Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ / Send money online

Send money online

How do I send money online?

To send money online, please visit wu.com or the Western Union app and create a profile. After your profile has been verified, you’ll be able to send money directly to your receiver’s bank account or for a cash pickup at one of our agent locations.

How soon is my money available for pickup when I send it online?

Your money will be available within minutes for a cash pickup, and within 1-2 business days for a direct to bank account transfer, depending on your receiver’s country1.

How can I pay for my online transfer?

There are several payment methods for an online transfer on westernunion.com in the United Arab Emirates:

1.       Debit or prepaid Mastercard® or Visa® cards issued in the UAE

2.       Real-time bank transfer to a bank account in one of the following banks:

·         Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)

·         Ajman Bank

·         Citibank N.A

·         Commercial Bank International PLC

·         Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)

·         Dubai Islamic Bank

·         Emirates NBD

·         First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

·         HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

·         United Arab Bank

3.       Bank transfer to an Al Fardan Exchange account

Cash at one of Al Fardan Exchange locations

How do I pay with real time bank transfer?

Follow the steps below to pay by real-time bank transfer:
# Select the destination country and enter the amount on the Send money page.

  1. Select one of the delivery methods available.
  2. Select Real-time bank transfer as your payment method and choose your bank from the list below:
  • Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
  • Ajman Bank
  • Citibank N.A
  • Commercial Bank International PLC
  • Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)
  • Dubai Islamic Bank
  • Emirates NBD
  • First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
  • HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
  • United Arab Bank

3. Pay for your transfer by connecting to your online banking portal and confirming the transfer.
For help,  call Customer Care toll-free number 800 SENDWU (800 736 398) or send an email to wu.support@alfardanexchange.com.|

How do I pay for my transfer with a debit or prepaid Mastercard® or Visa® card?

To pay by card, follow the steps:

1.       Select the destination country and enter the amount on the Send money page.

2.       Select one of the delivery methods available.

3.       Select the type of card you will be paying with (debit prepaid Mastercard® or Visa® card)2.

4.       Enter the information about your receiver.

5.       Enter your card information and complete the payment.

For help, call Customer Care toll-free number 800 SENDWU (800 736 398) or send us an email to wu.support@alfardanexchange.com.

Where can I send money online?

You can review the list of countries to which you can send money online from the United Arab Emirates. Transfers within the United Arab Emirates are also available.

How much can I send online?

After your profile is verified, you can send up to 183,600 AED (approximately 49,800 USD) per transfer. If you pay with your debit card, your money transfer limit will be the same as your daily ATM withdrawal limit.

How do I know if my online transfer has been approved?

Your online receipt will show if your transfer has been approved. You can also track the status of your transfer here. When the transfer is approved and completed, you’ll get an email with your tracking number (MTCN). If your transfer is on hold, you might be contacted for more information. If your transfer is rejected, you may call Western Union’s Customer Care toll-free number 800 SENDWU (800 736398) or write an email to wu.support@alfardanexchange.com.

How can I cancel a money transfer after it’s been sent?

A transfer can only be cancelled if the money has not been deposited into your receiver’s bank account or picked up in the destination country. To cancel your money transfer, call Customer Care toll free number 800 SENDWU (800 736398) or send an email to wu.support@alfardanexchange.com.

For transfers paid with debit card, the refund may take up to 14 days depending on you bank’s processing time. For any delays, contact your bank.

Can I get a receipt of my transfer?

A receipt will be sent to your email when the transfer is completed. You can also always check the details of all your transfers in your profile.

How do I verify my identity to start sending money online?
After you’ve successfully registered online, choose one of the methods below to get your identity verified:
• Online by uploading a selfie and front and back pictures of your valid Emirates ID.
• Assisted by requesting an agent’s visit at your preferred location.
• In-person by visiting the nearest Al Fardan’s Exchange location.
What is a tracking number (MTCN)?

The tracking number (MTCN) is a unique code assigned to your transfer.

Your receiver will be required to provide this 10-digit number, during the money pickup. The tracking number can also be used to track your transfer.

How secure is my transfer?

Western Union uses the latest technology to ensure convenient and reliable online money transfers. We have upgraded our security standards to protect you from fraud when you pay online using a debit card. This enhanced layer of security helps card-issuing banks to better identify and verify customers, allowing for convenient, smooth, and reliable online transactions.

What should I do to ensure my payments are more secure?

Western Union uses Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) to secure online payments. To ensure the best experience when using Western Union, we ask our customers to consider the following:

  • Make sure your card is enrolled for secure authentication by either contacting your bank or logging in to your online banking and selecting the option from your security settings.
  • Ensure your contact information is up to date on your online banking and Western Union profiles.
What are Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode®?

Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode® help to prevent unauthorized online use of cards. These services use personal passwords or identity information. They are available for most cards from participating financial institutions.

Once your card is activated, your card number will be recognized whenever it’s used at participating online stores. A window will automatically appear, and your card issuer will ask for your password. You’ll enter your password to verify your identity and complete your purchase.

Can’t find what you are looking for?

If you need to get in touch with Western Union, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care

1 Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory and foreign exchange issues, required receiver action(s), identification requirements, agent location hours, differences in time zones or selection of delayed options. Additional restrictions may apply.

Only debit or prepaid cards issued in the United Arab Emirates are acceptable.