Send money home
Your first transfer is free and arrives in seconds
Millions of people in the United States do not have a bank card or prefer not to use one to send money to their family. Without a bank account or debit card, many believe the only option is to go to a transfer agency or pay high fees. That is not the case.
Without a bank card, you can send money to Latin America by paying in cash at stores like Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, or Walgreens by generating a barcode via WhatsApp with Félix Pago.
Why does sending money without a card seem complicated when it actually isn't?
Most money transfer services are designed for people with a bank account. They require linking a card, having a bank address, or making an ACH transfer. If you don't have those, the screen stops there and you can't move forward.
What few people know is that there are methods designed exactly for those who pay in cash. You don't need to open an account, you don't need a card, and you don't need to go to a bank branch. You only need cash and your phone.
The most common methods for sending money without a card are:
- Cash payment at retail stores: the most convenient. You generate a code in an app or chat and pay at the register just like any other purchase.
- Money order: you buy a money order at a post office or store and send it by mail. It is slower and more expensive for international transfers.
- Western Union or MoneyGram counter: you go in person to an agent, hand over cash, and the other person picks it up at the destination. It requires finding a location, waiting in line, and costs vary.
Of these options, in-store payment is the one that has evolved the most: you no longer have to go to a specialized agency because you can pay at a store you already visit every week.
How cash payment works with Félix at stores like Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, and Walgreens
Félix operates via WhatsApp and accepts cash payments at participating stores in the United States (except in New York and Oklahoma): Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, Walgreens, Casey's, and Office Depot. You generate the barcode in the chat, pay at the register, and Félix processes the transaction in up to 15 minutes.
Step 1: Start the transfer on WhatsApp
Message Félix at +1 (669) 333-3549 and choose the option to send money. Indicate the destination country, the amount, and the delivery method for your family member (bank deposit or cash pickup).
Step 2: Select "in-store payment" and generate your barcode
When the chat asks for the payment method, choose to pay in cash at a store. Félix generates a barcode directly in the WhatsApp conversation. The code has a limited validity: check the chat to see how long you have to use it.
Step 3: Go to the store and pay at the register
Show the barcode to the cashier, hand over the cash, and that's it. The cashier scans it just like a regular purchase. There are no forms and no special lines.
Step 4: The money travels in minutes
After payment at the register, Félix processes the transaction in up to 15 minutes. Your family member receives the money in their bank account or can pick it up in cash at the destination, depending on the option you chose.
The Félix barcode has a limited validity. If you generate a new one before using it, the previous one is automatically canceled. Generate the code when you are ready to go to the store.
How much does it cost to use Félix to send cash from a store
There are two costs you should keep in mind when sending without a card, in addition to the 1% federal tax that applies to transfers paid in cash.
Félix transfer fee: The Félix fee depends on the destination country and the delivery method chosen. For many corridors, a bank deposit costs $2.99 and cash pickup costs $4.98. Some destinations have additional fees or tiered structures. Check the exact details in the WhatsApp conversation before confirming.
Store fee for processing cash: The store charges a fee for the cash receipt service:
| Store | Store fee |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $3.74 |
| 7-Eleven | $3.95 |
| CVS | $3.95 |
| Walgreens | $3.95 |
| Casey's | $3.95 |
| Office Depot | $3.95 |
This fee is charged directly by the store, not Félix. The total amount you pay at the register is the money you are sending plus the store fee plus the Félix fee.
1% federal tax on cash-paid transfers: As of January 1, 2026, money transfers paid in cash from the U.S. are subject to a 1% tax on the amount sent, paid by the sender. Debit or credit card payments are not affected.
Transfer limits for this method:
| Limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum per transaction | $20 |
| Maximum per transaction | $500 |
| Maximum per day | $1,500 (up to 3 deposits) |
| Maximum per month | $5,000 (up to 20 deposits) |
If you need to send more than $500 in a single day, you can make up to 3 transactions within the $1,500 daily limit. To learn about the limits based on your verification level, you can consult the remittance guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a U.S. bank account to use Félix?
No. Félix works entirely through WhatsApp and accepts cash in-store. You do not need to open a bank account or link any card to send money.
Does my family member need a bank account to receive the money?
It depends on the delivery method you choose. If you select bank deposit, your family member needs an account. If you select cash pickup, they can collect the money at a payment location in their country without needing a bank.
What happens if I take the barcode to the store and it has expired?
The cashier will not be able to process it. You will need to return to WhatsApp and generate a new code. Nothing is charged until the in-store payment is successfully completed.
Can I send money to any country in Latin America using this method?
Félix sends money to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, and Costa Rica. Cash payment at stores is available as a sender payment method in all active corridors. Confirm availability for your specific corridor directly in the WhatsApp chat.
Is sending money via this method just as fast as with a card?
Yes, with one difference: after paying at the register, there is a processing time of up to 15 minutes before Félix initiates the transfer. Once processed, delivery times are the same as with any other payment method.
Related content
- Complete guide: how to send money abroad
- What do I need to send money to Mexico from the U.S.?
- ACH transfers: what they are, how they work, and when to use them
- Compare the most popular money transfer services to Mexico
- SWIFT code: what it is, how to read it, and when you need it
- Glossary: Remittance
- Glossary: Fee
