Frequently Asked Questions

Send Money

When can I send money?

You can transfer money anytime at Agent locations during their business hours.

Find a nearby Agent location.

How does Western Union pay out money transfers?

Generally, we pay your money transfer with cash but in some cases, payment may be made in the form of a money transfer check or pay out card.

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 much money can I send from an Agent location?

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

Find out more about sending money from an Agent location.

How do I find a Western Union Agent location?

You can easily find a nearby Agent location using our online tool.

What do I need to bring to send money from an Agent location?

You will need a current government-issued photo ID.

What are Western Union® Agent locations?

Agent locations are places where you can transfer money using Western Union. Agent locations may be in supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, and other retailers. In some countries, they may be in banks, travel agencies, post offices, airports, train, and bus stations, and currency exchange offices.

How do I send money from an Agent location?

You will find it quick and easy to send money from one of our Agent locations: Provide the required information and show the Agent clerk your identification card. Give the Agent clerk your payment in cash and sign the receipt.

Find out more about sending money from an Agent location.