How do I send and receive money without a bank account?

With Western Union, there are lots of ways to send and receive money, even if you don’t have a bank account. Start sending money today: your loved ones could get it in minutes¹.

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The time of sending money by mail is over — except maybe for your grandparents on your birthday. Online banking and online money transfer services have become an essential part of our daily lives.

You may think that to send money, the sender or receiver needs a bank account for the transfer to take place, especially for a money transfer abroad. Actually, there are lots of ways to send and receive money without a bank account. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide on sending and receiving money without a bank account.

How do I send money without a bank account?

With Western Union, there are two main ways to send money without a bank account.

Sending money with a card
The first solution involves using a card that is not linked to a bank account, like a prepaid debit card or a credit card² that is not directly linked to a bank account. You can use a card to transfer money to a loved one for cash pickup or, depending on the destination country, to a mobile wallet¹.
Sending cash
The other way to send money without a bank account is in person at one of the thousands of Western Union agent locations in France. You can even start a transfer on our website or app and then complete it in person with cash at the same transfer rate. Here’s how:

1
Visit our website and log in, or download the transfer app to create an online profile for free.
2
Then, lock in the exchange rate and fees by simply confirming the transfer request.
3
Make your payment at a Western Union agent location within 24 hours of locking in your agreed rate.
4
Remember to bring photo ID and cash to make the transfer. As there are no paper forms to fill out, it is faster when you get to the checkout stage.

How do I receive money without a bank account?

With Western Union, your loved ones can also receive money without a bank account. There are two main ways, depending on their country of residence:

Pick Up Cash

In the vast majority of countries, your loved one can pick up cash at a post office, without having to have a bank account. All they need to pick up their money is:

– Government-issued ID

– The MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number)

The MTCN is a ten-digit number that you get when you’re sending money, as soon as the transfer is approved. You can share it—completely securely—with the receiver so that you can both track the progress of the transfer. For more details, see our guide on tracking Western Union money transfers.

Mobile wallet

Western Union allows you to send money to a loved one’s cell phone through a mobile wallet¹. When you send a mobile transfer, the money is transferred to the mobile wallet¹ account linked to your loved one’s phone number, without having to have a bank account.

If your loved one lives in a country where we offer this service, you can send money directly to their cell phone. To ensure that the money is transferred to the intended receiver, be sure to enter the cell phone number correctly. Make sure your loved one has set up a mobile wallet¹ with one of our partner mobile operators in their country of residence.

Once the transfer is validated, you’ll get a confirmation with the tracking number (MTCN). You and your receiver can use this number to track the transfer. And we’ll also confirm when the money transfer has been completed.

Send money to your loved ones for all the important moments

It doesn’t matter whether your loved ones are celebrating a birthday or a wedding, have a new business opportunity or just need a little help. We can help you send them money quickly and reliably, even without a bank account.

Register to start sending money today

Quick and easy registration

Pay how you want to

Send money even without a bank account, with cash or a credit² or debit card.

Tracking your money transfers

With the MTCN, it is easy to track your money transfers via our website or app.

Committed to your security

Our encryption and fraud prevention efforts help protect your Western Union money transfers.

Frequently asked questions about sending and receiving money without a bank account

How much money can I send to someone without a bank account?

The exact amount you can send to a loved one without using a bank account varies depending on how the transfer is received and/or the country where it is sent.

In general, the limit for a cash or mobile wallet transfer¹ is lower than it is for a bank transfer, but the easiest thing to do is to visit our send money abroad page and select exactly what you are looking for.

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

Again, the exact transfer times for each transaction depend on how the money is sent and received, as well as the destination country.

The maximum amount of money is sometimes lower if the transfer is made without a bank account but, in this case, the transfer times are generally shorter.

Bank transfers can take several days¹, while money sent or received in cash or through a card or mobile wallet can often be transferred within minutes¹.

¹ Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. For mobile transactions funds will be paid to receiver’s mWallet account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. See the transfer form for restrictions.

² Some card issuers may charge additional fees for using our services. Please contact your card issuer for more information.