Can you send money internationally without a bank account?

Evidence tier: A1 Evidence type: Auto-discovered official publication Source: MoneyGram Corporate News Official publication date: 2026-07-07 Captured: 2026-07-16T20:30:34.088Z

July 7, 2026

Yes, you can send money internationally without a bank account. Learn how to send cash at a MoneyGram location and what your recipient needs to collect it.

Yes, you can send money internationally without a bank account.

If you prefer to pay with cash, you can send money in person at a MoneyGram location. Many locations also accept debit cards, giving you another simple way to pay. Your recipient can collect the money through cash pickup, and they do not need a bank account either.

Whether you’re sending money home, helping with an emergency, or supporting loved ones from afar, MoneyGram gives you flexible ways to send.

How to Send Money Without a Bank Account

Sending money without a bank account is a standard option with MoneyGram. You can start by visiting a MoneyGram agent location near you and paying in person.

MoneyGram has nearly 500,000 locations around the world, including many inside familiar retailers like CVS and Walmart. Before you go, use the MoneyGram location finder to find a nearby agent location and confirm the hours.

When you visit the location, bring a valid government-issued ID. You’ll also need cash for the amount you want to send, plus any applicable transfer fee and tax.

At the counter, you’ll provide details about your recipient. This usually includes their full legal name, destination country, and the information needed for their selected receive method.

Important: the recipient’s name should match their government-issued ID exactly. If their ID includes a middle name, second last name, accent mark, or specific spelling, enter it the same way. Small differences can cause delays at pickup.

Before you complete the transfer, you’ll be able to review the amount, applicable fee, tax, exchange rate, and receive method. If anything looks off, you can make changes before you confirm your money transfer and send.

Once your transfer is submitted, you’ll receive a reference number. Keep it safe. If your recipient is picking up cash, they’ll typically need that number to collect the money.

Prefer not to pay with cash? Many MoneyGram locations also accept debit cards for in-person sends. You may also send money online or in the MoneyGram® app with a debit card, depending on the transfer details.

The main thing to know is you do not need a bank account to send money internationally with MoneyGram.

What Your Recipient Needs to Pick Up the Money

For cash pickup, your recipient does not need a bank account. They just need the right pickup information.

In most cases, your recipient will need:

• A valid government-issued photo ID
• The transfer reference number from the sender

Once the money is available, your recipient can visit a participating MoneyGram location to collect it. At the counter, they’ll provide their ID and reference number. The agent will verify the transfer details and confirm that the name on the transfer matches the name on their ID.

If everything matches, your recipient can collect the funds in cash.

Cash pickup transfers may be available instantly or within minutes, but timing can vary based on the destination country, payment method, receive method, agent hours, system availability, and verification requirements.

Before your recipient travels, it’s a good idea to confirm the pickup location is open and offers cash pickup. Some locations may have different hours or local requirements.

If you’re sending to a specific country, you can also check a country guide before you send. For example, MoneyGram offers helpful information on how to send money to Mexico, the Philippines, Guatemala, and other destinations.

The process is built to be fast and easy on both sides of the transfer. You can send without a bank account, and your recipient can pick up cash without needing one.

How to Make Sure Your Transfer Goes Smoothly

A few quick checks can help your transfer move without unnecessary delays.

• Match the recipient’s name to their ID
• Enter your recipient’s name exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID. This is one of the most important details for cash pickup.

Confirm the pickup location

Before your recipient goes to collect the money, make sure the location is open and available for pickup. This can save them an extra trip.

Keep the reference number safe

Your reference number helps identify the transfer. Share it only with your intended recipient and avoid posting it or sending it through unsecured channels.

Track your transfer

Use MoneyGram’s tracking tool to check the status of your transfer. This helps you know when the money is ready for pickup.

MoneyGram has helped people send money for more than 85 years. More than 50 million customers use MoneyGram, with nearly 500,000 locations around the world and a 4.9-star rating in the App Store.

So yes, you can send money internationally without a bank account. With cash pickup, in-person sends, debit card options, and a wide global network, MoneyGram makes it easier for you to get money where it needs to go.

‍

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial, legal, or tax advice.