Sending money used to mean writing checks, carrying cash, or standing in line at a bank. These days, it’s much simpler and often cheaper to move money using apps and online tools.
While cash and checks still work, they’re not always the safest or fastest options. If your goal is to send money quickly without paying high fees, digital payment services are usually the best choice.
Below are some of the cheapest and easiest ways to send money, explained in plain English for beginners.
Person-to-Person Payment Apps (P2P Apps)
If you regularly pay friends, family, or roommates, P2P payment apps are often the lowest-cost option.
Venmo
Venmo is one of the most popular money-sending apps in the U.S. It lets you send money directly from your bank account or debit card at no cost. If you already have money sitting in your Venmo balance, you can use that for free as well.
There is a fee if you use a credit card Venmo charges about 3% of the payment amount.
Venmo is especially useful for everyday situations like:
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Splitting a restaurant bill
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Sharing rent with roommates
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Paying someone back for concert tickets
One unique thing about Venmo is its social feed. Payments can include short notes, and friends can see (and sometimes comment on) transactions. Because of this, Venmo works best with people you know and trust. You can adjust privacy settings if you prefer to keep payments private.
Cash App
Cash App is another free option for sending money between individuals. Both the sender and the receiver need a Cash App account, but once set up, transfers are fast and usually free.
You can:
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Link a bank account or debit card
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Receive paychecks or government payments (like tax refunds)
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Keep a balance inside the app
Cash App also offers a free debit card called the Cash Card, which lets you spend your balance anywhere debit cards are accepted. Some users like Cash App because it also allows basic investing and Bitcoin purchases, all in one place.
PayPal
PayPal is well known for online shopping, but it also works for sending money to individuals.
Sending money is free if you use:
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Your PayPal balance
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A linked bank account
Fees apply if you use a debit or credit card, or if you receive payments for business purposes.
One major advantage of PayPal is international transfers. You can send money to people in other countries, though fees and exchange rates vary depending on where the money is going.
Xoom (for International Transfers)
Xoom is a service owned by PayPal that focuses entirely on sending money overseas.
It’s a good option if you regularly support family in another country. With Xoom, you can:
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Send money to bank accounts abroad
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Pay international bills
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Send cash for pickup in certain countries
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Reload mobile phones overseas
The recipient does not need a PayPal account, which makes Xoom convenient for international use.
Facebook Messenger Payments
If you already use Facebook Messenger, you can send money to friends directly inside the app at no cost.
To use it:
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Both people must be Facebook friends
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Payments can only be sent within the U.S.
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You’ll need to add a debit card, prepaid card, or PayPal account
This option is handy for casual payments, like reimbursing a friend after a group purchase.
Mobile Wallets on Your Phone
Most smartphones come with built-in payment apps that make sending money easy.
Google Pay
Google Pay lets you send money for free using:
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Your Google Pay balance
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A linked bank account
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A debit card
If you use Gmail, sending money is especially simple. You can also transfer funds to your bank or spend them using a Google Pay debit card.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay allows iPhone users to send money directly through apps like iMessage.
Both the sender and receiver need Apple IDs. Payments are instant, and any money you receive goes into your Apple Pay Cash balance. From there, you can spend it or transfer it to your bank account.
Bank-Based Payment Options
Online Bill Pay
Many banks offer free online bill pay through their website or mobile app.
You can use it to send money to:
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Businesses
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Individuals (even if they don’t have a bank account)
The bank usually mails a check on your behalf, saving you the cost of stamps and checks. Just make sure your checking account doesn’t charge monthly fees for this service.
Bank P2P Services (Like Zelle)
Many U.S. banks include built-in person-to-person payments, most commonly through Zelle.
If your bank supports it:
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Transfers are often free
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Money arrives within minutes
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No separate app may be needed
Some banks also use services like Popmoney. Look for options like “Send money to a friend” inside your banking app.
Low-Cost International Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise is known for low fees and fair exchange rates when sending money internationally.
Fees are often around 1% or less, depending on the amount and destination. Smaller transfers are fast, while larger ones may take longer due to identity verification.
Wise is especially popular with people who send money abroad regularly and want transparency around fees.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
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Most payment apps require both people to have accounts.
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Transfer limits may apply, especially for new users.
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Saving a small fee isn’t always worth the hassle for a one-time payment.
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For occasional use, a paper check can still be a simple and inexpensive solution.
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Always double-check the recipient’s information before sending money.
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Only send money to people or businesses you trust scams are common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money without a bank account?
Yes. You can use services like Western Union, prepaid debit cards, or digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Money orders are another option.
What’s the easiest way to send money online?
P2P apps like Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are among the easiest and most affordable options. Most require creating an account and linking a payment method.
Please take a look at this as well:
What Is Fractional-Reserve Banking? A Beginner-Friendly Guide
