Quick Answer
Yes — ITIN holders can send money abroad without an SSN. Wise typically offers the lowest fees using the mid-market exchange rate. To send:
- Create an account at Wise or Remitly — both explicitly accept ITIN for identity verification.
- Verify your identity with your ITIN or foreign passport.
- Enter your recipient's bank account details and transfer. Western Union and MoneyGram are also available at thousands of retail locations if you prefer in-person cash pickup.
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Do I Need an SSN to Send Money Abroad?
No, you do not need an SSN to send money abroad. All 4 major services — Remitly, Wise, Western Union, and MoneyGram — let U.S. senders verify their identity with a foreign government-issued ID, and Remitly and Wise explicitly accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number.
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.
Which Money Transfer Apps Work for ITIN Holders?
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.
Open a Wise account →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.
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: As of 2026, a federal order requires money services businesses (including Western Union) in designated ZIP codes in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas near the U.S.–Mexico border to verify identity and report cash transfers between $1,000 and $10,000. 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.
How Do Money Transfer Apps Compare for ITIN Holders?
| Service | ITIN Accepted | Fees (approx.) | Cash Pickup | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Yes ✓ | ~0.5–1.5% of amount | No (bank only) | Most within 24 hours |
| Remitly | Yes ✓ | $1.99 + 2–3% markup | Yes — 350k+ locations | Economy 3–5 days / Express minutes |
| 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 Do I Send Money to Mexico With an ITIN?
All 4 major apps send money to Mexico. Remitly and Wise accept your ITIN directly; Western Union and MoneyGram accept a foreign passport. For bank-to-bank transfers, Wise offers the best rates (mid-market plus ~0.5–1.5%). For cash pickup at OXXO, Elektra, or Bancomer, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Xoom have tens of thousands of locations with instant availability.
- Wise → Mexican bank account: Best rate, accepts ITIN, most transfers arrive within hours. Recipient needs a CLABE account number.
- Remitly → Mexican bank or cash: ITIN accepted, $1.99 fee after first two free transfers, Express delivery in minutes. Available at Bancomer, Banamex, and 350k+ locations.
- Western Union → OXXO cash pickup: Instant, no bank account required, 38,000+ Mexico locations. Requires passport + ITIN for border transfers over $200 in 2026.
- MoneyGram → Elektra, BanBajío: Similar to Western Union, 400,000+ global locations. Enhanced documentation required for 2026 border transfers.
How Does the 2026 Remittance Tax Affect ITIN Holders?
A new 1% federal excise tax on remittances took effect in 2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 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 fully exempt. ITIN holders who pay from a bank account owe zero remittance tax; the tax mainly hits in-person cash senders.
Taxed vs. Exempt Transfers in 2026
Taxed (1%): Cash paid at a counter, money orders, cashier's checks — any transfer where the sender pays with cash
Exempt: Transfers funded by a U.S. bank account, debit card, or credit card — this covers virtually all app-based transfers including Wise, Remitly, and online Western Union/MoneyGram
How Do I Get the Best Exchange Rate When Sending Money Abroad?
To get the best exchange rate, compare the total payout across at least 2 or 3 services, not just the upfront fee. The exchange-rate markup is where most providers quietly make their money, so the highest amount your recipient actually receives wins.
The CFPB guide to sending money explains your disclosure rights. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to send money abroad?
No. Most remittance apps accept an ITIN or a foreign passport and government-issued ID. Remitly and Wise explicitly accept ITIN. Western Union and MoneyGram accept foreign passports for most transfers.
What is the 1% remittance tax?
Starting in 2026, a 1% excise tax applies to certain remittance payments — but only when paid with cash, money orders, or cashier's checks. Transfers funded by a bank account, debit card, or credit card are exempt. Most app-based transfers are not affected as long as you pay from a bank account or card.
Which app is best for sending money to Mexico?
For bank-to-bank transfers, Wise offers the best exchange rates. For cash pickup — when your recipient doesn't have a bank account — Western Union, MoneyGram, and Xoom have the most locations in Mexico. Remitly is a strong all-around option with confirmed ITIN acceptance and competitive fees.
How do I get the best exchange rate?
Always compare the total amount your recipient receives — not just the fee. A $0-fee transfer with a 4% rate markup costs more than a $4 fee with a 0.5% markup on a $500 send. Use each app's calculator, enter your amount, and pick whichever shows the highest payout in local currency.