If you need to send a large file right now, for free, without creating an account or entering a credit card, use SwissTransfer. It allows up to 50 GB per transfer, keeps files available for 30 days, and requires no registration. If your file is smaller, TransferNow handles up to 5 GB with seven-day availability and built-in password protection, also without an account.
The Services That Actually Work Without an Account or Card
SwissTransfer, Best for big files (up to 50 GB)
SwissTransfer lets you send up to 50 GB in a single transfer. No account, no card, no registration. Files stay online for up to 30 days. The service uses SSL/TLS encryption for the transfer and stores files in Switzerland. This is the best option if your file is larger than 5 GB and you want it to stay available for weeks.
TransferNow, Best for files under 5 GB with password protection
TransferNow offers 5 GB per transfer, files available for seven days, and password protection included on the free tier. No account or payment card is required. The service says files are encrypted at rest and in transit. If you need to lock the download with a password, this is the simplest choice.
TransferXL, Best for end-to-end encryption
TransferXL provides 5 GB per transfer, one-week retention, and end-to-end encryption on the free tier. No account or card is needed. The basic features are free forever. If encryption from your device to the recipient matters most, this is the service to use.
Smash, Best if you don't know the file size yet
Smash advertises no limit on free transfer size, but files larger than 2 GB go into a queue and may take longer to upload. Links last up to seven days. No account is required. Use this if your file is under 2 GB and you want it sent immediately, or if you're willing to wait for a larger file.
WeTransfer, Only if you already have an account
WeTransfer offers 3 GB free and three-day file availability. However, password protection on the free tier requires a user account. If you don't have an account and don't want one, skip this and use TransferNow or TransferXL instead.
What People Get Wrong About Free File Transfers
The most common mistake is assuming "free" means "slow and insecure." That's not true for these services. SwissTransfer, TransferNow, and TransferXL all encrypt files during transfer (SSL/TLS) and at rest. TransferXL adds end-to-end encryption. None of them require a credit card or account for the free tier.
Another mistake is thinking you need to install software. None of the services above require a download or app, and you can share files online the same way. You upload a file on their website, get a link, and send that link to the recipient. That's it.
A third error is assuming all free services delete files after a day or two. SwissTransfer keeps files for 30 days. TransferNow and TransferXL keep them for seven days. Smash keeps links for up to seven days. You have plenty of time to download.
What to Check Before You Commit to One Service
- File size: If your file is over 5 GB, SwissTransfer (50 GB) is your only option from this list. If it's under 5 GB, any of the others work.
- How long you need the file available: Need a month? SwissTransfer. Need a week? TransferNow, TransferXL, or Smash. Need only three days? WeTransfer works, but you'll need an account for password protection.
- Encryption needs: If you want end-to-end encryption (meaning even the service can't read the file), use TransferXL. If you're fine with encryption during transfer and at rest (the service can see the file but it's encrypted on their servers), TransferNow and SwissTransfer are fine.
- Password protection: TransferNow includes it without an account. WeTransfer requires an account for it. SwissTransfer and TransferXL don't mention password protection on the free tier.
- No account, no card: All services listed above work without either. If a site asks for a card or forces you to sign up, close the tab and use one of these.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do files stay on these services?
SwissTransfer keeps files for 30 days. TransferNow, TransferXL, and Smash keep them for seven days. WeTransfer keeps files for three days. After that, the file is deleted and the link stops working.
Can I send a file larger than 50 GB for free?
None of the services listed here support more than 50 GB on the free tier. If your file is larger than 50 GB, you will need to split it into smaller parts (using a tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR) and send each part separately, or use a different method entirely.
Do these services scan my files?
The documentation for these services does not state that they scan files for content. They may scan for viruses or malware to protect their servers, but none of them advertise that they inspect the contents of your files. If you are concerned about privacy, use TransferXL for end-to-end encryption, which prevents the service from reading the file at all.
Which service is fastest for a 2 GB file?
Smash prioritizes files under 2 GB, so it will likely be the fastest for that size. TransferNow and TransferXL also work well for 2 GB files, but Smash explicitly says smaller files get priority. If speed matters most, use Smash for files under 2 GB.
Can I send files to someone who doesn't use these services?
Yes. All these services work by giving you a download link. You send that link to anyone via email, text, or chat. The recipient does not need an account or to sign up for anything. They just click the link and download the file.
More on file transfer
This is one of the guides in Where to Send and Transfer Large Files Free. The others:
