How can I send money anonymously?

The simple truth is, you really can't send money anonymously through legitimate channels today. Every reputable international money transfer service, bank, or even a cash pickup location operates under strict anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. These rules are in place globally to prevent illicit activities like terrorism financing, drug trafficking, and other financial crimes.

What that means in practice is that both the sender and the recipient are required to provide identification. For example, if you're using a service like Xoom, you'll need the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID, especially for cash pickups or bank deposits. These transactions are tracked, usually through an app or website. Even platforms that might seem more flexible, like Remitly, still require a U.S. account for the sender and specific wallet details for the recipient, even if stablecoins are involved; those stablecoin transactions still undergo compliance screening.

This isn't just about specific fintech platforms. Traditional wire transfers through banks, or even using services like Western Union, will always demand account numbers, routing information, and the recipient's full name. You're typically looking at international fees in the $35 to $50 range for these, and they are definitely not anonymous. Even peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle, while great for domestic transfers, are linked directly to bank accounts and come with strong warnings against sending money to untrusted parties, largely to prevent scams.

Honestly, even if you were thinking about cash deposits or in-person options at a branch, you'd still be required to show identification. There really aren't any legitimate methods that allow for anonymous money transfers. The focus for these services is always on security and compliance, not anonymity. They hold funds under various regulations, and while some might offer features like fee-free USD storage, the underlying identity verification remains paramount.

The reality is that any service claiming to offer truly anonymous money transfers should be viewed with extreme suspicion, as it's likely operating outside legal frameworks and could expose you to significant risks, including scams or legal repercussions. Always verify the terms directly with any provider, but know that for any significant amount, anonymity simply isn't an option in today's regulated financial landscape.