Last updated on June 28th, 2024 at 11:18 am
Have you ever needed to send money to someone who needs to pick it up in cash? It can be complicated or frustrating, particularly when it’s for an urgent need. It’s even more difficult, often, if the person lives overseas.
When you send money across borders, you have many options. These include sending to a bank account via a wire transfer or transferring funds to a mobile wallet account. But in some cases, it’s easiest for your recipient to pick up cash. Perhaps they don’t have a bank account, or they live in a region where cash is king. Either way, it’s possible to send money to someone in another country that they can pick up in cash.
Let’s dive into this process.
Sending Money for Cash Pickup Overseas
These days, a money transfer app is often the fastest option.
Remitly
If you’re using a mobile app like Remitly, set up an account and link your checking account or add a credit card as your payment method.
Just follow the steps on the screen to add the information for the person you’re sending to and your own personal information.
You will likely need a phone number for both parties.
The app will inform you of any transfer fees. You can then accept this and send money.
Offline options
Alternatively, you can go to a financial institution such as a U.S. bank or credit union that offers this service to send money via wire transfer, check, etc. Then your family member or friend can easily collect the cash you sent.
On the other hand, you could set up a savings account just for this person, in a local bank, such as a U.S. bank, and then use a prepaid debit card to send money. Your recipient would keep the card and pull out money as needed.
Cash from the sender
If you don’t have a bank account or have the money on hand, in cash, there are options to send this money as well. Here, you need to physically hand over the cash and have it transferred via a credit union or money wiring service.
Keep in mind this method requires waiting in line and having the cash in hand.
Considerations Before You Send Money
There are a few things to determine before you send money, to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Transfer Time
How long will it take the money to arrive? Some transfers can be done within a few hours or a couple of days, but others—particularly checks, wire transfers, or money orders—may end up taking longer.
Fees and Rates
What are the costs of sending cash to someone in another country? It varies by service, destination, and other factors. Remitly shows you our rates very clearly before you send, so you know exactly how much your transfer costs, and how much your loved one will receive.
Exchange Rates
Check to see what the current exchange rate is for your send and receive currencies. This can vary by service. Remitly will always show you the rate for your transaction.
Transfer Limits
Every money transfer service has limits for how much you can send at one time, thanks to international regulations. You can easily find this information in the app or from the provider if you’re concerned.
For more information about sending limits with Remitly, check out our help center page.
Requirements for Receiving
Something to consider is what your recipient needs to bring to pick up the money in cash.
Requirements may include:
- Photo ID
- Other account (with the company sending the money)
- Proof of address
This can vary regionally.
Disclaimer: Watch Out for Scams
Of course, whenever there is money to be had, it attracts scammers. Be careful to only send money to people you actually know, like your loved ones.
Other people may attempt to contact you and convince you to send cash to them. They may also pretend to be someone you know, by hacking their Facebook Messenger account, email, or other types of accounts. Verify via phone whether the person actually requested the money before you send it.