If you need to send money overseas to a loved one without a bank account, then use a money transfer specialist who offers cash pickups. These types of transfers are fast and secure, with pickup locations available across the globe. However, you will need to watch out for weaker exchange rates and higher fees compared to other providers.
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A cash pick up allows your recipient to pick their money up in cash from a physical location, rather than through a digital deposit into a bank account. Cash pickups can be fast and convenient, and are available worldwide. They allow your recipient to have instant access to the money you have sent, without the need for a bank account.
How does cash pickup work?
Cash pickup services vary from company, but typically they require four simple steps:
Place your order. You submit your recipient’s contact information, the amount you’re looking to send and other details either through the money transfer company’s site or its storefront. You may find that some specialists require you to choose a specific location for pickup. Take care to enter your recipient’s name as shown on their ID to avoid any issues with pickup.
Wait for processing. The processing time for your transfer will depend on which provider you use, but most expedite cash pickups. You will receive a transfer reference number once it’s been processed that your recipient can use at pickup – and that you can use to track the progress of your transfer.
Recipient picks up cash. Your recipient picks up the cash from the location you have specified, or at a convenient location in the company’s network. They will need to take your transfer reference number with them, as well as some ID.
Get confirmation. After your recipient picks up the money transfer, you should receive a text or an email confirming the time and location of the cash pickup. Alternatively, you can track the transfer with your transfer reference number.
Western Union allows you to send money online or in-person at more than 500,000 locations in over 200 countries. Click here to find Western Union locations.
MoneyGram offers online and in-person transfers to more than 200 countries and has around 350,000 agent locations around the globe. Discover MoneyGram locations here.
WorldRemit also offers cash pickups at select bank branches in dozens countries across the world. Take a look at WorldRemit locations here.
Some providers allow you to process a money transfer without a bank account. This is especially useful for the unbanked and underbanked, because you can take cash into a physical location for sending around the world.
If you’re the intended recipient of a transfer, look for a money transfer near you in order to find a cash pickup location.
What should you look at when comparing cash pickup service providers?
It is important to compare cash pickup service providers, taking into account the best deal for you and whether or not it meets your recipient’s needs. Here are some things to consider:
Exchange rates. Rates will vary depending on which company you use, but you will likely find that 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. Consider whether the provider charges a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer. Also look to see if the fees vary by method of payment, and whether if you send a large amount you will qualify for a fee-free transfer.
Pickup locations. Take a look at how many agent locations are in the area you’re planning on sending money to – and whether they are convenient for your recipient.
Transfer speed. Compare how long it will 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. Try to find a cash pickup service provider which has flexible options to make the order placement process easier and faster. Can you pay with cash, credit or debit card, or a bank account transfer?
Transfer methods. Consider whether a provider has various options for transfer. Can you initiate the transfer online, by the phone or with an agent? Does the provider have an online app?
Customer support. Look at what support channels are available if you need assistance. Most companies offer help through live chat, by phone, in person or through email.
What are the pros and cons of cash pickups?
While cash pickups provide a fast turnaround and are often convenient, you will probably face higher fees and weaker exchange rates.
Pros
Fast turnaround. Cash pickups are a quick way to send money overseas – some for pickups within minutes.
Plenty of choice. Several trust companies operate in the money transfer industry, so you have the freedom to shop around for a better deal.
Convenient. Picking up cash from a transfer agent makes it simple and convenient for your recipient to access the funds you send.
Cons
Transfer fees. You will often pay more for a cash pick compared to a transfer deposited into your recipient’s bank account.
Weak exchange rates. Exchange rates on cash transfers can be weaker than those you’d receive from an online money transfer specialist. Even a small difference in rates can mean a lot less money received by friends and family.
Risk of theft. In some parts of the world, carrying cash requires precautions to minimize the risk of theft.
Frequently asked questions
A cash pickup allows your recipient to pick up their money in cash from a physical location. The process may vary depending on the money transfer service you use, but typically you will place your order, wait for processing, your recipient will pick up the cash and you will receive confirmation of the time and location of the pickup.
Popular money transfer providers such as MoneyGram and Western Union offer cash pickup services around the world.
Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.
Shirley Liu is Finder's global program manager. She was previously the publisher for banking and investments and has also written comparisons for energy, money transfers, Uber Eats and many other topics. Shirley has a Master of Commerce and a Bachelor of Media, Journalism and Communications from the University of New South Wales. She is passionate about helping people find the best deal for their needs.
How do you know if your international money transfer made it safely? Learn how to track or cancel, and find out what your rights are when it comes to sending money.
From bank transfers to specialist money transfer companies, there are several options available when you need to transfer money overseas from your bank account.
If you need to transfer money overseas using your credit card, you can do so via your bank, MoneyGram, Western Union and PayPal. This can be useful in emergency situations, but credit card transfers are usually not a cost-effective option.
If you’re looking for a secure way to send money overseas, an international bank draft could be for you — but if speed is important, consider using a money transfer service instead.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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
Check our guide on money transfer to Malaysia for more details.
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