All hope isn’t lost if you’re looking to send money to someone without a bank account. The task might seem impossible, but there are several ways to do it. Here are some of the most common ways of sending money to someone without a bank account and some things you should know about each method before attempting to send money online.
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Mail the Cash Directly
If you’re sending money via mail, use a postal money order. It has more consumer protections than cash and works like cash when it arrives at its destination. The main benefit of using a money order is that it provides proof of payment — if your recipient disputes having received or cashed the money, Western Union or another business will be able to track down both parties and retrieve your payment.
Use Prepaid Debit Cards
Prepaid debit cards make it easier for friends and family members who don’t have bank accounts to receive money. Prepaid debit cards are essentially like gift cards with a bank account attached. If your loved one doesn’t have access to banking services, prepaid debit cards allow them to use your money without having their own bank account. Some examples of prepaid debit cards include Apple Pay Cash, Google Pay, and Venmo.
Cash Delivery Services
So you can’t send money directly from your bank account to someone without a bank account. Instead, you’ll need to use one of several cash-transfer services—such as Western Union or PayPal—which act as intermediaries between senders and recipients. If neither service is convenient for you, some banks will also provide international wiring services for a fee. Check with yours for more information about that option.
Use Credit Cards
Many people who don’t have bank accounts are unbanked, which means they don’t own credit cards. However, if you want to send money quickly or don’t want to deal with cash exchanges, you can use your credit card as a type of checking account by signing up for an online service like PayPal.
Send Money Online Via App
Western Union and similar services can be a convenient option for those without bank accounts. Though it’s significantly more expensive than sending money from your bank account, you can use any money transfer app that you prefer—such as PayPal or Venmo—to send money to someone who does not have an existing bank account.
The fastest way to transfer money and pay bills is usually with an online money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram. Or you can use your debit card through services like Apple Pay, which lets you add and withdraw cash using your iPhone. PayPal also offers person-to-person payments.
Sending money directly to an individual’s bank account can be tough if they don’t have one. But you can use alternative methods, such as sending cash or money orders in person.
