Frequently Asked Questions

How do I send money to India with UPI?

About UPI

Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is a payment method that allows you to instantly transfer money to a bank account in India.

Understanding UPI ID

UPI ID is a virtual payment address (VPA) that uniquely identifies one person. A UPI ID format is like an email ID: with the sign “@” in the middle. For example, your receiver’s UPI ID could be “receiver’s_name@bank_name” or “phone_number@bank_name.”

When sending with a UPI ID, you only need to have your receiver’s UPI ID. You do not need to ask receivers for their account number, account type, bank name, or IFSC code.

To receive the payment, the receiver needs to have their UPI ID linked to the bank enabled for international UPI remittance. Please see below the list of banks that support international UPI.

Current list of banks that support international UPI transfer

Below are the banks currently supported. More banks will be made available soon.

ICICI BankICIC
Axis BankUTIB
Bank of IndiaBKID
Andhra BankANDB
Yes BankYESB
IndusInd BankINDB
UCO BankUCBA
Central Bank of IndiaCBIN
Bank of BarodaBARB
Kotak Mahindra BankKKBK
State Bank of IndiaSBI
Allahabad BankALLA
HSBCHSBC
IDBI Bank LimitedIBKL
Oriental Bank of CommerceORBC
Punjab and Sind BankPSIB
RBLRATN
South Indian BankSIBL

 

Send limits using UPI

Currently, you can send up to 200,000 INR per transfer.

Steps to send money using a UPI through Western Union

Western Union is the first money transfer service company to use a UPI transfer internationally.

1. Log in to your Western Union profile.

2. Choose India as your receiving country (you will need to know your receiver’s mailing address).

3. Choose to send using a bank pay out and use any payment method.

4. Choose UPI ID under the bank information section. You’ll be able to browse all the banks enabled for international UPI transfer.

5. Choose to send your transfer, and you’re all set. Generally, your transfer should be completed in minutes.

How do I send money online?

You can send money online to a Western Union location for a cash pickup, directly into your receiver’s bank account, or to your receiver’s mobile phone. After you’ve chosen your destination country, you’ll see the types of services available.

Learn more about how to send money online.

How long does it take to send money online?

Here are a few ways you can send money online using Western Union:

  • Money in minutes:

If your money is needed within minutes, you can send online using your credit or debit card. Receivers can pick up cash at Western Union locations worldwide, depending on the hours of operation at that location.

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer mobile money transfer, you can send money to their mobile phone in a matter of minutes. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile operators in their country.

  • Money available in 1 or 2 days:

If you send money to a bank account, your money is generally available within 1 or 2 days, depending on your receiver’s country. Learn more about sending money to a bank account.

How do I pay?

Pay for your money transfer in the following ways.

      Card

You can pay using your debit or credit card.

Supported cards are: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Visa Electron. Please contact your bank to ensure your card is enrolled for secure authentication.

How do I send money to a bank account?

This service is available for certain countries. Usually, money is deposited into the receiver’s bank account within 1 or 2 working days. Money may be deposited on the same day or in up to 3 working days, depending on when and where it’s sent.

After you send money, ask your receiver to contact their bank or check their bank statement to verify the deposit.

Learn more about sending to a bank account.

How do I send money to a mobile phone?

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer this service, you can even send money to their mobile phone—so they can get their money quicker and easier than ever. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile operators in their country.

Check available destination countries and mobile networks.

How much can I send online?

To send more than 1000 EUR every 5 days from Estonia, you’ll need to verify your identity online. Once verified, you can send up to 5000 EUR every 3 days.

Will my credit card charge a fee for sending money with Western Union?

Some card issuers may charge additional fees for using our services. Please contact your card issuer for more information.

What is Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode®?

Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode® help prevent unauthorised online use of cards. These services use personal passwords or identity information and are available for most cards from participating financial institutions.

