Yes, you can send money to someone without a bank account

The person receiving the money does not need a bank account. You have several ways to get cash into their hands: money transfer services that pay out at retail locations, prepaid cards they can load and spend, cash pickup at a physical store, or direct deposit to a paycheck card. The method you choose depends on how quickly they need the money, whether they need to spend it immediately or hold it, and what services operate near them.

Your own account type matters more than theirs. If you have a bank account or credit card, you can initiate most transfers. If you do not, you can still send money through some services, but your options narrow and fees may be higher.

Key Takeaways

  • Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let the recipient pick up cash at thousands of retail locations without opening an account.
  • Prepaid cards and paycheck cards can receive direct deposits and transfers, then be used to spend or withdraw cash at ATMs.
  • Peer-to-peer apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Venmo can send money to someone's phone number or email, but they must create an account to receive it.
  • Fees vary widely by service and method—cash pickup typically costs $2 to $15 depending on amount, while prepaid card transfers may be free or charge a flat fee.
  • International transfers to someone without a bank account are slower and more expensive but possible through the same services.

Money transfer services for cash pickup

Western Union and MoneyGram are the largest networks for this. You send money from your bank account, debit card, or credit card through their website or at a physical location. The recipient goes to any Western Union or MoneyGram agent (usually a grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing place) with a photo ID and picks up cash. No bank account needed on either end.

Western Union charges $2.99 to $9.99 for domestic transfers under $100, and higher percentages for larger amounts—typically 1% to 2% of the transfer. MoneyGram charges similarly. Both are faster for local transfers (minutes to hours) and slower for international ones (1 to 5 business days). Both require you to provide the recipient's full name and the agent location where they will pick up.

The downside: the recipient must go in person during business hours, and they receive only what you sent—no way to hold the money or spend it gradually without a card or account.

Prepaid cards and paycheck cards

A prepaid card is a card loaded with money in advance, usable anywhere debit cards work. The person without a bank account can buy one at a retailer, load it with cash, or have you transfer money to it directly. They can then spend it online, in stores, or withdraw cash at ATMs. Popular prepaid cards include Green Dot, NetSpend, and Walmart MoneyCard.

A paycheck card works the same way but is issued by an employer for direct deposit of wages. If the person you are sending money to has a paycheck card, you can often transfer money to it the same way you would to a bank account—through your bank's bill pay system or a peer-to-peer app. They do not need a separate bank account to receive or use it.

Prepaid cards usually charge monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $10) and ATM withdrawal fees ($1 to $3 per transaction). Some cards waive fees if you load money regularly or maintain a minimum balance. The advantage is that the recipient can hold and spend money flexibly without a bank account.

Peer-to-peer apps and digital wallets

PayPal, Square Cash, Venmo, and Google Pay let you send money using just a phone number or email address. You initiate the transfer from your bank account or card. The recipient gets a notification and must create an account to claim the money. Once they do, they can transfer it to a bank account, prepaid card, or in some cases withdraw it at a retail location.

These services are free or nearly free for domestic transfers between accounts (though credit card transfers may charge 2% to 3%). The catch: the recipient must set up an account, which requires a phone number, email, and usually an ID. They cannot receive money without doing this step. For someone actively avoiding banking, this is a barrier.

Some apps like PayPal and Square Cash let the recipient withdraw cash at partner retailers (CVS, Walmart, Target) without a bank account, though this usually costs $1 to $2 per withdrawal.

Cash pickup at retail locations

Several services let you send money for pickup at a specific store. Walmart2Walmart lets you send money through Walmart's website or app; the recipient picks it up at any Walmart customer service desk with ID. Walgreens and CVS offer similar services through their networks. Fees are typically $2 to $5 for amounts under $100.

This works well if the recipient lives near one of these chains and can get there during business hours. The money is held for a set period (usually 60 days) before it is returned to you, so the recipient does not have to rush.

International transfers without a bank account

Sending money internationally to someone without a bank account is possible but slower and more expensive. Western Union and MoneyGram operate in most countries and work the same way—the recipient picks up cash at an agent location. Fees for international transfers are higher: typically 5% to 10% of the amount sent, plus a flat fee of $5 to $15.

Exchange rates also matter. Western Union and MoneyGram set their own rates, which are usually 2% to 4% worse than the mid-market rate. If you are sending $500 internationally, the combined fees and rate markup can easily cost $50 to $100.

Some online services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer better exchange rates but require the recipient to have a bank account or to create one to receive the transfer. If the recipient truly has no account and no way to open one, Western Union or MoneyGram remain the most practical options.

What to do if the recipient has no ID

Most services require the recipient to show a photo ID to pick up cash or claim money. If they do not have one, options narrow significantly. Some Western Union and MoneyGram locations may accept alternative ID (passport, state ID, tribal ID), but policies vary by location and agent.

If the person has no ID at all, prepaid cards are often the best route. They can buy a prepaid card with cash at a retailer and you can transfer money to it. Some prepaid cards do not require ID to purchase or load, though they may have lower spending limits until ID is provided. Check the specific card's policy before buying.

Another option: if the person has a trusted family member or friend with ID, that person can pick up the money on their behalf. You would need to authorize this with the transfer service and provide both names.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to send money to someone without a bank account?

Cash pickup at Western Union or MoneyGram is usually available within minutes to a few hours for domestic transfers. Prepaid card transfers may take 1 to 3 business days to post. Peer-to-peer apps are instant once the recipient claims the money, but they must create an account first, which can take a few minutes to an hour.

What if I need to send money to someone in another country who has no bank account?

Western Union and MoneyGram operate internationally and let recipients pick up cash without a bank account. Fees are higher—typically 5% to 10% plus a flat fee—and delivery takes 1 to 5 business days depending on the country. Exchange rates are also marked up, so the total cost can be significant.

Can I send money to someone using only their phone number?

Peer-to-peer apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Square Cash let you send to a phone number, but the recipient must create an account to receive it. Money transfer services like Western Union require the recipient's full name and a specific pickup location, not just a phone number.

What is the cheapest way to send money to someone without a bank account?

Peer-to-peer apps are free or nearly free if both people have accounts, but the recipient must set one up. For cash pickup without an account, Walmart2Walmart and similar retail services charge $2 to $5 for small amounts. Western Union and MoneyGram cost $3 to $10 depending on the amount. Prepaid cards have monthly fees but no per-transfer cost once set up.

Can someone use a prepaid card to receive money if they have never had a bank account?

Yes. They can buy a prepaid card at any retailer with cash, and you can transfer money to it the same way you would to a bank account. They can then spend it, check the balance online or by phone, and withdraw cash at ATMs. Some prepaid cards charge monthly fees, so compare options before choosing one.