Paying without a credit card: cash, retail, Western Union, and money orders (ConnectNetwork)
No credit card? You can still fund a ConnectNetwork account using cash at retail stores, Western Union locations, or by mailing a money order. The trick is picking the method that works for your situation and knowing how long each one takes to post.
ConnectNetwork has several non-card options that let you pay with cash in person. The biggest is walk-in retail cash deposits, available at about 26,000 locations nationwide (think Walmart, ACE, Kmart, and Kroger). You can also make select ConnectNetwork payments and deposits at Western Union retail locations.
Timing: Mailed and retail-location deposits are generally processed the next business day after they're received.
Retail cash deposits are a two-step process. First, you start the payment online in your ConnectNetwork account. Then you visit a participating store and pay cash at the register. Starting online is essential: it generates the details the store needs to apply your payment correctly.
- ✓ Your ConnectNetwork login so you can start the payment process online
- ✓ The payment details or instructions generated when you start the transaction in your ConnectNetwork account
- ✓ Cash to pay at the register (you complete the transaction in-store)
- ✓ A participating retail location (cash deposits are available at about 26,000 locations nationwide, including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, and Kroger)
Processing reminder: Retail deposits are generally processed the next business day after they're received.
Prefer Western Union over a retail cash network store? Select ConnectNetwork payments and deposits can be made at Western Union retail locations. Availability varies by payment type, so check the instructions in ConnectNetwork before you go. They'll tell you exactly what information to bring to the counter.
Timing: If your deposit is received as a retail-style payment, it's generally processed the next business day after receipt.
Mailing a deposit is another option when you can't use a card. Just factor in extra time: mailed deposits are generally processed the next business day after they arrive.
Michigan example: For Michigan DOC Trust Fund deposits by mail, only money orders are accepted. Personal checks and cashier's checks will be rejected.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Keep your receipt until the funds show up, especially for cash payments made in-store
- ✓ Write down any confirmation number or reference code you receive when you start a transaction online
- ✓ Double-check names, ID numbers, and account details before you pay. Small typos can delay posting
- ✓ If the store asks for ID at the counter, bring a valid photo ID so you are not turned away
- ✓ When timing matters, pay earlier in the day and on business days so next-business-day processing has a better chance to work in your favor
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