How to Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account

Life happens: a friend needs emergency funds, or a family abroad needs quick help. In moments like these, knowing how to send money to someone without a bank account makes all the difference.

Luckily, traditional banking isn’t the only game in town anymore. There are smart and safe ways to send money without relying on a traditional bank account. These days, platforms like Ogvio and Wise are innovating on how money transfers work. Stick around as I explore these and other options, highlight the pros and cons, and help you choose the best one.

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Ways to Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account

Can you send money to someone without a bank account? Yes, and you’ve got several options, from prepaid cards to money transfer services. In this chapter, I’ll walk you through each method and break down the pros and cons.

Prepaid Cards

A prepaid card works almost like a gift card. You load money onto the card, and only spend what’s on it. It comes in both digital and physical forms, and isn’t tied to a bank account.

Popular options include Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards. Both work in a similar way, and because they’re sometimes issued through a third party, you need to use an app. For example, Visa’s NetSpend prepaid card will require you to use the NetSpend app for transactions.

Here are the benefits of using a prepaid card:

• Easy to get;
• Works almost anywhere Visa or Master is accepted;
• Handy for online transfers or shopping;
• Helps control spending, since you only spend the amount loaded.

And here are the considerations you need to know before using a prepaid card:

• Fees can add up from things like activation, card reload, or ATM withdrawal;
• No interest earnings;
• Lost or stolen cards may be harder to replace unless they’re registered;
• Daily or monthly limits on loading or spending may apply.

At the end of the day, using a prepaid card is one of the ways to send money to someone without a bank account. It works well for one-time transfers or budgeting, provided you’re comfortable with possible fees and spending limits.

Money Apps and Digital Wallets

Peer-to-peer apps like Ogvio, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. Typically, you transfer using your mobile device on its native app, but you can also connect it as a payment gateway. Before choosing this method, it helps to look at the upsides:

• Often instant transfers between users;
• Convenient, since you only need a smartphone and an app;
• Widely accepted for online shopping and in many physical stores;
• Funds can stay in your wallet or be moved to a card.

But there are also a few downsides to keep in mind:

• Fees may apply to instant transfers;
• Limit on transfer amounts;
• Security sometimes depends on devices (in cases where you lose your phone).

Money apps and digital wallets give you one of the easiest answers on how to transfer money to someone without a bank account. They mix speed with everyday convenience, and with newcomers like Ogvio pushing for peer-to-peer transfers and deeper crypto integration, the space is only getting better.

Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets help you solve the problem of how to send money to someone without a bank account using a phone-based service. Apps like M-Pesa, GCash, and Maya (formerly known as PayMaya) allow you to put money in through another app or an agent.

The recipient gets the money in their phone wallet and can use it to pay bills, shop, or take out cash at a partner store. Now, here are some good things about this method:

• Works even if the person doesn’t have a bank account or steady internet;
• Big agent networks make adding or taking out cash simple;
• Money arrives almost right away;
• Often links to local shops and bill-payment services.

Still, there are a few things to watch out for:

• Usually only works in certain countries or with certain phone companies;
• Fees and exchange rates can change depending on location;
• The person may need to travel to an agent to get cash.

Mobile wallets fit real-life needs like paying bills or shopping at small merchants and show how sending money to someone without a bank account can be flexible. If your transfer is going to a region where these services are strong, it’s worth checking which specific apps work best.

Money Transfer Services

Money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Remitly let you send cash that can be picked up in person.

Taking the example of Western Union, you pay online or at a branch, and the money is ready for pickup. But you can also do both. First, request the transfer online and lock in the rates and fees. Then, you must visit a Western Union location within 24 hours of locking in your agreed-upon rate.

Here’s why this method can be a good choice to send money to someone without a debit card:

• Large worldwide network of pickup spots;
• Works even if neither sender nor receiver has a bank account;
• Fast delivery, sometimes in minutes.

But there are some downsides too:

• Can have high fees, especially for international transfers;
• Exchange rates can cut down how much you actually receive;
• The person transferring needs to show ID and visit a location.

A money transfer service remains one of the dependable ways to send money to someone without a bank account, especially when cash pickup is the only option. They’re fast and widely available, but fees and exchange rates can add up.

