How to send cash to someone

United Kingdom By Steve Wong April 22, 2022

Find out how to send cash without a bank account?

Many of us choose to send money to loved ones with help from a bank transfer. But that’s far from the only option. Paying for and receiving money transfers in cash is also easy and convenient. It keeps everything simple, with no need for a bank account of your own.

This guide looks at the different ways to send cash to someone using Western Union. It explains the reasons why you may need to do so, how to send cash to someone, what you will need, plus the different ways of sending cash for pickup.

Whether you want to send cash to support a family member or as a gift to celebrate a special occasion, Western Union is here for you. With around one billion people sending or receiving remittances by 2019, you’ll be in good company.

Why send cash to someone?

Whether it’s a gift, financial support or to help pay a bill, your first thought when sending money to someone may be to transfer funds to their bank account. But despite increasing moves to a cashless society in recent years, there are still many who are ‘unbanked’. In 2019, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published research estimating 1.3 million UK adults did not have a bank account.

Fortunately, although it hasn’t always been the case, it is possible to send cash to someone without using a bank account – and for someone without an account to collect cash from you too.

There are other reasons to use cash. Some people prefer it to avoid spending or sending more than is required. You can also avoid potential credit¹ card fees, and there is less risk of identity theft or your information being stolen online.

1 Some card issuers may charge additional fees for using our services. Please contact your card issuer for more information.

How to send cash in person

Simplicity is one of the main benefits when making a money transfer with cash. It’s just a case of finding the Western Union agent location that works best for you. We have more than 4,4002 across the UK, giving you plenty of choice.

Here’s how to send cash in person in three easy steps. Please note, you can only pay in cash to send money for cash pickup – not to a bank account.

²Agent location count valid as of September 30th 2021.

1. Start your money transfer

Show our agent your transfer details and a valid government-issued ID. You may also be required to provide proof of source of funds, so make sure you bring a bank statement, tax return or payslip with you. You can save time at the counter by starting your money transfer online or via our app. When you begin a money transfer this way, you will be given the option to pay in cash at an agent location.

2. Pay for your transfer

Pay the agent the required amount with your cash, including any transfer fees.³

3. Let your loved one know

Find out the tracking number (MTCN) from your agent. Use it to track your money and find out where your cash is during the transfer.

^{1 Some card issuers may charge additional fees for using our services. Please contact your card issuer for more information.}

^{2 Agent location count valid as of September 30th 2021.}

^{3 Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. When choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes may vary by brand, channel, and location based on a number of factors. Fees and rates subject to change without notice.}

How to send money for cash pickup

We aim to make each money transfer as seamless as possible, meaning cash is far from your only payment option. If you want to send money to someone online so they can collect it in cash, Western Union typically offers three main methods – credit1/debit card, bank transfer and Klarna transfer. Just pick the one that’s most convenient for you.

Credit¹or debit card

Set up a free online profile with Western Union, log in, and click ‘Send money’.
Pick the country you’re sending to from the list of destinations. Then, type in how much money you need to send.
Choose ‘Cash’ as the receiving method.
Click on the option to pay by card.
Enter your receiver’s details and your credit1 or debit card information.
Use the tracking number (MTCN) we provide to keep an eye on the money you’ve sent.

Bank transfer

Set up a free online profile, log in, and click ‘Send money’.
From the list of destinations, find the country you’re sending to and type in how much you want to send.
Choose ‘Cash’ as the receiving method.
Click on the option to pay by bank transfer.
Enter your receiver’s details and your bank account information. Please make sure the name on your bank account matches the name on your profile or the payment will be rejected. We don’t accept payments from business accounts.
Use the tracking number (MTCN) to make sure the money is being sent.

Klarna transfer

Please note, Klarna transfers are only available for certain countries.

Set up a free online profile, log in, and select ‘Send money’.
From the list of destinations, find the country your receiver is based in and type in how much you wish to send.
Choose ‘Cash’ as the receiving method.
Click on the option to pay by Klarna online bank transfer.
You will be redirected to Klarna, so make sure you have your banking information ready.
Enter your receiver’s details and your online bank account information. Please make sure the name on your account matches the name on your Western Union profile or the payment will be rejected. Again, we can’t accept payments from business accounts.
Use your tracking number (MTCN) to keep tabs on the money transfer.

Other ways to transfer cash to someone

While Western Union offers a range of money transfer services, it’s important to remember that other options are available. From money orders to prepaid cards, there are alternative ways to send cash to someone, without involving any bank accounts.

Money orders

Money orders can be sent from Post Office branches to many countries and territories. To send money abroad:

Find and visit a Post Office branch with a form of ID – passport, valid UK driving licence, national identity card or government-issued ID.
Fill in the send form and hand it in at the Post Office counter.
Pay with cash or a debit card. Either include the transfer fee or pay it separately. A currency exchange rate may also apply.
Contact the recipient and give them the reference number.

Prepaid cards

Prepaid cards are useful if you don’t have a bank account due to your credit history or are lacking proof of address. They essentially act as pay-as-you-go debit cards. The user adds money to the prepaid card and can then use it like a debit card, so it can send cash to loved ones.

These cards can be purchased from shops or online. Depending on the method of purchase and where you buy from, prepaid cards may be free. They can be reloaded any number of times. Balance limits and fees are defined when you buy a card.

What you need to send cash to someone

All it takes is a few bits and pieces to send cash to someone with Western Union. Making a note of them in advance should save you time when you get to your nearest agent location.

If you’re sending or receiving cash in person at an agent location, you’ll need an ID document. Simply present one of the following:

Current signed passport
Current full driving licence and provisional licence
Emergency/temporary passport
Emergency travel documents
Ships passport

You’ll also need:

The receiver’s name and address
Source of funds

How to choose the right way to send cash to someone

Before you send cash to someone, consider which method is best for your circumstances and the receiver. Some of the methods described above may not be possible, depending on these considerations:

Receiving country – is your preferred option for sending cash available?
Convenience – certain options may be more convenient than others, depending on what the cash is for and where the receiver lives. If you’re sending funds to someone so they can shop online, cash may be less practical than a bank transfer.
Transfer amount – if the amount of cash you’re sending is large it may be easier to send a different way, perhaps with a credit1 But remember, extra fees may apply if so.

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