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.

How can I send money with Western Union? 

You can send money with Western Union:  

Online using our website or the Western Union mobile app 

To send your first money transfer1 with Western Union, create a profile on our mobile app or website. 

  1. Log into your Western Union profile or register if you are a new user.  

  1. Select Send money.  

  1. Select the receiver’s country and enter the amount and currency. 

  1. Select how your receiver would like to get the money: 

  • Cash pickup 
  • Bank account deposit 
  • Mobile wallet  

5.  Choose your payment method2:  

  • Credit3 or debit card 
  • Bank account 
  • Cash at a Western Union location 
  • Mobile wallet 

6.  Review the transfer summary  

7.  Select Submit. 

Tips: 

  • Service availability may be different for each receiver’s country4. 
  • You can add or delete the details of your receivers in your profile. 
  • You have the option to resend the same amount to your receivers.  

At an agent location or in-store 

If you want to send money in person, visit a Western Union agent location and pay via cash or a debit card5.  

If you want to send cash, you can still start your money transfer online with our pay in-store service to save time and then pay in cash at one of our agent locations.  

To pay in-store: 

  1. Log into your Western Union account on westernunion.com or the Western Union app. 

  1. Select Pay in-store. 

  1. Go to a nearby agent location and provide your phone number and pay to complete the money transfer. 

You can check the status of your money transfer using our Track a transfer service. 

Superscripts: 

1 You must be at least 18 years old to send or receive money with Western Union.  

2The payment and receiving methods are different for each country. 

3Card–issuer cash advance fee and related interest charges may apply. Use a debit card to avoid these fees and charges. 

4We might ask you to verify your identity depending on the service, send amount and the receiver country. 

5 This service is available only at some agent locations.