What Intermex Wire Transfer Does

Intermex Wire Transfer is a money transfer service that lets you send cash to people in Mexico and other countries from locations in the United States. You walk into a participating store, give the agent cash and the recipient's details, and the money becomes available for pickup at an Intermex location abroad — usually within minutes to a few hours, depending on the destination.

Intermex operates through a network of retail agents across the U.S., including grocery stores, check-cashing outlets, and dedicated money transfer shops. The recipient does not need a bank account; they straightforward show ID and collect the funds at an Intermex agent location in their country.

The service is straightforward for domestic senders: you pay cash, provide the recipient's name and location, and Intermex handles the rest. Fees and exchange rates vary by destination and the amount sent, so the final cost depends on where the money is going and how much you transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • Intermex accepts cash payments at retail agent locations across the U.S. and delivers funds to recipient countries within minutes to hours.
  • The recipient picks up money in cash at an Intermex location abroad using only their ID — no bank account is required.
  • You will need the recipient's full name, city, and country; some transfers also require their phone number or address.
  • Fees and exchange rates depend on the destination country and transfer amount, so costs vary widely between transfers.
  • Intermex does not transfer money to U.S. bank accounts; it is designed for cash pickup abroad.

How to Send Money Through Intermex

Start by locating a participating Intermex agent near you. You can search for agent locations on the Intermex website or call their customer service line. Bring cash in the amount you want to send plus the fee.

At the agent location, tell the representative the destination country and the amount. They will quote you the fee and the exchange rate. Once you agree, provide the recipient's information: their full name, the city where they will pick up the money, and their country. Some destinations require a phone number or address as well.

The agent will issue you a reference number — write this down or take a photo. Give this number to the recipient so they can collect the funds. The money is usually available within minutes at an Intermex location in the recipient's country, though some destinations take a few hours.

What Information You Need Before You Go

Have the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their ID. Intermex matches this name to the pickup, so misspellings or nicknames can delay or block the transfer. Ask the recipient to confirm their name spelling before you send.

You also need the city where they will pick up the money. Intermex has agent networks in major cities across Mexico and other countries, but not everywhere. If the recipient lives in a small town, they may need to travel to the nearest city with an Intermex location.

For some countries, Intermex requires the recipient's phone number or street address. Ask the agent at your location which details are needed for your specific destination before you hand over cash.

Fees and Exchange Rates

Intermex charges a flat fee per transfer, and the amount depends on the destination country and how much money you send. There is no single fee that applies everywhere — sending $100 to Mexico costs differently than sending $100 to Guatemala or El Salvador.

On top of the fee, Intermex applies an exchange rate when converting U.S. dollars to the recipient's currency. This rate is set by Intermex and may differ from the mid-market rate you see online. The agent will show you the total cost — fee plus the amount the recipient will receive in their local currency — before you complete the transfer.

Ask the agent for the exact fee and exchange rate before you pay. This way you know the total cost upfront and can decide whether to proceed.

How Long Money Takes to Arrive

Most Intermex transfers to Mexico and Central America are available for pickup within minutes to one hour. Some destinations, particularly in South America or the Caribbean, may take up to a few hours.

The speed depends on the destination country and the time of day you send. Transfers sent during business hours typically arrive faster than those sent in the evening or on weekends. Once the money is available, the recipient can pick it up at any Intermex agent location in their city — they do not have to go to a specific branch.

The agent at your location can tell you the expected delivery time for your specific destination when you send the transfer.

What Happens at Pickup

The recipient goes to any Intermex agent location in their country with a valid photo ID — a passport, national ID card, or driver's license. They provide the reference number you gave them and their name. The agent verifies the information and hands over the cash in the local currency.

The recipient does not need to bring anything else, and they do not need a bank account. Intermex is a cash-to-cash service, so the money is paid out in bills and coins on the spot.

If the recipient cannot pick up the money within a certain time frame (usually 90 days), the funds may be returned to you. Check with the agent about the pickup important date for your transfer.

Intermex vs. Other Wire Transfer Services

Intermex competes with other cash-based money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram. All three operate through retail agent networks and deliver cash to pickup locations abroad. The main differences are the fee structure, exchange rates, and the countries they serve.

Intermex is particularly strong for transfers to Mexico and Central America, where it has a large agent network. If you are sending to a country where Intermex has fewer locations, Western Union or MoneyGram may be faster or cheaper. Compare the fee and exchange rate at your local agent before you send — the best option depends on your specific destination and amount.

Unlike bank wire transfers, Intermex does not require the recipient to have a bank account, and the money arrives in cash rather than being deposited electronically. This makes it useful for recipients who do not use banks or prefer cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to a U.S. bank account through Intermex?

No. Intermex is a cash-to-cash service only. The recipient picks up money in cash at an Intermex location abroad. If you need to send money to a U.S. bank account, you will need a different service, such as a bank wire transfer or an ACH transfer through your bank.

What if the recipient loses the reference number?

The recipient can still pick up the money if they have a valid ID and know their own name and the sender's name. However, having the reference number makes the process faster. If they have lost it, they should go to an Intermex location and provide as much information as they remember about the transfer.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

If the recipient has not yet picked up the money, you may be able to cancel the transfer and get a refund, minus a cancellation fee. Contact Intermex customer service with your reference number as soon as possible. Once the recipient has collected the cash, the transfer cannot be reversed.

Do I need a bank account to send money through Intermex?

No. You only need cash and a valid photo ID. Intermex accepts walk-in customers at retail agent locations and does not require you to have a bank account or membership.

What countries does Intermex serve?

Intermex primarily serves Mexico and Central American countries, but also offers transfers to parts of South America and the Caribbean. The countries available and the fees vary by location. Ask the agent at your local Intermex retailer which destinations they can send to.