What MoneyGram is and how to use it

MoneyGram is a money transfer service that lets you send cash to someone in another location — either within the United States or to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. You walk into a MoneyGram agent location (usually a grocery store, pharmacy, or check-cashing business), hand over cash, and the recipient picks up the money at another MoneyGram location, or in some cases receives it directly to a bank account or mobile wallet.

The process is straightforward: you provide the recipient's name, the amount you want to send, and where they will pick it up. You pay the transfer fee and the amount being sent upfront. The recipient then goes to a MoneyGram location with a valid ID and a reference number you receive, and collects the cash. Most transfers are available for pickup within minutes, though some international transfers take longer depending on the destination country.

MoneyGram also offers other services beyond cash pickup, including direct bank deposit transfers, mobile wallet deposits, and bill payments in certain locations. The service you use depends on what the recipient needs and what MoneyGram agent locations in their area offer.

Key Takeaways

  • MoneyGram charges a fee for each transfer, and the amount varies based on how much money you send and where it is going.
  • You can send money from thousands of agent locations across the United States, or online through MoneyGram's website or mobile app.
  • The recipient needs a valid government-issued ID and the reference number you receive to pick up cash at a MoneyGram location.
  • International transfers may take several hours to a few business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing time.
  • MoneyGram also offers direct bank transfers and mobile wallet deposits as alternatives to cash pickup in some locations.

Where to send money from and how to start a transfer

You can send money through MoneyGram in three ways: at an agent location in person, online through MoneyGram.com, or through the MoneyGram mobile app. Agent locations include grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, Western Union locations, and check-cashing businesses. You can find the nearest location by searching MoneyGram's website or app.

To send money in person, bring cash or a debit card, the recipient's full name, and the location where they will pick up the money. If you send online or through the app, you will need the same information plus a valid ID and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). Online and app transfers may require you to verify your identity before your first transfer.

The time it takes to complete a transfer varies. In-person cash transfers are usually available for pickup within minutes. Online transfers can take longer — domestic transfers may take a few minutes to a few hours, while international transfers can take one to three business days depending on the destination country and whether the receiving bank is processing the transfer during business hours.

How much MoneyGram charges

MoneyGram's fees depend on the transfer amount, the destination, and the delivery method. There is no single fee that applies to all transfers. A transfer of $100 domestically might cost $5 to $10, while a larger transfer or an international one could cost significantly more. The exact fee is shown to you before you complete the transfer, so you know the total cost upfront.

International transfers typically cost more than domestic ones. Fees also vary by destination country — sending money to Canada or Mexico usually costs less than sending to countries with fewer MoneyGram agent locations. Some agent locations may charge slightly different fees, so it is worth checking the fee before you commit to sending through a specific location.

MoneyGram also charges an exchange rate markup on international transfers, meaning the rate you receive is slightly lower than the mid-market rate. This is how the company makes money on currency conversion. If you are sending a large amount internationally, comparing MoneyGram's rate to other money transfer services can help you understand the total cost.

Domestic versus international transfers

Domestic transfers within the United States are faster and usually cheaper than international ones. A domestic transfer sent in person is typically available for pickup within minutes. You can also send domestically online or through the app, and those transfers usually complete within a few hours.

International transfers work differently depending on the destination country. Some countries have many MoneyGram agent locations, so the recipient can pick up cash quickly. Other countries have fewer locations, or MoneyGram may only offer bank deposit or mobile wallet delivery. The recipient's options depend on what MoneyGram offers in their country. Before you send, confirm that the recipient can actually receive the money in the way you plan to send it.

International transfers also take longer to process. Even if the money leaves your account when ready, it may take one to three business days to reach the recipient's country, depending on banking hours and the destination country's processing time. Some countries also have limits on how much money can be received in a single transfer or within a certain time period.

What the recipient needs to pick up the money

The recipient needs two things to pick up cash at a MoneyGram location: a valid government-issued photo ID and the reference number you receive when you send the money. The ID must match the name the money was sent under. If you send money to someone and their name on the ID does not match exactly what you provided, they may not be able to pick it up.

For domestic transfers, the recipient can pick up the money at any MoneyGram agent location in the United States. For international transfers, they pick up at a MoneyGram location in their country. If MoneyGram offers bank deposit or mobile wallet delivery in their location, they can choose that option instead of going to a physical location.

If the recipient loses the reference number, they can still pick up the money by providing their ID and the sender's name and phone number to the MoneyGram agent. However, it is best to keep the reference number safe and share it with the recipient as soon as possible.

Alternatives to cash pickup

MoneyGram offers ways to send money directly to a bank account or mobile wallet instead of requiring the recipient to pick up cash. Direct bank deposit is available in many countries, and the money goes straight into the recipient's bank account. This option is useful if the recipient does not have straightforward access to a MoneyGram location or prefers not to carry cash.

Mobile wallet delivery is available in select countries and allows the recipient to receive money directly into a mobile payment app. This is faster than waiting for a bank transfer and does not require a physical location visit. The availability of these options depends on the destination country and the recipient's bank or mobile wallet provider.

If you are sending money to someone who does not have a bank account or mobile wallet, cash pickup remains the most straightforward option. However, if they do have one of these accounts, direct deposit or mobile wallet delivery may be more convenient and sometimes cheaper than a cash pickup transfer.

Security and limits on MoneyGram transfers

MoneyGram has limits on how much money you can send in a single transfer and how much you can send over a certain time period. These limits vary by location, payment method, and whether you are a first-time user. In-person transfers at agent locations typically have higher limits than online transfers. You will see your specific limit when you start a transfer.

MoneyGram also requires identity verification for online and app transfers, especially for larger amounts or if you are a new user. This is a standard anti-fraud measure. You may be asked to provide a photo ID, answer security questions, or verify your address. The verification process usually takes a few minutes.

For your protection, do not share your reference number with anyone except the intended recipient. Scammers sometimes pose as MoneyGram agents or claim to be the recipient to trick people into sending money. If someone contacts you asking for a MoneyGram reference number or asking you to send money urgently, verify their identity through another method before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a MoneyGram transfer after I send it?

It depends on how far the transfer has progressed. If the money has not been picked up yet, you may be able to cancel it, but you will likely lose the transfer fee. If the recipient has already picked up the money, you cannot cancel the transfer. Contact MoneyGram as soon as possible if you need to cancel — the sooner you act, the better your chances.

What happens if the recipient does not pick up the money?

MoneyGram holds the money for a set period, usually 60 days for domestic transfers and longer for international ones. If the money is not picked up within that time, it is returned to the sender. You will receive the refund to the payment method you used, though it may take several business days to process.

Can I send money to someone without a bank account?

Yes. Cash pickup at a MoneyGram agent location does not require a bank account. The recipient only needs a valid photo ID and your reference number. If you want to send money to someone without a bank account, cash pickup is your only option.

Is MoneyGram safe to use?

MoneyGram is a regulated money transfer service, but like any service that moves money, it carries some risk. Verify that you are using an official MoneyGram location or the official MoneyGram website or app. Be cautious of scams where someone claims to be from MoneyGram or asks you to send money urgently.

How do I know if MoneyGram is available in the country where I want to send money?

Use MoneyGram's website or app to search for the destination country. Enter the country name and you will see what delivery methods are available there — cash pickup, bank deposit, or mobile wallet. If the country does not appear in the search results, MoneyGram does not currently serve that location.