one way to send cash safely.

Once you set up a digital wallet, you can add funds using a credit card, bank account, or another method. Precise methods for adding funds depend on the wallet you’re using. Once you’ve loaded your wallet, you can then typically use your balance to make purchases or send money to friends and family.

One of the most popular digital wallets out there is Apple Pay. Let’s take a closer look at how to send money to someone without a bank account using Apple Pay and Apple Cash.

Apple Pay and Apple Cash

Apple Pay is a digital wallet for Apple devices. If you have an iPhone, Apple Watch, or other Apple device, you can add credit, debit, or prepaid cards to your Apple Pay wallet. You will first have to add your card information to your wallet and authenticate payments on your Apple device. Then, you can make payments to retailers that accept Apple Pay or send money to another person with an Apple Pay wallet.

For those without a bank account, linking a prepaid credit card to your Apple Pay account is likely the best route. You’d then load the prepaid card with funds as needed and use the card through Apple Pay.

You could also set up (or have your recipient set up) an Apple Cash card within your Apple Pay wallet. Whereas the Apple Pay wallet works with debit and credit cards you already own, Apple Cash enables you to store funds independently of a bank account. Your balance lives on your Apple Cash card within the Wallet app.

You can use the Apple Cash card as you would any debit or credit card. You can also send and receive money via messaging or through your Apple Pay wallet.

Once you have a card linked to Apple Pay or money on your Apple Cash card, sending cash to someone else is easy. Simply:

Open the messages app.
Start a message with your recipient.
Tap the Apple Pay icon in your messages app.
Enter the amount of cash you want to send.
Use your Apple ID to verify the payment.
Tap send to complete the transaction.

Keep in mind that this method does require both the sender and recipient to have an Apple device.

4. Prepaid debit cards

If you don’t have access to a digital wallet app, consider using a prepaid card to send money to someone without a bank account. There are a ton of options out there, including the Western Union® Prepaid Visa®.

You could give or send a prepaid card to someone without a bank account directly. Or, depending on the card issuer, you may be able to load their card with funds from afar.

Because Western Union’s prepaid card gives you the power to send and receive money transfers to your card account, they’re a go-to for sending money to someone without a bank account.

5.Money transfer providers

In addition to sending money via retailers that partner with money transfer providers, you can also send money directly through the money transfer services themselves.

Peer-to-peer money transfer providers like Western Union, for example, offer some of the easiest ways to send money to someone without a bank account. With Western Union, you can send money for cash pickup at one of our thousands of agent locations.

How to choose the right method to send money without a bank account

Choosing how to send money to someone without a bank account is going to depend on different things.

How much you need to send

Depending on how much you wish to send, certain methods may be better than others. For example, money transfer providers often enable you to send larger amounts on average in one transaction than a money order can.

How fast your recipient needs it

Speed is also a consideration: Money orders can take a few days and rely on post, as well as the receiver to claim it, whereas wallet-to-wallet transfers can be done nearly instantly. Likewise, cash transfers from money transfer services can be available for purchase immediately but require the receiver to pick them up in person.

Where you’re sending to

Depending on the country your receiver is in, you may not be able to use the method you want. It’s always important to check this, especially before purchasing a money order. Most companies have this information available, so you never have to guess.

Tips for sending money to someone without a bank account

When sending cash to someone without a bank account, there are several things to consider. Those without a bank account have many ways to receive money, but whatever method you choose, keep these tips in mind:

Understand your fees before sending.
Use only a secure method of sending cash.
Gather the recipient’s information needed to make the transfer.
Ensure the recipient can receive the funds in the form you send them.
Know roughly how long it will take for the recipient to receive the money.
Send your recipient a confirmation number and details of the transfer (if applicable)
Understand the exchange rate you’ll be receiving (for international transfers).
Know whom to contact in the case of lost or stolen funds.

FAQs

How do I send cash to someone without a bank account?

You have many options for how to send cash to someone without a bank account, including money orders, retailer-to-retailer transfers, digital wallets, or through money transfer providers like Western Union.

How can I receive money without a bank account?

If you have a mobile device, you can download a mobile wallet like Apple Pay paired with an Apple Cash card (depending on your phone) to receive money. Alternatively, you could have a money order or other cash payment sent to you and pick it up at a local retailer or Western Union location.

Guides

What’s the difference between a wire transfer and a bank transfer?
How to make a wire transfer
Can I wire money from my bank?

How to send money to someone without a bank account | Western Union US (2024)

In this article