As you weigh these methods, start by considering how much you plan to send and where. A quick local payment might be cheapest through a money app or mobile wallet, while a large international transfer might need a service with locked-in exchange rates.

Also, think about how the recipient wants to receive the funds. Matching their needs with the right service will help you avoid delays and hidden fees.

Next, let’s go through the top apps for sending money without a bank account.

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Top Apps to Send Money Without a Bank Account

If you’re wondering how to send money to someone without a bank account, here are the top apps that make it easy. These services are built for quick, bank-free transfers and cover everything from neobanks to money apps.

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Ogvio

The first on the list is Ogvio. It’s a neobank app that will allow you to send money cross-border instantly. With a neobank’s simpler hierarchical structure,^[1] it’s a great option to send money without a bank account because you can do so much more than just send money.

For example, Ogvio will have the @username feature. This means it will focus on customer interaction with each other, including the fact that transferring money to other Ogvio users will be fast (like sending a DM) and free of charge.

In the beginning, you'll be able to hold and use USD & EUR. These are the most stable fiat currencies. So, users in countries with unstable and inflation-prone local currencies will be able to keep their money in either of the aforementioned fiat currencies, thus helping their earnings retain value.

Ogvio also lives between fiat and crypto, and it’s aiming to give the best of both worlds. Similar to the fiat transactions, you'll be able to hold, send, and receive cryptocurrencies that are listed on the Base network, which includes:

• Bitcoin (BTC);
• Ethereum (ETH);
• Shiba Inu (SHIB);
• Bonk (BONK).

The trading features (including the zero fee for trading and transparent exchange rate) add depth to Ogvio. If you’ve been searching for a finance solution that can also be a good option for buying, holding, and earning on virtual assets, Ogvio could be the answer!

As for fees, Ogvio will keep things simple. It will have incremental or no fees at all for some transactions. It will work almost the same for crypto, where topping up is instant and has no cost, while sending crypto includes a small network fee.

When sending money to people who don’t use Ogvio yet, you'll be able to simply share a payment link. The recipient follows the link to create an account and receive the money, making it easy to reach anyone who's currently outside the app’s network.

Ogvio is planned to be available in most countries around the world after launch. But right now, its availability in the US and Europe will be the first priority.

Now, how to send money to someone without a bank account with Ogvio? You can start with a sign-up and go through the short KYC process to top up. This means some transactions will need your government ID or face scan.

With Ogvio's combination of fiat and crypto, it’s shaping up to be a full financial hub for how to send money to someone without a bank account and beyond once it officially launches.

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Wise

Wise, officially registered as a Money Service Business, is built for simple, transparent global payments. It’s a solid choice for how to send money to someone without a bank account, especially if you care about clear fees and strong regulation.

One of Wise’s best touches is its real-time calculator, which shows exactly how much you’re sending and how much the recipient will get, including every fee.

The service covers 160 countries & regions, and everything is heavily regulated for security. You can also request or send funds in many currencies and pay directly with a Wise debit card.

The Wise debit card is handy for everyday spending. You can hold multiple currencies, spend anywhere Visa is accepted, and withdraw cash worldwide.

There are a few limitations to know. Transfers aren’t always instant, and some can take around eight hours to complete. Customer support can feel limited at times, and frequent ATM withdrawals with the Wise card can lead to extra fees.

On the upside, Wise has no hidden fees. All costs are shown upfront, so you always know the final amount. There are also discounts for large transfers, but they depend on the currency.

How transferring money works with Wise is straightforward: create an account, tap Send, and add the recipient. For the fastest transfer, send to another Wise user.

If the recipient isn’t on Wise, they’ll get an email asking them to add their banking details. Next, choose how to pay and review the transfer before sending.

Wise’s mix of transparency, broad reach, and simple steps makes it a strong pick for global payments without the complication of traditional banks.

Krak

Krak is a money app built by Kraken, one of the top crypto exchanges. The app is designed to remove the friction in traditional finance. This makes it a strong option for how to send money to someone without a bank account, especially if that someone prefers a crypto transfer.

Krak’s top features include instant, free transfers and a chat-like payment experience by creating your Kraktag. It’s basically your Krak app username for sending and receiving money.

