Back when PayPal first started, they were a free service that operated on float. I remember because I actually signed up with them when they were a free service and thought it was a clever idea. Those days are long gone and anyone that uses PayPal knows just how fast their fees can add up. So, if you want to send money quick, but you don't want to pay the 2.9% plus $.30 charge to PayPal... what are your alternatives?

Send money by text!

Today I signed up for a service called Obopay. With this service you can send money to anyone with a cell phone. Once you set up your account and link it to your bank account, you can instantly send money to anyone with a cell phone number.

Better yet, you can even accept payments from customers via your cell phone. All they need is your cell phone number and they can pay you instantly from their Obopay account or directly from their bank account through the Obopay service.

Signing up took me about 4 minutes total. Just enter your personal information, your bank account information, verify your cell phone number and a few identity questions from your credit report and you are done!

Oh, and the best part... no matter how much you send, the cost is just $.10 to send and absolutely free to receive. The funds are automatically deposited into your bank account.

Sitting at a table and need to split the check but you don't have enough cash? Just send your friend a text and the money gets deposited into their account.

Your son in college and needs $50, send him a text and the money gets credited to his account.

Just complete a virtual tour and you need to pay the service provider? Send them a text on the spot and the bill is paid!

Check it out on their website www.Obopay.com

And yes, you receive $5 for referring others to Obopay, so before someone blasts me for using an affiliate link... I will put that out there. But either way this is a great service and I would definitely recommend it without the affiliate bonus, but I'm not one to turn down a free gallon of gas...lol