Key Takeaways
- You can send money without a bank account using prepaid cards, digital wallets, mobile wallets, or money transfer services;
- Top apps to send money to someone without a bank account include Ogvio, Wise, and Krak, each with their own pros and cons;
- For safe transfers, pick a trusted platform, check security, compare fees, and avoid risky transactions.
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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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Table of Contents
- 1. Ways to Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account
- 1.1. Prepaid Cards
- 1.2. Money Apps and Digital Wallets
- 1.3. Mobile Wallets
- 1.4. Money Transfer Services
- 2. Top Apps to Send Money Without a Bank Account
- 2.1. Ogvio
- 2.2. Wise
- 2.3. Krak
- 2.4. Revolut
- 2.5. Monese
- 2.6. N26
- 2.7. Rizon
- 3. How to Send Money Without a Bank Account
- 4. General Tips for Money Transferring
- 5. Conclusions
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.
Latest Deal Active Right Now:Prepaid Cards
A prepaid card works like a gift card you can reload: you add money first, then spend only what’s loaded. Many cards come in physical and digital forms and aren’t linked to your personal bank account for spending. However, they’re typically issued by a bank, and funds may be FDIC-insured via pass-through if you register the card.
Popular options include Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards. Some are issued through third parties and managed in 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 (light KYC VS full bank account);
- Widely accepted where Visa/Mastercard prepaid is taken;
- Handy for online transfers or shopping;
- Helps control spending, since you only spend the amount loaded;
- Often supports direct deposit and Apple/Google Pay.
And here are the considerations you need to know before using a prepaid card:
- Fees can add – purchase/activation, monthly, reload, ATM withdrawal, foreign transaction, inactivity, balance inquiry, plus potential ATM owner surcharge;
- 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;
- Some merchants (hotels/car rentals/deposits) may reject prepaid cards.
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. You just link your phone number to a digital account that holds funds, which can then be used for various financial transactions via a smartphone app.
Apps like M-Pesa, GCash, and Maya (formerly PayMaya) allow cash-in via agents or other apps, store value in a phone wallet, and support cash-out at partner locations.
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 recipient has no bank account (often usable via USSD/SMS or basic data);
- Large 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:
- Country/telecom coverage varies – some wallets are network- or region-specific;
- Fees and exchange rates can change depending on location;
- KYC tiers & limits (daily/transaction) affect how much you can send/withdraw;
- SIM/phone risks (loss/SIM-swap) – recovery requires ID/registration.
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 across borders instantly. With a neobank’s simpler hierarchical structure,[1] it’s a great option to send money without a bank account because your recipient will simply need to have an Ogvio app.
Ogvio hasn’t launched yet. The information here is based on early plans, and there’s likely even more to come once it launches. Make sure to join the waitlist to learn about it first!
Ogvio will have the @Tags feature to simplify money transfers. It means you won't need to fill in complicated account numbers or other info – a simple username your recipient comes up with will be enough. So, transferring money to other Ogvio users will be fast, just like sending a DM. And to top it off, it will be free of charge.
You will be able to top up your account via 40+ fiat currencies, but they will be immediately converted to USD or EUR (your choice). These are the most stable fiat currencies. So, users in countries with unstable and inflation-prone local currencies will be able to retain the value of their money, which they would otherwise lose.
While it puts a stronger focus on fiat, Ogvio will also support crypto. Similar to the fiat transactions, you'll be able to hold, send, and receive cryptocurrencies that are listed on the Base network, which includes:
You will even be able to trade crypto with zero trading fees and a transparent exchange rate. So, if you’re looking for a finance solution that also offers a good option for buying, holding, and earning on virtual assets, Ogvio might 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.
Besides, Ogvio will be available in over 160 countries worldwide.
Now, how to send money to someone without a bank account with Ogvio? Create a free account, set your @Tag, and top up your account with funds. Then, you can either send the funds to another Ogvio user via their @Tag or share a payment link. They'll follow the link to set up an account and claim their money.
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.
Wise is also available for businesses, letting companies pay invoices, contractors, and teams worldwide with the same low, upfront fees.
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.
If you have a Kraken account, you can use it to log in to Krak and start right away. But note that your Kraken funds are kept separate.
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: Krak 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:
Discount for international transfers | Fee-free ATM withdrawals | Weekend currency additional fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard (free plan) | ✗ | £200/month or five withdrawals | 1% |
Plus | ✗ | £200/month limit | 0.5% |
Premium | 20% discount | £400/month limit | No fees |
Metal | 40% discount | £800/month limit | No fees |
Ultra | Free | £2,000/month limit | No fees |
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:
Transfer between Monese users | International transfers | Debit card top-ups | Cash top-ups | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Simple (free plan) | Free | 2% fee | 1% per top-up | 3.5% fee |
Classic | Free | 0.5% fee | Free | £400 free monthly |
Premium | Free | Free | Free | £1,000 free monthly |
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.
- Secure and reliable
- Accepts fiat currencies
- Lots of trading options
- Reputable exchange
- Accepts fiat currencies
- Offers various trading options
- Huge trading variety
- Regulation-compliant around the globe
- Fair trading fees
- Beginner-friendly
- A wide array of features
- Vast number of different crypto coins & tokens
- Beginner-friendly
- Secure
- Decent trading and withdrawal fees
- Crypto.com Visa Card
- Automated tools & bots
- Ecosystem synergy with CRO
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:
1
Choose your platform.
Decide which platform fits you and the recipient best. Prepaid cards or cash pickup work, but money apps are best if you ask me.
2
Sign up on your chosen app.
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.
3
Add some funds.
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.
4
Drop in the recipient’s details.
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.
5
Send the money.
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. Always check the full cost of the transfer, including currency conversion fees. FYI, Ogvio will keep its peer-to-peer transfers free, while the fees that will be charged will be shown upfront (no hidden markups).
- 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.
Ready to simplify every transfer? Try Ogvio once it launches and see how effortless sending money without a bank account can be.
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’.
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