Usually, sending money to someone is easiest when done through a bank account. However, many people do not own one, which may complicate the process.
Fortunately, other ways exist to send money to people without a bank account. This article will cover several easy and convenient ways to do so.
Things to Consider When Choosing When Choosing a Third-Party Platform
When sending money to someone who does not have a bank account, there are some factors to consider. These factors will help you choose the perfect platform for an easy and convenient transfer.
Urgency
How urgently does the receiver require the money? If the receiver urgently needs the funds, endeavor to pick a platform that assures swift transfers to their location.
Cost
Some platforms have specific fees for each transaction; deposit, cash pickup and location. Compare rates and select the payment method that is affordable and convenient.
Safety
Making transactions with a third party may be scary and risky. You would not like to fall prey to scam sites and platforms. Find a platform that is highly secured and verified to conduct your business.
Look out for past reviews and their terms and conditions, and ensure you are comfortable with them.
Accessibility
Accessibility is another essential factor to consider when choosing a third-party platform. Not every third-party platform will be available in all locations. Select the available companies in your area. If your receiver resides in a remote area that is not digitally advanced, you may have to resort to platforms that operate manually.
Ways to Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account
There are many ways to send money that do not require the receiver to have a bank account. These platforms have simplified the process of transfer and made it more accessible.
Transfers are swiftly done, and your recipient can conveniently walk in and withdraw the money. These methods are also safer, and some do not require your recipient to be an active user.
Some of them include the following:
Money Order
Money Order is one of the oldest ways to send money worldwide to people without bank accounts. It is a certificate issued by a banking institution that permits the receiver to collect money on demand.
You can purchase a money order from any authorized institution. They are relatively cheap and easy to use. Fill in the details of the receiver accordingly. You will be given a receipt upon submission; keep it safe till the recipient clears the order at the bank.
The maximum amount you can send via Money Order is one thousand dollars, so you may have to purchase more than one if you are transferring a larger amount.
Western Union
Western Union is another old and convenient way to send money. It especially established itself as the go-to platform for international money transfers. You can make your transfer online or walk into any of their agent locations. Cash in the money and share the nearest agent location with the receiver.
Your recipient can visit their agent and lay claim to the money once it is available. If the recipient cannot pick up the money immediately, they will hold the funds for 90 days before reversing it.
Their service fees are also relatively high. For an average amount, you will pay $1 to $5, but the recipient may face costs as high as $25.
Prepaid Debit Cards
They are straightforward to operate, and you can make direct deposits. Simply issue a prepaid debit card for the recipient and pay any amount at different intervals.
They are a better substitute for traditional credit or debit cards and pose less risk of overspending.
Mobile Wallets
You can make transfers to your recipient’s mobile wallet and yours by using a transfer service app. They do not have to come from banks, credit cards, or other wallets.
All you need is the recipient’s email address and phone number. The money you want to send is then removed from your account and sent to the recipient’s details.
Your recipient will receive the funds within a few minutes. Some examples of these wallets include; Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Square Cash
Besides the mobile wallet transfer, you can also use Square Cash. Square Cash is an online app that allows you to send money to people. They don’t have to be users or have an account. Download the app and link it with your debit card.
Transactions on Square Cash are free, and you are issued a free debit card after a week of use. Your first transfer may take up to two days to process, but subsequent transfers are processed swiftly.
Gift Cards
You can send money to someone without a bank account by purchasing a gift card. It’s even better if it’s a gift card to their favorite stores.
Many stores have these cards available for purchase, and you can get as many as you need. They are very convenient and straightforward to use.
Unfortunately, the funds are only for a particular use and will diminish in value over time.
Crypto Wallets
Crypto wallets are a more advanced way to send and receive money. They store a private key that keeps your cryptocurrency safe.
If your recipient deals with bitcoins or another cryptocurrency, you can send money into their wallets.
World Remit
World Remit is another money transfer provider that offers safe and reliable transfers to people without bank accounts. Service charges are calculated based on the monetary value and destination of the cash transfer.
They will contact the recipient to pick up their cash once it arrives at their agent’s location. It usually takes one or two business working days.
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most popular online money transfer apps. They offer services to over 190 countries across the globe, with about 20 currencies available for transactions.
Just like Square Cash, you only need the recipient’s email address and phone number for the transaction. However, it is expensive and may not be available in the recipient’s location.
Post the Cash Directly to the Recipient
If your recipient resides in a remote location and all methods fail, you can post the cash directly. This method is not advisable as most post offices are rarely functional in countries worldwide.
If you use this method, store the cash in a secure envelope that hides its content. Endeavor to insure the package and purchase tracking to monitor its movement.
Conclusion
Sending money to people without bank accounts may initially seem impossible and difficult. With technology and the digital era, you can choose any money transfer service you prefer.
People are usually apprehensive about using online platforms to transfer money because they are unsafe and complicated. However, several protective measures have been implemented to prevent thefts, ensure safety and apprehend defaulters.
When you get familiar with the process, sending money to loved ones without bank accounts will be very easy. Though it is a possible transfer method, we don’t advise posting cash to your recipient’s location; it is a tricky and unsafe process.
Furthermore, compare money transfer services before sending cash to find the best method.
Paul Martinez is the founder of EcomSidekick.com. He is an expert in the areas of finance, real estate, eCommerce, traffic and conversion.
Join him on EcomSidekick.com to learn how to improve your financial life and excel in these areas. Before starting this media site, Paul built from scratch and managed two multi-million dollar companies. One in the real estate sector and one in the eCommerce sector.