Frequently Asked Questions

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.

All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt.

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

• Name
• Address
• Amount expected
• Sender’s name
• Sender’s city and country

Acceptable Id documents are also required.

Some restrictions may apply.

Depending on the country and the agent where the receiver picks up the money. In general, passports and national ID cards are acceptable. A driver license might not be valid.

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

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 sending. However, for transfers to certain countries, the exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of receipt.

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

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

Once your identity has been verified, your sending limit will automatically increase to 5.000 EUR within a 3-day period, for some countries it will increase to 50.000 EUR. The maximum sending limit is displayed when you choose your receiver’s country on the send money page.

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

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.

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 have sent 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

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.

* 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.

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