Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Western Union services offered in your country:

Who uses the Western Union Money Transfer service?

Anyone who needs to send or receive money quickly. This often includes people who are supporting friends or relatives living in a foreign country, travelers, and business people who need to make fast international remittances.

What are Western Union agent locations?

Western Union agent locations are independent businesses that provide money transfer service to their customers on behalf of Western Union.

What is the Western Union Money Transfer service offered at agent locations?

Western Union agent locations offer the ability to send money using cash worldwide.

How do I send money from an agent location?

The sender initiates the transaction by completing a Send Money form and paying the agent cash to cover the transfer amount plus applicable fees. The agent immediately processes the transaction.

To pick up the money, the receiver completes a Receive Money form at any Western Union agent location and provides proper identification. The agent then pays the transfer amount to the receiver.

What do I need to send money from an agent location?

Sending money with the Western Union money transfer service from an agent location does not require credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, or memberships. You will need to show valid identification.

How much money can I send from an agent location?

You can usually send any amount you wish. However, for certain amounts and transfers, you may be subject to certain security compliance requirements and may have to provide additional information or documentation.

How are money transfers paid out to individual receivers?

Generally, we pay your money transfer in cash but in some cases, pay out may be made in the form of a money transfer cheque, a combination of cash and cheque, and in some locations, directly to your bank account. Learn more about depositing directly to a bank account. Other restrictions may apply.

How can I find out if my money transfer has been paid?

Any time after the money transfer has been sent, you can check your transfer status online. All you need is your name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on your receipt to verify if the money transfer has been paid.

How can I find out if a money transfer is available for me to pick up?

You can check your transfer status online. All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt to determine if the money is available for pick up.

How do I pick up a money transfer?

You may pick up your money transfer at any agent location. You will need to complete a Receive Money form with the following information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Amount expected
  • Sender’s name
  • City and country being sent from

Acceptable documentary evidence of identity is also required.

Some restrictions may apply.

What is considered acceptable documentary evidence of identity to pick up a money transfer?

Primary identification verifying the full name (birth certificate, etc.) and one form of non-primary identification verifying the current or permanent address (e.g. utility bill, a letter from a hostel manager confirming temporary residence).

During what hours is the service available?

Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation, and most maintain extended hours, or even stay open around the clock.

Find a nearby agent location.

How do I find a Western Union agent location?

Find a nearby agent location online or look for Western Union in your local telephone directory.

How do I pick up a money transfer?
  • Complete the Receive Money form.
  • Give the form to the agent with your government-issued photo ID and the tracking number (MTCN).
  • Review and sign the receipt.
  • The agent will give you the money and a copy of the receipt.
What do I need to bring to pick up money at an agent location?

Bring a valid government-issued ID and the tracking number (MTCN).

How can I find out if a money transfer is ready for me to pick up?

Visit our website and select Track Transfer. You’ll need the name of the person who sent you the money and the tracking number (MTCN).

How does Western Union pay out money transfers?

Generally, we pay your money transfer in cash but in some cases, pay out may be made in the form of a money transfer cheque, a combination of cash and cheque, and in some locations, directly to your bank account. Learn more about depositing directly to a bank account. Other restrictions may apply.

What is a Western Union agent?

Each Western Union agent is an independent business that is authorized to sell services of Western Union.

How can I find a nearby Western Union agent?

Use our online agent location tool to find an agent location near you. Or, check your local phone directory.

What do I need in order to offer Western Union money transfer services?

You’ll need a computer, an internet connection, and depending on your country of residence, a printer at your retail location. Once you’ve installed the software we’ll provide, you’ll be able to offer money transfer services and earn a commission on every Western Union money transfer that’s sent or received from your retail locations(s).

How will I earn money with Western Union?

Each time a consumer sends a Western Union money transfer, they pay a transfer fee for the service. As a Western Union agent, you’ll earn a commission on the transfer fee for every transaction you process. The more transactions you send or receive, the more you earn.

Who’s responsible for setting the price for the money transfer service?

We’ll provide the fee tables. The system will automatically calculate the fee based on the amount of money sent, the service chosen, and the destination country.

How is a Western Union money transfer processed?

To send money: The consumer completes a Send Money form and gives it to the Western Union agent. The agent enters the consumer’s information into the Western Union system, checks their identification, and collects the cash (including the sending fee). The agent ensures that the consumer signs the receipt and provides them with a copy.

To receive money: The consumer completes the Receive Money form and gives it to the Western Union agent. The agent enters the consumer’s information into the system, checks their identification, and gives the consumer the funds and a copy of the receipt.

Will I be able to process money transfers to any destination?

Yes, your customers will be able to send money to more than 515,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. You’ll also be able to pay out money that’s been sent from any Western Union location across the world.

What support will I receive from Western Union?

Once you’ve been enrolled as an agent, Western Union will help you get started and make your first transaction. You’ll get a free starter pack, with training and marketing promotion materials. We’ll provide training and software free of charge. As a Western Union agent, you’ll have access to customer support to answer any questions you may have about offering our service.

What do I need to know about Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance?

While all money transfer agents have a responsibility to implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance procedures, Western Union has an industry-leading AML program and provides first-class training and support to help you succeed as an agent and protect your business.

What type of business do I need to have to be eligible?

Many retail businesses make great Western Union agents. Agents in our network own businesses as diverse as convenience stores, financial services providers, newsagents, pawnbrokers, and travel agencies.

Do I need to have a specific licence and will I be regulated?

Yes, but Western Union will handle this for you.

Become Western Union Agent

If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact us.