The platform supports fiat, crypto, and stablecoins across 300+ assets, all of which offer transparent fees. There’s also an earning potential from using Krak. By holding USDG, you can earn 4.1% APY from day one, giving your balance steady growth while it sits idle.

But there are some limitations to note. Krak does not yet offer a card, though it’s on the roadmap. It’s also not available in Australia and other restricted regions.

As for fees, they apply depending on the region and the type of conversion, such as converting an asset or currency to another. They’re generally similar to Kraken fees.

Transferring money with this platform is straightforward. Download the app, create your Kraktag, and you’re ready to send or receive funds instantly. The fees you’re paying are visible before the transaction, so you don’t need to clutch your pearls for hidden costs.

Krak combines the reach of Kraken’s crypto network with a simple, social way to send money. In my opinion, it’s a forward-looking choice for everyday payments that eliminates the need for a traditional bank account.

📚 Read More: Kraken Review

Revolut

Revolut is a global finance app that blends everyday banking with investing and crypto tools. It’s built for quick cross-border transfers and offers far more than basic money movement. Aside from personal use, Revolut is also available for businesses and companies.

You can trade 2,500+ stocks, buy and stake crypto with rewards of up to 19%, and hold multiple currencies in one place.

Security is built in from the start: strict ID checks and biometric verification for every account. Cards must be activated within the app before use, and AI algorithms continuously monitor transactions that are considered risky.

Transfers are usually fast, but extra checks can occasionally slow things down. They also start from zero fees, and you always see costs upfront if you go over your plan’s free allowance or need currency conversion.

Some of Revolut’s best perks, such as higher ATM limits, better exchange rates, and extra travel benefits, are only available on paid plans that go from £3.99 to £45 a month. Here’s a quick table comparing what the plans offer:

Table: Revolut’s plans and fees details.

Sending money is simple: open the app, tap Payments, add your recipient, and send. Whether you’re covering expenses for family abroad or need a fast business payout, Revolut shows how to send money to someone without a bank account in just a few steps.

With its global reach, low-cost transfers, and strong security, Revolut makes it easy to manage, grow, and move your money from a single app.

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Monese

Claiming to be more than a mobile wallet or an online payment service, Monese’s biggest appeal is its quick, no-fuss registration. That way, you can send money in minutes.

Launched in 2015 with a focus on the UK, Monese has since grown to serve the wider European Economic Area (EEA) and is available in all 31 member countries.

Monese’s top features include instant top-ups, real-time spending notifications, and free transfers between Monese users, similar to what you see in other leading apps.

The free plan carries a 2% fee on international transfers plus an extra 1% fee on weekends. Paid plans lower or remove those costs. Here’s a quick look at Monese’s pricing tiers:

Table: Comparison of Monese’s fees for different plans.

The Simple plan (not the band) is best for light, occasional use and is more than enough to send money to someone without a bank account. The Classic plan cuts most transfer costs, and the Premium one offers maximum free allowances for those who send or top up frequently.

There are some limitations, though. The service is still centered on the EEA, so it’s best suited for users in those countries. Also, transfer fees depend on your plan.

Now, how to send money to someone without a bank account? Start by downloading the app and signing up. Choose Pay, add the recipient and the transfer amount, and match the currency. Finally, approve the payment.

If you’re transferring money to a fellow Monese user, the process is much quicker.

N26

Next up is N26, a German-born mobile bank that’s all about making everyday banking simple. It works in 24 countries, and every account comes with its own IBAN number. That means you can receive and send money like you would with a regular bank, just without the paperwork.

I added N26 to the list because it gets the job done. It’s one of the ways to send money to someone without a bank account, especially if you want a quick setup.

N26 packs in handy tools to organize your money, plus a virtual card you can use right after sign-up. You can trade stocks and ETFs, dip into 400+ crypto coins, and use an N26 card for daily spending. You can also open a joint account to share expenses with someone else.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though. Some users say the customer service can be slow, and free ATM withdrawals are mostly within Germany. N26 is still focused on Europe, so its reach is smaller compared to some global apps.

When it comes to fees, the Standard account charges a 1.7% conversion fee for foreign currency withdrawals. Paid plans lower or remove certain fees. You can stick with the free plan or upgrade all the way to Metal at €16.90/month for more perks.

