Frequently Asked Questions

Send Money

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.

What does my receiver need to pick up their money?

If you choose cash pickup at a WU location, your receiver will need at least the tracking number (MTCN) and an acceptable form of ID. The agent location staff will inform you of any other pickup requirements. 


How can I pay for my transfer?

If available, you can pay with the following: 
  • Credit *  or debit card
  • Your bank account using “Bank Transfer” service.
  • Through our banking partners such as Faster Payment, SOFORT, Trustly, iDeal etc.
*If you’re using a credit card, a card-issuer cash advance fee and associated interest charges may apply. You can avoid these fees by using a debit card.

How do I know when my receiver got the money?

  1. Open the app.  
  2. Go to Menu.
  3. Select History.
  4. Select the transaction to see the status.
Or 
  1. Go to the Home menu. 
  2. Select Track a transfer.
You will need:
  • Tracking number (MTCN) AND
  • Sender’s first and last name OR
  • Receiver’s first and last name

How can I find out the status of my money transfer?

  1. Open the app. 
  2. Go to Menu.
  3. Select History.
  4. Select the transaction to see the status.
Or 
Use Track a Transfer feature:
  1. Open the app.
  2. Go to More.
  3. Select Track a transfer.
You will need:
  • Tracking number (MTCN) AND
  • Sender’s first and last name OR
  • Receiver’s first and last name

How can I add a new receiver?

Once you have started a transfer:  
  1. Choose Add a new receiver, or Add new receiver from phone contacts. 
  2. Fill out the form and Save.  

How do I send money directly to my receiver’s bank account?

If that option is available for selected country and currency, you can use the bank transfer option.  


Can I change my receiver’s name after completing my transfer?

You may only change 2 letters of the first or last name, not both. To do this, call Customer Care.

Can I cancel a transfer?

Please log in to WU.com. Unfortunately, at this time, you can’t cancel a transfer using the app.
 

When will my receiver get the money?

Money can be picked up in minutes* or in a few working days. 
This partly depends on the delivery and payment methods you choose. 

*Date available will be displayed on the receipt for international transfers over £15.  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.