Sending and receiving money without a bank account

With Western Union Netherlands, there are a range of ways to send and receive money without a bank account. Send today and your loved ones could receive money in minutes¹.

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The days of sending money through the post – apart from an older relative on your birthday – have largely been replaced by online banking and online money transfer services.

Many people assume that at least one of the sender and the recipient requires a bank account for this to take place, especially for an overseas transfer. But in fact, there are actually various ways to send money without a bank account and to receive money without a bank account.

With this in mind, we’ve put together this guide on sending and receiving money without a bank account.

How to send money without a bank account

With Western Union, there are two main ways to send money without a bank account.

Card
The first is to use a card not linked to a bank account, whether a prepaid debit card, or a credit² card not linked directly to a bank account. You can use the card to transfer money to a loved one.
Cash
The other way to send money without a bank account is to do so in person at one of our agent locations here in the Netherlands. You can even begin a transfer on our website or app and lock in an agreed transfer rate to complete the transaction in person using cash. Here’s how:

1
Start on our website, or download the Western Union^® app to register for a free online profile or log in.
2
Next, lock in agreed exchange rate and fee for your agent location in the Netherlands by setting up the transfer.
3
Pay at a participating Western Union^® location within 24 hours of locking in your agreed rate.
4
Make sure to bring your photo ID and cash to complete the transfer. No paper forms means a faster checkout.

How to receive money without a bank account

With Western Union, there are also two main ways for your loved ones to receive money without a bank account, with availability depending on their country of residence.

Cash pickup

In the vast majority of countries, your loved one can receive money by cash pickup at an agent location, with no need for a bank account. All they will need to collect their money is:

– Their full name

– The sender’s full name and country

– The amount expected

– An accepted ID document

– Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN)

The MTCN is a 10-digit code that you as sender will receive once the transfer is approved for sending. You can share this – securely – with your loved one, so you can both follow the transfer’s progress. For more detail on this, check out our guide on tracking a money transfer.

Mobile wallet

Western Union Netherlands allows you to send money to a loved one’s mobile wallet¹. When you send a transfer to a destination with this option available, the money goes into the mobile wallet account¹ linked to your loved one’s phone number, with no need for a bank account.

To be sure your money is transferred to the intended receiver, make sure to enter the correct mobile phone number. Also make sure your loved one has activated a mobile wallet¹ with one of our partner mobile phone operators in their country of residence.

Once your transfer proceeds, a confirmation with the tracking number (MTCN) will be sent to you. Both you and your recipient can use this tracking number to track the transfer. We’ll also confirm the successful delivery of the mobile money transfer.

Send money to loved ones at all the special moments

No matter what your loved ones are celebrating, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, new business opportunity, or they just need a little support, we can help you send money to loved ones without a bank account quickly and reliably.

Register to start sending money today

Quick and easy registration

It’s easy to register and start using our money transfer service to send money without a bank account.

Pay the way you like

Send money without a bank account in the Netherlands in the way that suits; card or cash.

Track your money transfer

Easily track your transfer to a loved one by using our website or app and your MTCN.

Committed to security

Our encryption and fraud prevention efforts help protect your Western Union^® money transfers.

Frequently asked questions on sending and receiving money without a bank account

How much can I send to someone with a bank account?

The exact amount you are able to send to a loved one without using a bank account will vary depending on the receiving method and/or destination country involved in your transfer.

Generally, the limit for a cash pickup or mobile wallet1 transfer is lower than that of a bank transfer, but for exact limits for your transaction it is best to visit our send money page and select your exact requirements.

How long does it take to send money without a bank account?

Again, the exact timings for each transaction can depend on the sending and receiving methods, and the destination country involved.

What we can say, is that while the sending limit may be lower without a bank account, the timings are generally quicker.

When bank transfers are involved, the transfer can take several days¹, whereas when sending and receiving methods involve cash, card and/or mobile wallet, the money can often be delivered within minutes¹.

¹ Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. For mobile transactions funds will be paid to receiver’s mWallet account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. See the transfer form for restrictions.

² Some card issuers may charge additional fees for using our services. Please contact your card issuer for more information.