How to Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account
Looking to send money to somebody without a bank account but unsure which option might be best? Take a look at our in-depth guide to getting the job done quickly, cheaply, and securely.
Sending money to people who don't own a bank account ("unbanked") or to people with sparse access to banking services ("underbanked") can seem like a difficult process indeed. However, while these services may appear hard to come by, there are indeed many ways to get the job done cheaply and easily.
Money transfers to people without bank accounts remains a necessity for large numbers of people across the globe. According to the World Bank's Global Findex database, some 1.7 billion adults around the world were unbanked in 2017, constituting nearly a quarter (22%) of the global population.
1. Cash Pickup Services
By far the most common method of sending money to someone without a bank account is a cash pickup. Using this method, money is transferred via a provider online and subsequently picked up in-person by the beneficiary as hard cash.
2. Mobile Money Transfers
Mobile money refers to transferring money to a registered mobile number, which is common in many parts of the world, specifically throughout the African continent and South Asia.
1. Remitly
Remitly is a US-based digital remittance service offering international transfers with cash pickup options at partner locations worldwide. Fees, rates, and delivery times vary by corridor — verify directly with Remitly before sending.
2. Western Union
Western Union is the largest money transfer service in the world, boasting a mind-boggling network of over 500,000 agent locations worldwide. For sending cash, they are unparalleled in global reach.
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Compare ratesFrequently asked questions about how to send money to someone without a bank account
Frequently Asked Questions
Mid-market reference rate
To understand the total cost of a transfer, compare the exchange rate a provider applies against a reference mid-market rate. Reference rates are for informational guidance only — always verify the final rate and fees directly with the provider before sending. remit.ae does not display live or real-time rates.
Questions you may have
About the author
John Doe
John is a Senior Writer. He holds a degree in Economics and has over 5 years of experience researching and writing about personal finance, international banking, and remittance services. He is passionate about helping people save money on hidden bank fees.
Why You Can Trust Us
remit.ae is an independent information platform built for UAE residents and expats. We do not transfer money, hold funds, or operate as a money transmitter.
Our corridor guides, provider pages, and method comparisons are for informational purposes only. Always verify final rates, fees, and availability directly with the provider before sending any funds.
Built for UAE expats and residents comparing money transfer options.
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