How To Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account: 6 Easy Ways

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Need to send money to someone who doesn’t use a bank? You’re definitely not alone — and you’ve got more options than you might think. Whether your recipient prefers cash, doesn’t have access to traditional banking or lives in a rural area or another country, it’s still possible to transfer funds quickly, safely and affordably.

According to the FDIC, nearly 5.9 million U.S. households were unbanked as of 2021, meaning they didn’t have a checking or savings account. That number grows globally, especially in areas with limited financial infrastructure.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to send money to someone without a bank account using six trusted methods — along with tips on speed, cost, and access so you can choose what works best.

1. Use a Money Transfer Service

Best for: Cash pickups and international transfers

Money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria make it easy to send funds to someone who doesn’t have a bank account. The recipient can pick up the cash at a nearby location — often within minutes.

Key Benefits:

• Funds available for pickup in minutes to a few days
• Send online, through an app or in person
• Wide reach: Western Union operates in over 200 countries with 500,000+ agent locations worldwide

Stat to know: In 2023, global remittances reached $656 billion, with services like Western Union handling a large portion of those transfers.

Heads-Up:

• Fees vary by amount, speed and destination
• Some services may require the recipient to show ID at pickup

2. Try Mobile Payment Apps

Best for: Fast domestic transfers

Apps like Cash App, Venmo and PayPal have made person-to-person payments nearly instant. And yes, you can use them even without a bank account.

How It Works:

• The recipient signs up for the app and links a prepaid debit card (like Cash App’s Cash Card)
• Funds can be used for purchases or ATM withdrawals
• No traditional bank account needed

Pro Tip: With Cash App, users can receive money, spend with the Cash Card and even get direct deposits — making it a popular choice for unbanked individuals.

3. Use a Prepaid Debit Card

Best for: Gifting or repeat transfers

You can purchase a reloadable prepaid debit card, load it with funds and give it to the recipient. It functions just like a debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals — no checking account required.

Popular Options:

• Green Dot
• Netspend
• Serve
• Chime® debit cards

Stat to know: In 2023, prepaid debit cards processed over 6.5 billion transactions totaling more than $350 billion in volume.

Watch Out For:

• Monthly fees or reload charges
• ATM withdrawal limits and transaction fees

4. Buy a Money Order

Best for: Mailing money securely

Money orders are a safe, trackable way to send funds without a bank account. They can be purchased at the U.S. Postal Service, Walmart or many grocery stores and pharmacies.

Why It Works:

• Accepted at most check-cashing services and banks
• No bank account needed to cash out
• Typically cost $1 to $5, depending on the provider

Security tip: In 2024, USPS introduced enhanced money orders with QR codes and anti-fraud tech to combat mail theft and scams.

5. Use a Cash Delivery Service

Best for: Rural or overseas recipients

In select countries, platforms like Remitly, WorldRemit and Xoom offer door-to-door cash delivery, which is helpful if your recipient doesn’t live near a money transfer location or doesn’t have internet access.

What You’ll Love:

• No need for a smartphone, bank or even an app
• Home delivery in one to five business days (depending on location)
• Ideal for elderly recipients or those in remote areas

Fee Example: A standard cash delivery from the U.S. to the Philippines via Remitly costs $4.99, whether it’s home-delivered or picked up.

Before you send: Check ID requirements, delivery windows and whether this option is available in the recipient’s area.

6. Deliver Cash in Person

Best for: Local, low-cost transfers

Sometimes the easiest option is handing over the cash in person. It’s fast, simple and doesn’t require any apps, accounts or forms.

Safety Tips:

• Always meet in a well-lit public place
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash alone
• Don’t mail cash — but if you must, use Registered Mail with tracking and insurance through USPS

Common scam alert: Never leave cash in an unsecured mailbox. It’s a favorite target for mail thieves.

Compare Your Options: Fees, Speed and Requirements

Final Take to GO: What’s the Best Way To Send Money Without a Bank Account?

If you’re trying to figure out how to send money to someone without a bank account, your best option depends on where the person is, how fast they need the funds and what access they have to technology or retail locations.

Let’s recap:

• For international transfers or cash pickups, use a money transfer service like Western Union
• For quick, domestic payments, mobile apps with prepaid cards are a great option
• For flexibility and reloading, consider prepaid debit cards
• For secure mailing, go with a money order
• For remote international recipients, look into cash delivery services
• For simple local transfers, giving cash in person still works — just stay safe

Always double-check the service fees, delivery time and ID requirements before choosing a method — especially when sending money abroad.

Elizabeth Constantineau contributed to the reporting for this article.

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