Once your card is activated, your card number will be recognised whenever it’s used at participating online stores. A window will automatically appear, and your card issuer will ask for your password. You’ll enter your password to verify your identity and complete your purchase.

Even if you haven’t activated Verified by Visa® or MasterCard SecureCode,® your card can still be used on our site.

How do I know if my online transfer has been approved?

Your online receipt will show whether your transfer was approved. If we need more information before we can complete it, you’ll be asked to call us. When the transfer is complete, you’ll get an email with your tracking number (MTCN).

How secure is my transaction?

Western Union uses the latest technology to ensure convenient and reliable online money transfers. We have upgraded our security standards to protect you from fraud when you pay online using a credit or debit card. This enhanced layer of security, aligned with the latest EU regulations and changes to security systems, helps card issuing banks to better identify and verify customers, allowing for convenient, smooth and reliable online transactions.

What are my rights when transferring money in the European Union (EU)?

According to EU regulations, you have the right to easy, secure payments with no extra cost when you pay with a card issued in the EU2. You also have the right to a basic payment account if you are a legally residing in Europe. Learn more.

Why was my payment declined?

Your debit or credit card payment may be unsuccessful due to several reasons:

a)      By your bank

Your bank may decline your payment due to:

If your bank declines a payment while making a Western Union money transfer, you need to contact your bank or log in to your online banking to resolve the issue.

b)      By Western Union

Western Union may decline your payment for the following reasons:

  • Exceeding the transfer limit set for the country you are sending money from.
  • To protect you from fraud or consumer scam.
How many Alipay wallet transfers can I make in a month?

You can make up to 5 transfers to the same receiver on Alipay wallet within a 30-day period starting from the date of the first transfer. If it’s urgent, you can always choose a different payout method such as bank account or cash.

What is Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)?

Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), as mandated by the EU’s Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2), requires payment service providers to authenticate digital payments.

SCA, also known as 3D Secure, is a multi-factor authentication that adds an extra layer of security to digital payments to reduce fraud. It asks you to authenticate your payment using PIN, password, or biometrics.

At Western Union, to meet the SCA requirements, we use multi-factor authentication to secure your online transfers.

Why wasn’t my authentication successful?

Western Union uses Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) to secure online payments. To successfully authenticate your payment, please be sure of the following:

  • Your card or bank account is registered for SCA (3D Secure). If not, contact your card issuer or register it through your online banking portal.
  • Your contact information is up to date with your bank and Western Union.
  • You enter your PIN or password accurately.

Please note that you can also pay for your money transfers using alternative methods. We’ll show your payment options when you start an online transfer.

Who uses Western Union money transfer services?

Anyone who needs to send or receive money quickly uses Western Union. These include people supporting friends or relatives abroad, travellers 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 services to their customers on behalf of Western Union.

Which transfer service is offered at Western Union agent locations?

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

How do I send money from an agent location?

You’ll need to complete a “To Send Money” form and pay the agent the amount you want to send, plus fees, in cash.

To pick up the money, the receiver will complete a “To Receive Money” form at any Western Union agent location and provide 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 Western Union from an agent location doesn’t require credit cards, debit cards or bank accounts. But you will need to show a valid ID.

What are acceptable documents for picking up money?

Depending on the country and the agent, where the receiver picks up the money, the acceptable IDs will vary. In general passports and national IDs are acceptable. A driver’s license might not be valid.

In some cases the receiver might also need to verify their current address, for example with a utility bill.

How much money can I send from an agent location?

You can usually send any amount. However, for certain amounts and transfers, you may be subject to additional security and asked to provide additional information or documentation.

How are money transfers paid out to receivers?

Generally, we will pay cash to your receiver. But, in some cases, payment may be made by cheque or a combination of cash and cheque.

Other restrictions may apply.

How can I find out if my money transfer has been paid?

Any time after the money has been sent, you can check your transfer status online. All you need is the tracking number (MTCN), which is printed on your receipt, the receiver’s country and the amount (receive amount).

