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International money transfers with cash pickups
A secure and convenient way to receive international money transfers.
If you need to send money overseas, finding a specialist that offers cash pick up could speed up your transfer, with pickups often available in minutes. This is a secure option, but watch out for exchange rates and fees.
Our pick: WorldRemit International Money Transfers
Send money to 140+ countries for bank deposit, instant e-wallet, mobile top-up or cash pickup at 30,000+ agent locations worldwide.
Your first transfer is free with the code FINDER.
- Low upfront fees and exchange rates.
- Easy to use with round-the-clock help.
- Get cash to family and friends in minutes.
Compare international cash pickup money transfers
Use our comparison calculator to assess transfer fees, exchange rates and other details for sending funds overseas with our money transfer partners for cash pickup.
How does a cash transfer work?
The basic premise behind a cash transfer is quite simple. In a nutshell, you send money overseas to your friends or family who can then visit an agent or office to pick up the cash you send.
The best-known providers of this service are Western Union and MoneyGram. Western Union allows you to send money online or in person at more than 500,000 locations in over 200 countries. MoneyGram also offers online and in-person transfers to more than 200 countries, with some 350,000 agent locations around the globe. Some providers even let you process a money transfer without a bank account.
Digital provider WorldRemit is another option for a cash pickup. It sends your money overseas that your recipient can then collect from a local bank branch.
Cash transfers are designed to be both secure and convenient, giving your recipient fast access to the cash you send. However, the costs involved in sending a cash transfer can be steep, so it’s a good idea to compare your range of options.
Money transfer locations near me
Back to topHow do I compare cash transfer services?
Compare the following features when weighing the pros and cons of cash transfer companies:
- Exchange rates. Nearly all providers skew exchange rates for a profit. Compare the rate you’re offered to the mid-market rate — the rate banks and transfer services use when they trade among themselves — and look for the smallest margin between them.
- Fees. Does the provider charge a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer? Do the fees vary by method of payment? If you’re sending a large amount, will you qualify for a fee-free transfer?
- Pickup locations. How many agent locations are there in the area you’re planning to send money to? Make sure the location and operating hours are convenient for your recipient.
- Transfer speed. How long will it take for the money you send to be available for your recipient to collect? If you need to send an emergency transfer, can the cash be ready for pickup within minutes?
- Payment methods. Can you pay with cash, credit or debit cards or a bank account transfer?
- Transfer methods. Can you initiate the transfer online, by phone or with an agent? Does the provider offer an online app?
- Customer support. Most companies offer customer service by Internet chat, phone, in person or by email. Make sure help will be available if you need it.
How to make an emergency money transfer
What are the pros and cons of cash transfers?
Pros
- Cash transfers are fast. Cash pickups offer an incredibly quick way to send money overseas — some for pickup within minutes.
- Plenty of choice. Several trusted companies operate in the money transfer industry, giving you the freedom to shop around for a better deal.
- Safe and secure. Reliable providers like Western Union and MoneyGram can offer secure international transfers.
- Convenient. Picking up cash from a transfer agent makes it simple and convenient for your recipient to access the funds you send.
Cons
- Can be expensive. Cash pickup money transfers are typically more expensive and offer weaker exchange rates than bank account deposits.
What should I look out for?
- Transfer fees. You’ll often pay more for a cash pickup over a transfer deposited into your recipient’s bank account. Confirm all of the fees involved in cash pickups before handing over your cash.
- Weak exchange rates. Exchange rates on cash transfers can be weaker than those you’d receive from an online money transfer specialist — and even a small difference in rates can mean a lot less money received by friends and family. Compare the exchange rate you’re offered against the mid-market rate before making your decision.
- Untrustworthy providers. Compare reputable providers to find one that’s best for you.
- Picking up cash. In certain parts of the world, picking up cash from a transfer agent can expose you to the risk of theft.
What are some tips for picking up cash?
No matter where you are in the world, picking up cash from a transfer agent can be dangerous. Stay safe with these tips:
- Avoid unsafe areas. Find a location that’s safe and convenient.
- Call ahead. Confirm an agent’s location and business hours before visiting.
- Bring a friend. Carrying money alone can be dangerous. Ask a friend to come along.
- Deposit your money immediately. The likelihood of losing your money grows the longer you have it with you, so head straight to the bank after pickup.
- Keep your cash hidden. Openly carrying cash could make you a target. Put your money in a purse or wallet before leaving the office.
Frequently asked questions
Ask an Expert
How can you be sure that the pick up agency is legit
Hi Joe,
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. It’s very important to do your research on money transfer agencies to make sure you’re making a wise–and safe–decision. I recommend researching the agency online and reading reviews and customer comments.
It’s important that you keep in mind safety tips when picking up your funds: phone ahead to confirm the agent’s location and hours, avoid agents in high-crime or unsafe areas, ask a friend to come along for the pickup, keep your cash hidden and avoid carrying it around longer than necessary, and deposit your funds into an account as soon as you can.
We also have another page that might interest you about keeping your money safe from money transfer scams: https://www.finder.com/money-transfer-scams.
I hope this helps!
Britny
Does WorldRemit have any places in Hong Kong for a cash pick-up transaction as opposed to a bank deposit?
Hi Mistearly,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
Unfortunately, WorldRemit only allows money transfer to all banks in Hong Kong so your recipient does not have the options to pick up the money in cash.
However, you can check out the other money transfer companies on the page you are in. Click on “Go to site” button to head on to their website and check out if they offer cash pick up option in Hong Kong.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse
Where does the person living in Kampar, Perak 31850, Malaysia, receives the money sent from Washington State?
Hi Maggie,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
If you need to send money quickly, companies like Western Union can complete a transfer in a matter of minutes. The money is collected from a participating Malaysian business. Some examples of pickup locations include:
Western Union:
Alif Money Changer Ampang. Lot 19 Ground Floor Tesco Hypermarket, Ampang Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur. +60-3-26173888. Open Monday to Sunday 10am – 10pm Ank Rakyat Japan Tangsi. Bang Rakyat Tingkat, Bawah Jalan Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur. Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
MoneyGram:
CIMB Bank – KL Sentral. Lot 23. Departure Hall Ground Floor, KL City Terminal KL Sentral Stat, Kuala Lumpur. 322731950 Monday to Friday 9.15am-4.30pm & Saturday to Sunday 12am-11.59pm Prabhu Money Transfer – PUDU. Floor 12 Myanmar Mini Shopping Centre No. F4, First 18-20 Japan Leboh. 320268786 Monday to Sunday 12am-11.59pm
To read our guide on money transfer to Malaysia, you can click HERE.
Cheers,
Joel
how long does money transfers stay in the system
Hi John,
Thanks for your question.
The expiration date of the money transfer transaction depends on the company. Some have 90 days while others may have a shorter expiration period. After the expiration date, the amount is normally credited back to the account of the sender. This information is generally available in the terms and conditions of the money transfer service you are getting.
Cheers,
Anndy