3 ways to send money to someone who doesn’t have a bank account

Why use WorldRemit to send to someone without a bank account?

With the boom of financial technologies, people have grown to love using money transfer apps, as they are simply the most convenient way to send money.

An online service like WorldRemit allows you to send money abroad from a smartphone, tablet or computer, making it as fast and easy as sending a text message. And your family and friends don’t necessarily need to have a bank account, either.

Before we get into each transfer option for sending to someone without a bank account, let’s explore just why using WorldRemit as a money transfer service is a good idea (not that we’re biased!).

It’s cheaper

All our fees are shown upfront so you only ever pay what you see. When you set up exchange rate notifications in our app, you can also know the best time to send. To sweeten the deal, you can get your first three transactions free of charge with a special promo code!

It’s faster

Most of our transactions are delivered instantly, depending on the receiving method. In October 2021, 95% of transactions were ready in minutes!

It’s more convenient

Say goodbye to long queues in all weather. Many of our transactions are done outside regular shop opening hours from the comfort of your home, or out and about using our app.

Plus, when you use the WorldRemit app, you’ll always know where your money is as you can track your transfers!

It’s safe

We have security processes and procedures installed behind the scenes which work hard to keep you (and your hard-earned money) safe. Identification is required for services such as cash pickup so that only the intended recipient can collect their money, and all your data is protected and encrypted.

Money transfer services for recipients without a bank account

Send money for cash pickup

Cash pickup transfer is a payment that your recipient can collect as physical cash from a collection point in their country. Some networks may have a limit on how much cash can be picked up in one transaction, so it’s a good idea to check before sending.

How does cash pickup work?

Choose the receiving country and cash pickup collection location. Enter the amount you want to send, continue through to payment, and then it’s done!

Once the transfer is ready for collection, your recipient will be notified via a text message or email with all necessary information. This includes:

• Collection number

• Amount to be collected

• Where to collect the cash

• ID documents needed for pick up

If in doubt, use our handy cash pickup troubleshooting guide!

Send a mobile money transfer

Mobile money allows people to receive, store and spend money using a mobile phone.

Also called a ‘mobile wallet’, it’s an account linked to a mobile phone number. Some countries rely heavily on mobile money payments, sometimes due to a lack of access to banking.

Some of the most popular service providers include MTN, MPesa, EcoCash, GCash and Tigo Pesa.

How does mobile money work?

To receive mobile money, your recipient needs to have an active mobile wallet. Find out the service provider, mobile phone number, and the name your beneficiary used to register their account. Then follow the steps on our website or app – and voila!

Plus, over 85% of mobile money payments are completed within 10 minutes. Find out all about mobile money here.

Send an airtime top up

While it’s not a way of directly sending money, sending an airtime top up to your loved ones is a great way to help. It involves topping up your recipient’s prepaid mobile phone plan so that they have enough credit to be able to use their network’s service for phone calls, SMS messages, and data coverage.

How does airtime top up work?

All you need to do is enter your recipient’s phone number after selecting airtime top up as your transfer method. You’ll be asked to enter it twice to make sure any money you send goes to the right person. Airtime top ups are usually instant, though congestion or network outages may affect how quickly the top up arrives.

More information on airtime top ups can be found here.

What next?

If you want to get started sending money abroad, we’re here to make your WorldRemit registration as simple as possible. Watch the video below which outlines the WorldRemit sign up process, so that you can send money abroad to loved ones quickly, easily and safely.

There you have it - sending money to someone without a bank account has never been easier or more convenient. And with over 8 million customers, you can be sure that your money is in good hands, however you choose to send.