Can You Send Money to Cuba? What You Need to Know

Sending money to Cuba is possible, though the process involves navigating specific regulations and authorized channels. The rules governing these financial transfers are established by the U.S. government and can change over time.

Understanding Current Regulations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sets regulations for financial transactions involving Cuba, including remittances. These regulations are part of a broader framework designed to implement U.S. foreign policy. OFAC issues general licenses that authorize certain types of remittances without requiring individual applications.

Current general licenses permit individuals subject to U.S. jurisdiction, who are 18 years or older, to send remittances to Cuban nationals. Funds are typically intended for family support or humanitarian purposes. Recipients generally cannot be prohibited officials of the Cuban government, members of the Cuban Communist Party, or their close relatives.

As of June 2022, U.S. regulations removed previous limitations on the amount of money that can be sent as family remittances. This change also authorized donative remittances to Cuban nationals by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including those of no Cuban origin. These regulations aim to facilitate support for the Cuban people while preventing funds from directly benefiting certain Cuban government entities or restricted organizations.

A “close relative” for remittance purposes is defined as someone related by blood, marriage, or adoption, and no more than three generations removed from the sender or a common ancestor. This includes children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, stepchildren, and half-siblings.

Permitted Transfer Services

Direct bank transfers from U.S. banks to Cuban banks are generally not a common option for individual remittances, primarily due to the U.S. embargo and a lack of direct correspondent banking relationships between the two countries. Specialized financial institutions and online platforms facilitate these transfers.

Several services allow money to be sent to Cuba, including licensed money transfer operators and online platforms that work with financial entities in Cuba. Funds can typically be received through direct deposits to specific Cuban bank accounts or onto debit cards such as AIS cards, MLC cards, and Tarjeta Clásica.

Western Union, a prominent money transfer service, has had a complex operational history concerning Cuba. While it resumed services in May 2024 after previous suspensions, it announced another suspension in early 2025 due to technical issues within the Cuban banking system. Other services like Fonmoney, VidaiPay, and Tocopay enable transfers to various Cuban bank accounts and cards. Some platforms operate with support from companies registered in other countries, such as Spain, to facilitate transfers.

Information Needed for Transfer

Before initiating a money transfer to Cuba, gather specific information for both the sender and the recipient.

For the sender, full legal name, current address, phone number, and date of birth are typically required. A valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, is essential for identity verification. Some services may also request a Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number for regulatory compliance.

The recipient in Cuba will need to provide their full legal name exactly as it appears on their identification documents. Their physical address in Cuba, a phone number, and their Cuban identification number (Carnet de Identidad) are also crucial. If the transfer is destined for a bank account or debit card, the recipient’s bank name, account number, and any specific debit card numbers (e.g., for AIS or MLC cards) must be provided.

The sender will also need to specify the purpose of the transfer, such as family support or humanitarian aid, as this is often required for compliance with U.S. regulations. The exact amount of U.S. dollars to be sent must be stated. Finally, details regarding the payment method, such as bank account information for an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer, credit or debit card details, or cash for an in-person transaction, are necessary.

Completing the Money Transfer

Initiating the money transfer involves a series of practical steps. The first step is selecting a permitted transfer service that aligns with individual preferences, considering factors such as fees, exchange rates, and convenience. Services may offer online platforms, mobile applications, or in-person agent locations.

When using an online platform or mobile application, the sender will typically create an account or log in, then navigate to the “send money” feature. For in-person transfers at an agent location, the sender will present their identification and provide the recipient’s details to the agent. Accurately inputting all sender and recipient information, including the purpose of the transfer and the exact amount, is important.

The next step involves providing payment for the transfer. This could mean entering credit or debit card details, linking a bank account for an ACH transfer, or handing over cash at an agent location. Before finalizing the transaction, the service will present the applicable fees and the exchange rate, which should be carefully reviewed. Fees can vary, and exchange rates directly impact the amount the recipient receives.

Following successful payment, the sender will receive a confirmation number or receipt. This information is important for tracking the status of the transfer. Services provide a way to monitor the transfer’s progress, and the recipient is typically notified when funds are available for pickup or have been deposited. Contacting customer support of the chosen service is recommended if issues arise.