Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

After you have sent your money transfer, follow these easy steps: Click on Track Transfer on our web site. Enter the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) from the transaction.

Check your transfer status now.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

No. Western Union does not offer escrow or buyer protection. To help protect yourself from fraud, never send money to someone you don’t know. If you suspect you may have been the victim of fraud using Western Union, contact us immediately.

Learn more about fraud awareness.