The fastest routes when the person receiving has no bank account
If the person you're sending to has no bank account, you have five main options: cash pickup at a physical location, a prepaid card loaded with your money, a mobile money app, a check or money order, or a direct transfer to a savings account they open specifically to receive it. The fastest is usually a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, where you pay cash or card at a store and they pick up cash at another location within minutes to hours. The cheapest is often a check or money order if you're not in a hurry. The most practical for regular transfers is a prepaid card or mobile app, because it lets them spend the money without returning to a pickup location.
Which method works best depends on three things: how fast they need the money, how much you're sending, and whether they have a phone or ID. Start there, and the right option becomes clear.
Key Takeaways
- Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let you pay at a store and have the recipient pick up cash at another location within hours, with no bank account needed on either end.
- Prepaid cards and mobile payment apps like PayPal, Square Cash, or Venmo let you load money that the recipient can spend or withdraw, though some require a phone number or ID to set up.
- Checks and money orders cost $1 to $5 and take 3 to 7 business days but work anywhere and require no account or ID from the recipient.
- If the recipient can open a savings account, a direct bank transfer is free and instant, though it requires them to have ID and a minimum deposit.
- Cash in hand is always free and instant but only works if you can meet in person.
Money transfer services: fastest for cash pickup
A money transfer service is the standard way to send cash to someone with no bank account. You walk into a participating store (grocery, pharmacy, check-cashing place), hand over cash or a debit card, and the recipient picks up cash at another location. Western Union and MoneyGram are the largest networks, with thousands of pickup locations worldwide. The process takes 10 minutes on your end and minutes to hours on theirs, depending on the location.
Costs vary by amount and destination. For a $100 transfer within the US, expect to pay $5 to $15. International transfers cost more—$15 to $50 for $100 sent abroad, depending on the country. Some services charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage. You'll need the recipient's full name and the pickup location they plan to use. They'll need a valid ID to collect the money.
The main drawback is that the recipient has to go to a physical location to get the cash. If they're homebound, in a rural area, or don't have reliable transportation, this becomes impractical. Also, if you're sending regularly, the fees add up fast.
Prepaid cards and mobile payment apps: best for ongoing transfers
A prepaid card is a physical card you can load with money and give to someone, or load remotely if they have a phone number. Services like NetSpend, Chime, and Gobank let you add money to a card that the recipient can use to buy things or withdraw cash at an ATM. Some let you transfer money to someone else's prepaid card instantly. Mobile payment apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Venmo work similarly but live on a phone instead of a physical card.
Setup usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and requires a phone number or email address. Some prepaid cards require ID to open, but many don't. Once the card or app is active, you can send money instantly or within one business day, depending on the service. Costs are low or zero—some services charge a monthly fee ($5 to $10) or a small fee per transfer, while others charge nothing if you load money in person at a store.
The catch is that the recipient needs a phone or email address to receive the transfer, and they need to set up the account themselves. If they're elderly, not tech-savvy, or don't have a phone, this won't work. Also, some prepaid cards have spending limits or monthly fees that add up if you're sending small amounts regularly.
Checks and money orders: cheapest for non-urgent transfers
A check or money order is the oldest and often cheapest way to send money without a bank account. You buy a money order at a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing place for $1 to $5, write it out to the recipient, and mail it. They take it to a check-cashing service or bank and cash it for a small fee (usually $2 to $5). Total cost is $3 to $10, and it requires no account or ID from either of you.
The downside is speed. A money order takes 3 to 7 business days to arrive by mail, plus another day or two for the recipient to cash it. If the recipient doesn't have a check-cashing place nearby, they may have to pay a higher fee or travel farther. Also, if the money order is lost in the mail, you have to file a claim and wait for a replacement, which can take weeks.
Money orders are best when you're not in a hurry and want to keep costs as low as possible. They're also useful if the recipient is in a remote area with no money transfer services nearby.
Opening a bank account so you can transfer directly
If the recipient is willing to open a bank account, a direct transfer is free and instant. Most banks offer basic savings accounts with no monthly fee if you maintain a small minimum balance (often $25 to $100). The recipient will need a government ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease). Once the account is open, you can transfer money using their account number and routing number, and it arrives the same day or next business day.
This is the best long-term solution if you're sending money regularly, because there are no per-transfer fees. The downside is that it requires the recipient to have ID and to go to a bank or credit union in person to open the account. Some banks also require a minimum deposit to open an account, though many have waived this requirement.
If the recipient is unhoused, has no ID, or doesn't want a bank account, this won't work. But if they're open to it, it's worth the one-time effort to set up.
Comparing costs and speed across methods
| Method | Speed | Cost per $100 | Recipient needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram) | Minutes to hours | $5–$15 | Valid ID, nearby pickup location |
| Prepaid card or mobile app | Instant to 1 business day | $0–$5 (plus possible monthly fee) | Phone or email, account setup |
| Check or money order | 3–7 business days | $3–$10 | Check-cashing place nearby |
| Bank transfer (if they open account) | Same day or next business day | $0 | Bank account, government ID |
| Cash in hand | Instant | $0 | In-person meeting |
What to do if the recipient is in another country
International transfers cost more and take longer than domestic ones. Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram still work, but fees jump to $15 to $50 for $100, depending on the destination country. Some countries have restrictions on which services operate there, so you may need to check availability before you send.
If the recipient has a bank account abroad, you can send money via an international wire transfer through your own bank, though this requires you to have a bank account. Costs are typically $15 to $50 per transfer, and it takes 1 to 5 business days. Some online transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) specialize in international transfers and often charge less than banks, especially for larger amounts.
If the recipient has no bank account and is in a country with limited money transfer infrastructure, your options narrow. Cash pickup services work in most countries, but prepaid cards and mobile apps may not. Ask the recipient which services are available in their area before you send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone if I don't have a bank account either?
Yes. You can use cash at a money transfer service, pay with a debit card at most services, or send a check or money order. The recipient can pick up cash or deposit a check at a check-cashing place. Both of you can also use prepaid cards or mobile payment apps without a bank account, as long as you have a phone or email.
What if the recipient doesn't have an ID?
Money transfer services and check-cashing places require ID to pick up or cash money. If the recipient has no ID, a prepaid card or mobile app is your best option, since many don't require ID to set up. You could also send cash in person if you can meet. Opening a bank account requires ID, so that won't work.
How much can I send at once?
Money transfer services typically allow $500 to $2,500 per transaction, depending on the service and your verification status. Prepaid cards have daily spending limits, usually $500 to $2,000. Checks and money orders have no legal limit, but individual services may cap them at $1,000. If you need to send more, you can make multiple transfers or split the amount across methods.
What happens if the recipient loses the money order or doesn't pick up the transfer?
For money orders, you can file a claim with the issuer and request a replacement, though this takes 30 to 60 days. For money transfer services, the money is usually held for 90 days before it's returned to you. Check your receipt for the claim process. Always keep your receipt and transaction number in case you need to trace the money.
Is it safe to send money this way?
Money transfer services and prepaid cards are secure as long as you use official locations and apps. Never send money to someone claiming to represent a service—scammers often pose as money transfer agents. Checks and money orders can be lost in the mail, so consider sending them via tracked mail if the amount is large. Cash in hand is safe only if you trust the person and meet in a secure location.