How to Send Money to Cuba From the US

Sending money from the United States to Cuba involves navigating a complex regulatory landscape. Various authorized channels exist for individuals to provide financial support to their loved ones or assist specific initiatives on the island. Understanding established guidelines and available services simplifies this process, ensuring compliance with U.S. Treasury Department regulations. This article offers a clear guide for those seeking to send money legally and effectively.

Categories of Permissible Transfers

The legal framework governing money transfers to Cuba from the United States is primarily defined by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR). Not all money transfers are permitted; legality hinges on the specific purpose and recipient. Several categories of remittances are authorized, reflecting a policy to support the Cuban people and civil society.

Family remittances allow individuals subject to U.S. jurisdiction who are 18 years or older to send funds to close relatives in Cuba. A “close relative” is defined as someone related by blood, marriage, or adoption, no more than three generations removed from the sender or a common ancestor. These transfers are permitted as long as the recipient is not a prohibited official of the Cuban government or a member of the Cuban Communist Party, nor a close relative of such individuals, and the funds are not intended for emigration purposes. Past limits, such as $1,000 per quarter, have been lifted by OFAC.

Beyond family support, donative remittances are authorized to Cuban nationals who are not prohibited officials or party members, or their close relatives. Funds can also be sent to independent individuals and non-governmental organizations in Cuba, especially those promoting private enterprises, non-state economic activity, or civil society groups involved in humanitarian projects and human rights. Additionally, remittances are allowed for religious organizations in Cuba to support religious activities, provided the funds are not from a blocked source.

Specific provisions also exist for educational and emigration-related transfers. Individuals 18 years or older can send remittances to close relatives who are students in Cuba, provided the funds are for expenses related to educational activities authorized by an OFAC license. For emigration, two one-time remittances of up to $1,000 per payee are authorized: one for preliminary expenses and another for travel and other costs associated with emigrating to the United States. Any transaction involving an entity or subentity on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List is generally excluded from these authorizations.

Choosing a Transfer Method

Selecting an appropriate method for sending money to Cuba involves evaluating various legal channels and service providers, each with distinct characteristics regarding speed, cost, and accessibility. While traditional bank transfers can be complex due to the U.S. embargo, specialized money transfer companies and online platforms have emerged as primary conduits for remittances. The choice often depends on the sender’s location, the recipient’s access to banking services in Cuba, and the urgency of the transfer.

Western Union has resumed limited money transfer services from the U.S. to Cuba, primarily supporting transfers to bank accounts and debit cards at specific Cuban banks, including Banco de Credito y Comercio, Banco Metropolitano SA, and Banco Popular de Ahorro. These transfers are restricted to close relatives. In-person services are available at select U.S. retail locations, and online transfers can be initiated via their website or mobile app. This method generally ensures funds are delivered on the same day.

Several other specialized remittance services facilitate transfers to Cuba, often through online platforms or mobile applications. Companies like Fonmoney, Sendvalu, Sendity, RevoluSEND, BitRemesas, and Enviodinero offer various options, including direct deposits to Cuban bank accounts (such as those at BANDEC, Banco Popular de Ahorro, and Banco Metropolitano), top-ups for MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) cards, or even cash delivery to the recipient’s home in some areas. These platforms often provide competitive exchange rates and may have different fee structures compared to larger, more traditional services.

When evaluating these options, consider the reliability and reputation of the service provider, as well as the convenience for both the sender and the recipient. Online platforms and mobile apps offer the convenience of initiating transfers from home, while in-person agents might be preferred by those who prefer direct assistance. Compare fees, exchange rates, and estimated delivery times across different providers to determine the most efficient and cost-effective method for your specific needs. Some services may also offer transfer tracking.

Required Information and Documentation

Gathering necessary information and documentation for both sender and recipient is crucial before initiating any money transfer to Cuba. This ensures compliance with U.S. regulations and the specific requirements of the chosen money transfer service, helping to prevent delays or rejection. The information collected verifies identities, confirms transfer legitimacy, and adheres to anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

For the sender, a full legal name, current residential address, and a valid government-issued identification are generally required. Acceptable forms of identification typically include a driver’s license or passport. Depending on the transfer category, some services may also request proof of relationship to the recipient. Senders must be at least 18 years of age.

The recipient in Cuba will also need to provide specific details to successfully receive the funds. This includes their full legal name, current address, and contact information. For transfers directly to bank accounts or MLC cards, the recipient’s Cuban ID number and bank account details (including the bank name and account number) are essential. Services like Western Union specify that recipients must have a Cuban ID card to receive transfers to MLC accounts.

Some services may require an Electronic Remittance Affidavit or similar legal declaration. This document typically requires the sender to affirm the purpose of the transfer and that it complies with U.S. regulations, such as not sending money to prohibited officials or for unauthorized activities. Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to the transaction not being processed. This information is vital for the money transfer company to ensure the transaction is legally permissible under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.

Initiating the Transfer

Once information and documentation are ready, initiating the money transfer can begin. This involves submitting the transfer request through the chosen service, whether an online platform or an in-person agent location.

For online platforms, the process typically starts with logging into your account or creating a new profile. Navigate to the “send money” or “transfer” section. Input the recipient’s details, including their full name, address, and bank account or MLC card information. Select your preferred payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or bank account, and enter the payment details. After reviewing all transaction specifics, including the amount, fees, and exchange rate, confirm the transfer. The system will then provide a confirmation number, essential for tracking.

If opting for an in-person transfer at an authorized agent location, present your government-issued identification and payment method to the agent. The agent will provide a physical transfer form to complete with the recipient’s details and the amount to be sent. After the form is completed and reviewed, make the payment, including any applicable fees. The agent will then process the transaction and provide a printed receipt with a transaction or tracking number.

Upon successful submission, retaining the confirmation or tracking number is important. This number allows you to monitor the status of your transfer and serves as a reference if any issues arise. Many services offer online tracking tools where you can enter this number to view the progress of your remittance until it is successfully delivered to the recipient in Cuba.

Costs and Receipt in Cuba

Understanding financial implications for the sender and practicalities of money receipt for the beneficiary in Cuba is essential. Costs generally include transfer fees and exchange rate considerations, both directly impacting the final amount received. The method of receipt in Cuba also varies, affecting how and where the beneficiary can access funds.

Transfer fees vary widely among service providers, often structured as a flat fee or a percentage of the amount sent. Exchange rates are another factor; the rate offered determines how much Cuban currency the U.S. dollar amount will convert into. These rates can fluctuate daily, and different providers may offer more favorable rates, significantly influencing the value received by the beneficiary. Compare the total cost, including fees and the effective exchange rate, before initiating a transfer.

Transfer limits are also commonly imposed, which can be per transaction, daily, or monthly, depending on the service provider and regulatory requirements. For example, Western Union generally allows up to $2,000 per transaction to Cuba.

Once the money is sent, the receipt process in Cuba depends on the chosen delivery method. Common methods include direct deposit to Cuban bank accounts or MLC cards, or cash pickup at designated locations. Many services facilitate deposits to specific Cuban banks, such as Banco Popular de Ahorro, Banco Metropolitano SA, and Banco de Credito y Comercio (BANDEC). Recipients with MLC cards can typically access funds through ATMs or make purchases at stores that accept these cards.

For cash pickup, the beneficiary will need to present a valid form of identification, such as their Cuban ID, along with the transaction or reference number provided by the sender. Some specialized services offer direct cash delivery to the recipient’s home in certain areas of Cuba. Senders should communicate the chosen receipt method and provide all necessary transaction details to their beneficiaries to ensure a smooth and timely collection of funds. Recipients generally do not incur fees to receive funds.