How to Send Money Without a Debit Card [Complete Tutorial]

Sending money to your peeps, your fam, or for your biz ventures has never been more hassle-free, all thanks to those snazzy mobile money apps of the 21st century. But what happens if your trusty debit card is nowhere to be found? Fret not; you won’t be time-warped back to the Stone Age. We’ve got some groovy alternatives up our sleeves! In this handy guide, we’ll hold your hand through an array of ways to transfer cash without the need for that elusive debit card. From slick apps like Venmo and PayPal to old-school options like money orders or even some snail-mail moolah, we’ve got you covered with the coolest ways for anyone, sans a debit card, to send money the easy way.

An Important Announcement:

• Send Money Swiftly with These Methods:
  • Use PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App: Whip out your smartphones and make the magic happen with PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s super-duper convenient.
  • Hand Them a Prepaid Card or Gift Card: You can also hand them a prepaid card or gift card they can use for a little shopping spree.
  • For the Unbanked, Send Cash, a Check, or a Money Order: If they’re not part of the banking club, you can always send them some cold, hard cash or opt for the trusty check or money order.

Sending Money Without a Debit Card:

Let’s break it down, step by step:

1. Send the Venmo Way – No Debit Card Needed:
   • Great news, you don’t need a debit card to Venmo if your recipient is already on board. Here’s the deal: Connect the app to your U.S. bank account and let’s get rolling.
   • Just tap your way to success by following these simple steps:
     • Click on your avatar or initials to visit the ‘Me’ tab.
     • Spot the ‘Wallet’ section.
     • Hit ‘Add a bank or card…’
     • Opt for ‘Bank.’
     • Then, choose your preferred verification method.
   • Our pro tip: Link a checking account rather than a savings one for seamless transactions. Some banks loosened their restrictions in 2020, but savings accounts might still have pesky monthly transfer limits. Ouch!
   • Venmo is your trusty sidekick in app form. Both you and your money buddy need Venmo accounts to make the magic happen. Send the moolah using email or phone numbers, and you can connect your bank account, debit card, or credit card to fund the adventure.
   • Now, here’s the cool part: If you pay using your Venmo balance or your linked bank account or accepted debit card, it’s all on the house. But if you decide to go with a different card, there’s a tiny 3% fee. Receiving money? It’s a no-fee zone!
2. PayPal: Make It Rain Without a Debit Card:
   • PayPal knows no boundaries, enabling you to send cash to pals in over 190 countries. And the best part? You just need their email or phone number. Your recipient can set up a free PayPal account in no time, and it even accommodates various currencies.
   • Here’s the lowdown on fees:
     • If you use funds from your PayPal account or a linked bank, it’s fee-free.
     • But if you go the other route, you’re looking at a 2.9% fee plus an extra 30 cents for each transaction.
     • Now, if you’re sending money overseas, brace yourself for different fees. If you utilize your PayPal balance or a linked bank account, the fee ranges from 0.5% to 2%. Use a credit card or a non-linked debit card, and you’re staring at a fee between 3.4% and 3.9%.
   • Fancy a check in the mail? With PayPal, you can request it, and it will take a leisurely 1-2 weeks to arrive. However, there’s a $1.50 fee to cash that check. Good news: Any bank will do the honours, even if your recipient doesn’t have an account there.
3. Sending Money the Zelle Way – No Debit Card Required:
   • With Zelle, you can send money sans a debit card. Simply use your online banking deets to link your bank account. Once you’re in, you’ll need your Zelle password to log into the app.
   • Sending money with Zelle is a piece of cake; follow these simple steps:
     • If you’re using your mobile banking app, open it up.
     • Look for the ‘Send Money with Zelle’ option.
     • Tap ‘Send Money.’
     • Type in your recipient’s phone number or email.
     • Enter the amount you’re sharing.
     • Confirm your transaction, and you’re golden!
   • Using the Zelle app? Here’s the scoop:
     • Log in to your Zelle account.
     • Add your recipient’s email or phone number.
     • Type in the amount you’re sending.
     • Review your deets, tap ‘Confirm,’ and voila!
   • Normally, the funds land in your recipient’s lap within minutes. But for brand new Zelle users, it might take up to three business days. Patience, young padawan!
4. Snail Mail Your Money – Money Orders Are the Key:
   • If your debit card has mysteriously vanished, consider the trusty money order. It’s like a check, but you don’t need a bank account to play.
   • Sending money via a money order is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
     • Purchase a money order for the desired amount.
     • Pop it in the mail to your money’s new home.
     • They cash it, and bingo, they’re in the money!
   • Where can you get a money order?
     • Banks and credit unions
     • Post Office branches
     • Retail hotspots like Walmart
     • Places like Western Union or MoneyGram, conveniently found in grocery stores and drugstores
   • The pros and cons:
     • Pros:
       • Safe and private – your banking secrets remain hidden.
       • Easy to buy and cash at numerous locations.
       • A superior choice to mailing cash.
     • Cons:
       • It costs a small fee.
       • Delivery time varies depending on the postal speed.
   • Expect to drop anywhere from $1 to $2 for a typical money order. Walmart and CVS have got your back, and you can even snag one at your friendly local post office or many grocery stores and gas stations.

Stay tuned for more on Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Western Union, prepaid debit cards, Facebook Messenger money fun, sending checks, Visa gift cards, and using Cash App to make the magic happen!