Getting started is easy. Download the app, sign up, and verify your ID. Once your account is active, you can use your virtual card right away without waiting for the physical card to arrive.

All in all, N26 keeps banking light and mobile, giving you a simple way to transfer money to someone without a bank account. If it's part of your trading goals, it also allows you to trade, save, and manage crypto.

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Rizon

Rizon is a stablecoin app made for everyday spending and quick money moves. You can send USDC or USDT fast, with solid security and barely any fees. If you just want a straightforward way to move digital dollars, this app keeps it simple.

Its top features mix fiat and crypto in one place. You can send on-chain in seconds, pay via a @username or email, and count on strong safety with two-factor authentication, Face ID, passkeys, and other advanced checks.

A couple of limitations to note. Rizon is currently available to US and LATAM users, and it does not yet have an off-ramp feature. So you cannot cash out to a bank account until this feature is live.

When it comes to fees, almost everything is free. The only charges are a small network fee plus 0.1% when sending from your wallet and an ATM withdrawal fee of 2% plus $3 if you need cash.

Getting started is simple. Open the app, create an account, add stablecoins, choose where to send, and confirm. The money shows up for your recipient almost instantly.

From fast crypto-friendly apps like Krak and Rizon to the global reach of Wise, Revolut, Monese, and N26, each service in this chapter shows a different way to move money without a traditional bank.

Still, if you want one app that blends global transfers, fiat and crypto support, free peer-to-peer payments, and space to grow your finances, Ogvio stands out as the clear winner.

How to Send Money Without a Bank Account

Moving on to the next topic, how to send money to someone without a bank account. But before we get to the steps, let’s think about a few key things when choosing your platform.

First, how fast the money needs to arrive. Then, what fees and exchange rates apply, since ideally, you wouldn’t want to end up paying more than you send.

Plus, you could match it with how the recipient wants to receive the money, whether that’s as cash, into a wallet, or on a prepaid card. Matching these factors will help save your time and money.

Now, no matter which method you choose, here’s what the process often looks like:

Decide which platform fits you and the recipient best. Prepaid cards or cash pickup work, but money apps are best if you ask me.

Most services only need a quick sign-up. Some, like Ogvio, might ask for a light KYC that asks for your ID, and others might take slightly longer. But either way, you’ll be ready to go in a few minutes.

Top up however it suits you, whether it’s debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. The idea is just getting money in the app or card first.

This could be their username, email, phone number, or wallet address. Double-check all details so your money doesn’t end up in a stranger’s account.

Look over the amount and fees, confirm, and that’s it. The money’s on its way, and it could land instantly depending on the service.

If needed, you can keep an eye out for the confirmation. Most apps give you a receipt or notification, and it’s worth sharing that with the recipient so they know the money’s on the way.

General Tips for Money Transferring

When figuring out how to send money to someone without a bank account, a little preparation goes a long way. These quick tips will help you move funds safely, avoid surprise charges, and make sure the money lands where it should.

• Choose a reliable platform. Go with trusted and regulated services that have a good track record for safe transfers.

• Double-check security. Security is one of the key factors in a digital payment platform,^[2] so make sure you enable strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and only send to verified contacts.
• Watch the fees and exchange rates. Check the full cost of the transfer, including currency conversion. Ogvio is planning to keep peer-to-peer transfers free, which could make it stand out in terms of costs.
• Avoid high-risk transactions. Whenever you can, stay away from unknown recipients or unusual payment requests that look suspicious.

Whatever app you’re using, checking these points can save you money and stress. And with platforms like Ogvio working to combine security, convenience, and fair fees in one place, the future of sending money without a bank account looks even more promising.

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Conclusions

Getting money to someone who doesn’t have a bank account is no longer the headache it used to be. From prepaid cards to crypto-friendly platforms, the options in this guide show how easy and safe it can be to move funds today.

The platforms compared here cover everything from instant peer-to-peer payments to global reach and built-in crypto tools. Ogvio is the app that fills the gaps by combining all these strengths in one place.

The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.

Scientific References

1. Citterio A, Marques B, Tanda A.: ‘The Early Days of Neobanks in Europe: Identification, Performance, and Riskiness’;

2. Poudel O, Acharya P, Simkhada D.: ‘Customers' Trust in E-payment: The Influence of Security and Privacy’.