You Don't Need an SSN to Send Money
Most remittance apps accept an ITIN or a foreign passport as an alternative to a Social Security Number. The major services — Remitly, Wise, Western Union, MoneyGram — all allow U.S. senders to verify their identity with foreign government-issued ID, and Remitly and Wise explicitly accept ITIN.
ITIN holders send billions of dollars home every year. The process is straightforward: create an account, verify your identity with your ITIN or passport, and transfer funds to your recipient's bank account or a cash pickup location.
⚠️ 2026 rule change: the 1% remittance tax
A new 1% excise tax on certain remittance payments took effect in 2026 — but it only applies to transfers paid with cash, money orders, or cashier's checks. Transfers funded from a bank account, debit card, or credit card are exempt. If you pay through any of the apps below using your bank account or card, this tax does not affect you.
Apps That Work for ITIN Holders
Remitly
✓ Accepts ITIN Cash pickup available ~2–3% exchange rate markupRemitly explicitly accepts ITIN for U.S. account verification. After your first two transfers, fees are typically $1.99 for economy (3–5 business days) or a higher fee for express delivery (minutes). Cash pickup is available at 350,000+ locations globally, including major retail chains in Mexico and Latin America.
Good all-around option with confirmed ITIN acceptance, competitive fees on amounts over $500, and strong coverage across Latin America.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
✓ Accepts ITIN ~0.5–1.5% markup — lowest feesWise accepts ITIN as an alternative to SSN for U.S. residents. It uses the mid-market exchange rate — the real rate you see on Google — plus a small transparent fee (typically less than 1.5% on larger amounts). Most transfers arrive within 24 hours; many are instant.
Best choice for bank-to-bank transfers where low fees and good exchange rates are the priority. Note: Wise does not offer cash pickup — your recipient needs a bank account.
Western Union
✓ Accepts foreign passport + ID Cash pickup at 38,000+ Mexico locations ~3–5% exchange rate markupWestern Union accepts a foreign passport for identity verification. Cash pickup is instant and available at tens of thousands of locations across Mexico — OXXO stores, pharmacies, banks — making it the strongest option when your recipient doesn't have a bank account.
Note: In 2026, the U.S. government directed Western Union to apply enhanced identity documentation requirements for transfers of $200–$10,000 along the U.S.-Mexico border. Have your passport and ITIN ready when sending.
MoneyGram
✓ Accepts foreign passport + ID Cash pickup at 400,000+ locations worldwide ~3–5% exchange rate markupSimilar to Western Union — accepts foreign passport and ID, instant cash pickup at a massive network of agent locations. Fees and exchange rates are comparable. The same enhanced documentation requirements that apply to Western Union also apply to MoneyGram for border transfers in 2026.
Xoom (by PayPal)
Cash pickup at OXXO, Elektra, BanCoppel ITIN policy not publicly documentedXoom offers near-instant cash pickup at major Mexican retail chains. Its ITIN acceptance policy is not clearly published — some users report success with ITIN + passport, while others are asked for an SSN during verification. Worth trying if you have a strong U.S. bank account history, but have a backup option ready.
Quick Comparison
| Service | ITIN Accepted | Fees (approx.) | Cash Pickup | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remitly | Yes ✓ | $1.99 + 2–3% markup | Yes — 350k+ locations | Economy 3–5 days / Express minutes |
| Wise | Yes ✓ | ~0.5–1.5% of amount | No (bank only) | Most within 24 hours |
| Western Union | Passport + ID | Varies / 3–5% markup | Yes — 38k Mexico locations | Instant for cash pickup |
| MoneyGram | Passport + ID | Varies / 3–5% markup | Yes — 400k+ locations | Instant for cash pickup |
| Xoom | Unclear | Varies | Yes — OXXO, Elektra | Near-instant cash pickup |
How to Get the Best Rate
The fee shown is never the full cost. The exchange rate markup is usually where services make more money. Here's how to compare correctly:
- Use each app's calculator. Enter the amount you want to send and look at how many pesos (or local currency) your recipient will actually receive — not just the fee. The highest payout wins.
- Pay from a bank account or debit card. Credit card payments usually trigger higher fees. Bank account (ACH) transfers are cheapest in most apps.
- Send larger amounts less often. Fixed fees ($1.99–$4) hurt less on a $500 transfer than a $50 transfer. If possible, combine smaller amounts into one monthly transfer.
- Check for first-transfer promotions. Many apps offer a fee waiver or better rate on your first transfer. Remitly often gives the first two transfers free.
- Avoid sending cash at a physical counter. In-person cash transfers carry the highest fees and are subject to the 2026 1% excise tax. App-based transfers are cheaper and exempt from the tax.
The 1% tax in plain terms
If you walk into a Western Union location and send $500 in cash, the new tax adds $5 to the cost. If you send $500 through the Remitly app from your bank account, the tax does not apply. The simplest way to avoid it: always pay through an app using a bank account or card.