What Intermex Does and Who Uses It
Intermex is a money transfer company that lets you send money to people in other countries, mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean. You walk into a physical location (usually a small storefront or a business that partners with Intermex), hand over cash, and the recipient picks up the money at another Intermex location in their country within minutes to a few hours.
Intermex operates through a network of agent locations — small shops, check-cashing businesses, and convenience stores that act as pickup and drop-off points. You do not need a bank account to send or receive money. The person on the receiving end does not need one either. This makes Intermex useful for people sending money to family members who may not have access to banking.
The company also offers online transfers if you have a debit card, though you still pick up the money in person at a physical location abroad. Some locations in the United States also allow you to receive money sent from outside the country.
Key Takeaways
- Intermex requires you to visit a physical agent location in person with cash; you cannot send money entirely online.
- The recipient picks up money at an Intermex location in their country, usually within hours, using only an ID and a reference number.
- Exchange rates and fees vary by location and the country you are sending to, so costs differ between branches.
- You will need a valid ID to send money, and the recipient will need an ID to pick it up.
- Intermex locations are not the same everywhere; availability depends on which country you are sending to and which agent locations operate near you.
How to Send Money Through Intermex
Walk into an Intermex agent location with cash and a valid ID. Tell the agent the country and city where the money is going and how much you want to send. The agent will tell you the exchange rate and the fee — both vary by location and destination.
Provide the recipient's full name, phone number, and address. You do not need their bank account or ID number. The agent will give you a reference number (sometimes called a control number) to write down or photograph. Text or call this number to the recipient so they can pick up the money.
The money is usually available within minutes to a few hours at an Intermex location in the receiving country. The recipient goes to any Intermex agent location there, shows their ID, and gives the reference number. The agent counts out the cash in the local currency.
Fees, Exchange Rates, and Costs
Intermex charges a flat fee per transfer, but the amount depends on which agent location you use and which country you are sending to. A transfer to Mexico might cost $5 to $15, while a transfer to Central America or the Caribbean could cost $10 to $25 or more. These are estimates — your actual fee could be different.
On top of the fee, Intermex applies an exchange rate to convert dollars to the receiving country's currency. This rate is not the same as the official market rate; Intermex builds in a margin. The agent should tell you both the fee and the exchange rate before you hand over money, so you know the total cost and how much the recipient will receive.
Some agent locations may charge slightly different fees or offer different rates than others, even within the same city. It is worth calling ahead or visiting a few locations if you send money regularly.
What Documents You and the Recipient Need
You need a valid government-issued ID to send money. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Intermex is required by law to record your identity for every transfer.
The recipient needs a valid ID to pick up the money. In most countries, a national ID card, passport, or driver's license is acceptable. They do not need to be a citizen of that country, but they do need an ID that the agent will accept. If the recipient is unsure what ID works, they should ask at a local Intermex location before you send the money.
You do not need to provide the recipient's ID number when you send the transfer. The agent only needs their name, phone number, and address. The recipient shows their ID when they pick up the money to prove they are the person you named.
How Long Money Takes to Arrive
Most Intermex transfers are available for pickup within minutes to a few hours. The exact time depends on the receiving country and the time of day you send the money. A transfer sent during business hours to Mexico might be available in 15 minutes. A transfer sent late at night or on a weekend might take longer, sometimes until the next business day.
Once the money is available, it stays available for a set period — usually 60 to 90 days, depending on the country. The recipient can pick it up anytime during that window. If they do not pick it up within that time, the money is returned to you, though you may lose the fee you paid.
International holidays or bank closures in the receiving country can delay transfers. If you are sending money around a holiday, ask the agent how long it might take.
Where to Find an Intermex Location
Intermex agent locations are small businesses — check-cashing stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and money transfer shops. They are not bank branches. You can find them by searching "Intermex near me" online, calling Intermex customer service, or visiting the Intermex website to use their location finder.
Not every city has an Intermex location, and availability varies by region. Some areas have many locations; others have few. If you do not see Intermex locations near you, ask at a local check-cashing business or money transfer shop — they may be an agent or know where one is.
Intermex also does not operate in every country. Before you send money, confirm that Intermex has agent locations in the city where the recipient lives. If they do not, you will need to use a different money transfer service.
What Happens if Something Goes Wrong
If the recipient does not pick up the money within the allowed time window, contact Intermex customer service with your reference number. They can tell you whether the money is still available or has been returned. If it has been returned, you will receive a refund, though the fee you paid is usually not returned.
If you sent money to the wrong person or the wrong amount, contact Intermex as soon as possible. If the money has not been picked up yet, they may be able to cancel the transfer or redirect it. Once the recipient has picked up the money, Intermex cannot recover it — you would have to contact the recipient directly.
Keep your reference number and receipt. If there is a dispute, Intermex will ask for these to look up the transfer in their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money online through Intermex without going to a location?
Intermex offers online transfers if you have a debit card, but the recipient still has to pick up the money in person at a physical Intermex location in their country. You cannot send money entirely online and have it deposited into a bank account.
What if the recipient loses the reference number?
The recipient can still pick up the money if they have their ID and know your name and the amount you sent. They can give this information to the Intermex agent, who can look up the transfer. Having the reference number makes it faster, but it is not required.
Can I send money to someone who does not have an ID?
No. The recipient must show a valid ID to pick up the money. Intermex requires this by law. If the recipient does not have an ID, they will need to get one before the money can be picked up.
Is Intermex safe?
Intermex is a licensed money transfer company regulated by state and federal authorities. Your money is protected while it is in their system. However, once the recipient picks up the cash, it is their responsibility. Do not send money to someone you do not trust.
What countries does Intermex send to?
Intermex primarily serves Latin America and the Caribbean, including Mexico, Central America, and some Caribbean islands. Not every country is covered. Check the Intermex website or call a local agent to confirm whether they send to the specific country you need.