How can I find out if a money transfer is available for pickup?

You can check your transfer status online. All you need is the tracking number (MTCN), which is printed on your receipt, the receiver’s country and the amount (receive amount).

How do I pick up a money transfer?

You can pick up your money at any agent location. You’ll need to complete a “To Receive Money” form with the following information:

  • MTCN
  • Sender Name
  • Sender City and Country Address
  • Expected amount
  • Receiver Name
  • Receiver City and Country Address

Acceptable ID documents are also required.

Some restrictions may apply.

When are Western Union services available?

Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation. Some have extended hours and some even stay open 24 hours.

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 are Western Union agent locations?

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

When are Western Union services available?

Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation. Some have extended hours or even stay open 24 hours.

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.

Does it cost anything to register at Western Union’s website?

No, it’s free to register. You can register here. It only takes a minute.

How can receivers register in Colombia?

Registering to receive transfers in Colombia

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The Government of Colombia will require you to register if you receive a transfer in Colombia that exceeds its cash and frequency limits.

If you know you need to register, you can call Western Union’s Colombian partner, Giros y Finanzas, at any of the numbers below.

You can also wait for Giros y Finanzas to call you. They will try to contact you up to 3 times in the 15 days after we send the money. If Giros y Finanzas cannot reach you after 3 tries, we will cancel the transfer and refund the sender.

Giros y Finanzas contact numbers in Colombia (country code +57):

  • National office: 018000 111 999
  • Cali: (2) 518 48 00
  • Bogotá: (1) 635 35 60
  • Medellín: (4) 511 51 51
  • Barranquilla: (5) 368 79 96
  • Pereira: (6) 335 16 11

Giros y Finanzas contact numbers outside Colombia:

  • Miami (USA): +1 (786) 206 6144
  • Montreal (Canadá): +1 (514) 448 1874
  • Panamá: +507 833 9275

Giros y Finanzas office hours of operation, Colombia Time (COT) (UTC -5):

  • Monday to Friday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Giros y Finanzas may ask you to provide the following:

  • Your full name (first name, middle name, paternal name, and maternal name)
  • Your date of birth
  • The country and city where you were born
  • The city you live in
  • Your address, phone/cell numbers, and email address
  • Your occupation
How can receivers register in Argentina?

Receiving money in Argentina

If you receive a money transfer in Argentina, you need to complete a one-time registration within 90 days of getting it.

Also, if you receive 2 additional transfers within that 90-day period (a total of 3 transfers), you will need to register before you can pick up the third transfer.

To get you registered, we will contact you within 24 hours of the transfer at the number provided by your sender. You will be asked to provide additional identifying information on an online form used for registering transfers.

How can receivers register in China?

Receiving money to your bank account in China

If you’re the receiver, you may need to complete a one-time registration before you can receive money.

If you need to register, you will be contacted within 24 hours by us at the number provided by your sender.

To register and confirm your identity, you will need:

  • The tracking number (MTCN)
  • To confirm your bank card number
  • To confirm your Chinese name as it appears on your government-issued ID.
  • Your government-issued ID.

If the receiver cannot be contacted within 3 days, we will not be able to complete the transfer, and the sender will be issued a refund.

You can also call Customer Care at 4008190488 or 02168664622 to provide your identity information.

How can receivers register in Jamaica?

Before you can pick up the money, you’ll receive a SMS, an email or a phone call from the agent so you can choose to register at a physical location or via online registration.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide for registration:

  • Your full name as it appears on your government-issued ID.
  • Name on the bank account.
  • Bank name.
  • Bank code.
  • Branch name.
  • Branch code.
  • Bank account number.
  • The currency on your bank account needs to be in JMD.
  • TRN number (TaxID).
  • Government-issued ID, ID type, and expiration.
  • Country of birth.
  • Date of birth.
  • Phone number (home and mobile).
  • Home address (street, city/town, or parish).
  • Occupation.
  • Place of work (if homemaker or unemployed, this is not required).
  • Your email address.

