Mobile wallet: what it is and how to send money directly to one
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Key takeaways
A mobile wallet is an account linked to a mobile phone number that lets people send, receive, and store money without a bank account.
In many receiving countries, including Kenya, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Nepal, mobile wallets are the primary way people access money.
Sending money to a mobile wallet requires the recipient’s phone number and the name of the wallet service they use.
Transfers to mobile wallets are often among the quicker delivery options, with funds typically available to the recipient in minutes in many cases.
Mobile wallets aren’t the same as digital wallets used for contactless payments in developed markets; they’re a core piece of financial infrastructure for the unbanked.
If a recipient uses a mobile money app instead of a bank account, here’s exactly what a mobile wallet is and how to send money directly to it.
For hundreds of millions of people around the world, a mobile wallet isn’t a convenience feature. It’s their primary financial tool. In countries across East Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and West Africa, mobile wallets have become the main way people receive transfers, pay for goods, settle bills, and save money. Sending money to family in Kenya, Bangladesh, or the Philippines means there’s a good chance the recipient uses a mobile wallet and prefers receiving money that way. Understanding how it works, and what information is needed to send to one, makes the process faster and smoother for everyone.
What is a mobile wallet?
A mobile wallet is a digital account linked to a mobile phone number. It lets users send, receive, and store money using their phone, without needing a traditional bank account. Recipients can access transferred funds directly in the app, pay merchants, settle utility bills, or withdraw cash at authorized agent locations. Unlike a bank account, a mobile wallet requires only a phone number and a valid ID to open, making it accessible in regions where formal banking infrastructure is limited.
How mobile wallets work step by step
The process works slightly differently depending on the wallet service and country, but the core steps are consistent:
The recipient registers with a mobile wallet provider (such as M-Pesa, GCash, or bKash) using their phone number and a government-issued ID.
The sender initiates a transfer through a money transfer service such as Remitly, selecting “mobile wallet” as the delivery method.
The recipient’s phone number is entered, and their wallet provider is selected.
The transfer is confirmed. The exchange rate and delivery estimate are shown before confirming.
The transfer is processed. In many cases, funds arrive in the recipient’s wallet within minutes.
The recipient receives an SMS notification confirming the credit to their account.
The recipient can then use the funds in the wallet to pay bills or merchants, send money to others, or withdraw cash at an agent location.
What you’ll need: the recipient’s mobile phone number (the one registered to their wallet account) and the name of their wallet provider. The phone number is the account identifier, worth double-checking before confirming, since transfers to mobile wallets are typically processed quickly and may be difficult to reverse.
Mobile wallets for international money transfers
In many of the corridors most important to senders, mobile wallets aren’t just a delivery option; they’re often the most practical one. For recipients who don’t have a bank account or who live far from a bank branch, a mobile wallet means faster access to funds with no need to travel. For a broader introduction to how mobile money transfers work across these corridors, see Remitly’s guide to international mobile money transfers(opens in new window).
Mobile wallets by region
Here are the most widely used mobile wallets in key receiving countries, and what recipients can do with transferred funds:
Region | Country / corridor | Mobile wallet | What recipients can do with it |
|---|---|---|---|
East Africa | Kenya, Tanzania | M-Pesa | Send, receive, pay bills, withdraw cash at agents |
South/SE Asia | Philippines | GCash | Receive transfers, pay bills, send to bank or cash |
South Asia | Bangladesh | bKash | Receive transfers, pay merchants, withdraw at agents |
South Asia | Nepal | eSewa | Receive transfers, pay utilities, withdraw cash |
West Africa | Ghana, Senegal | MTN MoMo / Orange Money | Receive transfers, pay bills, cash out |
Sending to M-Pesa in Kenya
M-Pesa is the dominant mobile money service in Kenya, used by tens of millions of people. It launched in March 2007 and has since expanded across East Africa. Recipients can use transferred funds immediately, paying bills, buying goods, sending money to others, or withdrawing cash at one of M-Pesa’s extensive agent networks. See Remitly’s step-by-step guide to sending money to M-Pesa in Kenya(opens in new window) for corridor-specific details.
