A cash pick up allows your recipient to pick their money up in cash from a physical location. Cash pickups can be fast and convenient, and are available worldwide. They allow your recipient to have instant access to the money you sent, without needing a bank account.
If you need to send money overseas to a loved one without a bank account, then you can use a money transfer specialist which offers cash pickups. These transfers are fast and secure, with pickup locations available across the globe. However, you need to watch out for weaker exchange rates and higher fees compared to deposit transfers.
Compare international cash pickup money transfer services
Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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 for your recipient to access the funds you send.
Cons
Transfer fees. You will usually 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 are generally 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 minimise the risk of theft.
How does cash pickup work?
Cash pickup services vary from company, but typically they require 4 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. Some providers 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. Once processed, you will receive a transfer reference 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 official 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.
MoneyGram offers online and in-person transfers to more than 200 countries and has around 350,000 agent locations around the globe. WorldRemit also offers cash pickups at select bank branches in dozens of countries across the world.
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?
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.
Frequently asked questions
Finance regulator AUSTRAC confirms that "there is no limit to the amount of money that you can travel with, receive and send overseas". You don't need to declare the amount of money sent when using an international money transfer service. Declarations are only needed if you physically travel out of Australia with more than $AUD10,000 in cash.
Kate Steere is a deputy editor at Finder, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency and banking. She has previously written for The Motley Fool UK and Fitch Solutions, where she covered a wide range of personal finance topics and kept a close eye on market trends. Kate has a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History from the University of East Anglia. When not working, she can usually be found curled up with a good book or heading out for a run.
What are the best options for sending or receiving a large amount of money overseas? Read this $50,000 case study with exchange rates and fees comparison.
You will need to be over 18. If under the age of 18, you’ll need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian if you’re sending it in person. If doing it online, you will need a parent or guardian to do it for you.
How can i use this service cox i need to send money to a friend, what are the details that will be given to pick the money, i need fast respond on this
Please click on ‘Go to site’ and follow the prompts to initiate the transfer. You’ll need the details of your recipient bank to complete the process, such as their IBAN or SWIFT number, BSB and account number.
You can login to your WorldRemit account or contact them directly To find out the status of your transfer. We have published their contact details on our review page.
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Is there any age policies?
What age do you have to be, to be able to transfer money overseas?
Hi Casey,
Thanks for your question.
You will need to be over 18. If under the age of 18, you’ll need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian if you’re sending it in person. If doing it online, you will need a parent or guardian to do it for you.
Hope this helps.
How can i use this service cox i need to send money to a friend, what are the details that will be given to pick the money, i need fast respond on this
Hi Gabrielle,
Thanks for your question.
Please click on ‘Go to site’ and follow the prompts to initiate the transfer. You’ll need the details of your recipient bank to complete the process, such as their IBAN or SWIFT number, BSB and account number.
Cheers,
Shirley
how can i check the worldremit tracking if its right
Hi Rubie,
Thanks for the question.
You can login to your WorldRemit account or contact them directly To find out the status of your transfer. We have published their contact details on our review page.
I hope this helps,
Marc
hello how can i know if money is to be ready to pick up because i don’t get message from worldremit?
Hi Lovely,
thanks for the question.
If WorldRemit hasn’t sent you an SMS message it’s advised you contact them using the details on their contact us page.
I hope this helps,
Marc.
someone send me in worldremit .. but im not sure if its already available to pick up now
thanks
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for your enquiry.
WorldRemit will send you a notification with a transaction number and instructions of how you can collect the funds.
If you have any issues collecting the money, please contact WorldRemit directly.
Thanks,
Belinda