Please note that GraceKennedy will complete the verification required to make sure the receiver owns the given bank account. The verification process may take up to 2 business days and may be cancelled within 8 days if your registration is not complete.

How do I verify my identity?

You’ll need to verify your identity to send 1,000 EUR or more. After your identity has been verified, you can send up to 5,000 EUR per transfer.

To verify your identity via email or regular mail, please do the following:

  1. Log in to your Western Union profile. If you don’t have a profile yet, create one.
  2. Select Profile at the top right and choose Start verification now.
  3. Then select Verify by letter and you’ll get a letter and form from us by regular mail.
  4. Sign the form and send it back to us with a copy of an ID document in any of the following ways:

Western Union Processing Lithuania, UAB

Online and Prepaid Customer Identification Unit

Balcikonio str. 9C

LT-08247 Vilnius

Lithuania

What are the acceptable documents for identity verification?

You can provide any of the following documents to verify your identity:

  • Your passport
  • Your EU or EEA issued national ID
  • Your Estonian driving license
How do I find out if my money has been sent?

Any time after sending, you can check your transfer status online. All you need is your name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on your receipt.

How do I find out if a money transfer is available for pickup?

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.

How do I pick up a money transfer?

You can pick up your money at any agent location. You’ll need to complete a “To Receive Money” form and include the following information:

  • MTCN
  • Receiver Name
  • Receiver City and Country
  • Expected amount
  • Sender Name
  • Sender City and Country

Acceptable ID documents also are required.

Some restrictions may apply.

What are acceptable ID documents for picking up money?

Depending on the country and the agent, where the receiver picks up the money, the acceptable IDs will vary. In general passports and national IDs are acceptable. A driver’s license might not be valid.

In some cases the receiver might also need to verify their current address, for example with a utility bill

What about exchange rates?

When you send money internationally, your receiver generally will be paid in local currency. The exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of shipment. However, for transfers to certain countries, the exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of receipt.

How long does it take to send money online?

Here are a few ways you can send money online using Western Union:

  •  Money in minutes:

If your money is needed within minutes, you can send online using your credit or debit card. Receivers can pick up cash at Western Union locations worldwide, depending on the hours of operation at that location.

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer mobile money transfer, you can send money to their mobile phone in minutes. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile operators in their country.

  •  Money available in 1 or 2 days:

If you send money to a bank account, your money’s generally available in 1 or 2 days, depending on your receiver’s country. Learn more about sending money to a bank account.

How much can I send online?

You can send up to 1.000 EUR within a 5-day period before we need to verify your identity.

After that is finished, your send limit will increase to 5.000 EUR per 3-day period.

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 do I send money to a mobile phone?

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer this service, you can send money to their mobile phone. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile phone operators in their country.

Check available destination countries and mobile providers.

How do I send money to a bank account?

This service is available for certain countries. Usually, money is deposited into the receiver’s bank account in 1 or 2 business days. Money may be deposited the same day or in as many as 3 business days, depending on when and where it’s sent.

After you send money, ask your receiver to contact their bank or check their bank statement to verify the deposit.

Learn more about sending money to a bank account

How do I cancel my money transfer and ask for a refund? 1

You can cancel a money transfer only if it has not been picked up by your receiver. If you sent money to a bank account, you can cancel it if the transfer has not been completed by your receiver’s bank.
To request a refund, please call Customer Care, or if you sent the money in person, return to the agent location.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

Refunds typically take up to 10 business days from the date they are completed.

1 The amount of money refunded (amount sent and/or transfer fees) depends on the service chosen and reason for cancelation. If you have questions regarding the amount to be refunded, contact Customer Care. Please also see our Terms and Conditions for more information.

2 Please note that you need to be a legal resident of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom to be eligible for these rights.