Wu.com Now Live in Jordan
AMMAN, APRIL 9, 2019— Western Union, a leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement, has launched wu.com in Jordan, in association with Jordan Kuwait Bank, one of the leading banks in the country, enabling customers in Jordan to send online international money transfers 24/7, with a few clicks to more than 200 countries and territories.
Customers in Jordan using Western Union’s online money transfers have multi-channel choice for their receivers – the funds can be credited directly to billions of bank accounts in nearly 100 countries and territories, or can be paid out in cash at Western Union’s retail network of more than half a million Agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories, or into mobile wallets worldwide, where available.
“Western Union understands the importance of maintaining a multi-channel approach to servicing a multi-generational user base. We are one of the largest digital money movers and are uniquely positioned to connect the cash and digital worlds across platforms, devices, borders and currencies,” said Hatem Sleiman, Regional Vice President, Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Western Union.
“It has been a privilege to launch wu.com in collaboration with Jordan Kuwait Bank, together we are innovatively advancing digital services and expanding money transfer options for customers,” he said.
“In line with the directives of the Central Bank of Jordan and the National Payments Council to achieve financial inclusion in Jordan and activate the role of electronic financial transfers, we are delighted to collaborate with Western Union and serve the diverse money transfer needs of customers. Our vision is aligned with that of Western Union – to enhance our electronic offerings to enable customers to carry out all their financial transactions swiftly, reliably, efficiently and with the highest levels of quality,” said Haethum Buttikhi, Head of Retail & Private Banking, Jordan Kuwait Bank. “Jordan Kuwait Bank continues to advance our service offering to be aligned with our customers’ expectations, whether through our e-banking offerings or in person at our branches.”
Jordan’s 4G coverage reaches more than 90% of the population, according to the State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 20181 report by GSMA. In 2017, the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Government of Jordan, announced the launch of a project called “Jordan Internet for All”2, which aims to bring millions of Jordanians, including women and isolated communities, onto the internet for the first time through new models of public-private collaboration. This launch is aligned with the vision of the government to digitize the country and facilitate digital services for all.
To commemorate the start of the service, Western Union has announced a launch transfer fee of JOD $23 per transaction for sending through wu.com/jo. Customers can send up to JOD $3,500 per day and fund their transactions online through bank transfers from their bank accounts set up in Jordan.
CUSTOMER GUIDANCE
In line with Central Bank of Jordan regulations, prior to the first use of the online service, customers are required to register on wu.com/jo, then verify their online account in-person at one of 64 Jordan Kuwait Bank branches across the Kingdom. Acceptable ID’s include valid national ID card, military card and passport.
After verification, customers will receive a notification confirming account activation. Once the account is active customers can conveniently send Western Union money transfers anytime, with a few clicks, from their mobile phone or online.
In addition to the convenience and reliability of sending money any time, the website displays current exchange rates and fees, lists past and pending transactions, lists payout options available in the receiver’s country and provides round-the-clock customer service. Customers can also track money transfers online or find many of Western Union’s global Agent locations where the money can be collected.
Customers can learn more on wu.com/jo, at any of Jordan Kuwait Bank branches, or by calling the toll free number: 080022300 or landline number: 00962 6 5206600, or writing to wu.support@jkbank.com.jo.
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About Western Union’s Cross-Border Platform
Western Union’s cross-border, cross-currency money movement platform – including a robust digital footprint, settlement, treasury and compliance infrastructure, a vast global retail network of over half a million locations, and the ability to send money to billions of accounts and mobile wallets – sets the standard for international money movement. With operations in more than 200 countries and territories, Western Union’s platform processed an average of 34 transactions every second and moved $300 billion in principal across 130 currencies in 2018.
Connecting the digital and physical worlds of money, Western Union’s technology stack, APIs, foreign exchange and settlement engine, agent network, anti-money laundering and fraud detection capabilities make it one of the largest digital and physical money movers for consumers around the globe. The company offers digital transactions in more than 60 countries and territories. Approximately 70% of Western Union’s digital transactions globally now originate on mobile devices.
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement. Our omnichannel platform connects the digital and physical worlds and makes it possible for consumers and businesses to send and receive money and make payments with speed, ease, and reliability. As of December 31, 2018, our network included over 550,000 retail agent locations offering Western Union, Vigo or Orlandi Valuta branded services in more than 200 countries and territories, with the capability to send money to billions of accounts. Additionally, westernunion.com, our fastest growing channel in 2018, is available in more than 60 countries, plus additional territories, to move money around the world. In 2018, we moved over $300 billion in principal in nearly 130 currencies and processed 34 transactions every second across all our services. With our global reach, Western Union moves money for better, connecting family, friends and businesses to enable financial inclusion and support economic growth. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
About Jordan Kuwait Bank
Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB), a Jordanian public shareholding company that has successfully evolved in to a major player in the Jordanian banking system. The Bank currently operates a domestic network of 64 branches distributed throughout Jordan in addition a branch in Cyprus. JKB wholly owns Ejara Leasing Company and Sanad Capital and holds a controlling share of more than 50% in United Financial Investments Co. (Jordan). JKB also has investments with board representation in Algeria Gulf Bank (Algeria), Quds Bank (Palestine) and Middle East Payment Services (Jordan).
The Bank’s total shareholders’ equity reached JD 445.6 million JOD (628.4 million USD) as at 31/12/2018. Its major shareholders are Al Rawabi United Holding Co. (Kuwait), a fully owned subsidiary of Kuwait Projects Company Holding (KIPCO), the Social Security Corporation (Jordan), and Odyssey Reinsurance Company (USA), a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings, holding 50.9%, 21% and 5.85% of the Bank’s capital respectively.
JKB is regarded as a trendsetter in terms of growth ratios, performance measures and financial indicators within the local banking sector. It is one of the top-rated banks in Jordan, a (BBB) by Capital Intelligence.
JKB was the first bank in Jordan to introduce electronic delivery and service channels. Its hi-tech infrastructure, widely spread branches, ATMs and ITMs, efficient e-banking products and services, Internet and mobile banking facilities that provide access to external payment systems; all topped with a unique customer- friendly atmosphere, have enabled the Bank to further enhance its image as the best client-focused bank in Jordan and substantiated its slogan: “More than just a bank”.