Sending to GCash in the Philippines
GCash is one of the most widely used mobile wallets in the Philippines, with broad acceptance for payments, bills, and transfers. It’s a common receive option for Filipino families supported by relatives abroad. For guidance on this corridor, including delivery times and what recipients can do with the funds, see Remitly’s guide to sending money to the Philippines(opens in new window).
Sending to bKash in Bangladesh
bKash is Bangladesh’s leading mobile financial service, used by millions of people for everyday transactions. It’s the most common receive method for families in Bangladesh supported by relatives working abroad. Remitly’s guide to sending money to bKash(opens in new window) walks through the process step by step.
Sending to eSewa in Nepal
eSewa is Nepal’s leading digital payment platform, widely used for receiving transfers, paying bills, and making purchases. For Nepali families supported by relatives in the U.S., sending directly to eSewa is often faster and more convenient than a bank deposit. See the Remitly guide to sending money to eSewa in Nepal(opens in new window) for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Mobile wallet vs bank deposit: which should you choose?
For recipients with a bank account, both delivery options are worth considering. Mobile wallet transfers are often quicker to process and don’t require the recipient to travel to a branch or ATM. Bank deposits may suit recipients who manage larger amounts or who prefer to keep funds in a traditional account. The right choice depends on what the recipient uses day to day; the more practical option is generally the one they can access most easily.
Checking Remitly’s available delivery options and estimated arrival times for a specific corridor before confirming clarifies which delivery method actually fits. For a broader look at how digital wallets work, see Remitly’s guide to digital wallets explained(opens in new window).
Common questions about mobile wallets
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What information do I need to send money to a mobile wallet?
The recipient’s mobile phone number, the one registered to their wallet account, and the name of their wallet provider (for example, M-Pesa, GCash, bKash, or eSewa) are typically required. In some cases, the recipient’s full legal name may also be needed. The phone number is the account identifier, so confirming it is correct before sending matters. Most transfer services, including Remitly, show the delivery details before confirming the transaction.
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Are there fees for receiving money in a mobile wallet?
Receiving a transfer into a mobile wallet is generally free for the recipient; the fees are borne by the sender. However, if the recipient wants to withdraw cash from their wallet at an agent location, the wallet provider may charge a small withdrawal fee. This fee is separate from the transfer cost and is set by the wallet provider, not the sender’s transfer service. Recipients should check their wallet provider’s terms for details on withdrawal fees in their country.
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How long does it take for money to arrive in a mobile wallet?
Transfers to mobile wallets are often among the quicker delivery options available. In many countries and in many cases, funds can arrive within minutes of the transfer being confirmed. Actual delivery times depend on the corridor, the time the transfer is initiated, and the receiving wallet provider. Remitly shows an estimated delivery time for a specific corridor and delivery method before confirming, allowing accurate expectations to be set with a recipient.
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Can my recipient use a mobile wallet if they don’t have a smartphone?
Yes, most mobile wallets work on basic feature phones, not just smartphones. M-Pesa, for example, is accessible via a simple SIM-based menu on any compatible handset, not just an app. This is a key reason mobile wallets have been so widely adopted in regions where smartphone penetration is lower than in developed markets. The recipient needs a phone that can receive SMS messages and access the wallet’s SIM toolkit or basic app.
In Summary
A mobile wallet is the account most connected to everyday financial life for hundreds of millions of people in key receiving corridors. Sending directly to a recipient’s mobile wallet, whether that’s M-Pesa in Kenya, GCash in the Philippines, bKash in Bangladesh, or eSewa in Nepal, is often the quickest way for them to access the money sent.
All that’s needed is their phone number and the name of their wallet provider.
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed herein. This publication is not a substitute for seeking advice from an applicable specialist or professional. The content in this publication does not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice from Remitly or any of its affiliates and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to keep our posts up to date and accurate, we cannot represent, warrant, or otherwise guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or up to date.