Receive money from abroad or from the UK

Western Union^® offers many convenient ways to receive money transfers from abroad or the UK. You and your sender can choose everything from cash pickup to bank transfers and decide what’s best for you.

Whatever the occasion, Western Union^® can help make sure you receive your money.

Receive your money transfer in a variety of ways

Knowing money is on its way is a good feeling. Whether it’s for a cancelled flight or an emergency repair, or you’re simply the recipient of a very nice birthday gift, Western Union^® makes it easy to receive money from abroad or the UK.

Wondering how to receive money from another country? Here are some of the ways we can help.

Receive money from overseas to your bank account
Your loved ones can send money directly to billions of bank accounts. Check if you’ve received the money transfer using the Western Union^® app or online at westernunion.com.
Learn about bank transfers
Receive money from abroad in cash at an agent location
Pick up your money in minutes¹ at any of our agent locations around the world. You’ll just need a few transfer details, your tracking number (MTCN) and a valid ID.
Discover your nearest location
Receive money transfers directly to your mobile wallet³
In selected countries, you can receive money from abroad directly to your mobile wallet. Make sure it’s activated and provide your phone number for any delivery updates.
Find out more

Receive money from abroad today

Quick and easy registration

It’s easy to register with Western Union^®. Create your free profile and start using our money services online 24/7.

Track your money transfer

You can easily track your money transfer online or via our app using the tracking number (MTCN).

Receive money your way

Receive money from abroad straight into your bank account or mobile wallet³, or collect as cash from an agent location.

Convenient agent locations

With more than 4,300² agent locations across the UK, you can pick up your cash close to home.

Relied on by customers around the world

As a company working in cross-border, cross-currency money movement, Western Union^® aims to help grow economies and create a better world by keeping you connected with the people that matter the most to you. You have the ability to receive money from a foreign country or elsewhere in the UK, whether it’s online, with our app or in person.

So, go ahead: learn how to receive money internationally with us and enjoy ease of use, reliable services and all the other benefits we have to offer.

Frequently asked questions about receiving money from abroad

How will I know if my money is ready to collect?

Simply find the ‘Tracking’ link on westernunion.com or the Western Union^® app. Type the sender’s name and tracking number (MTCN), then you will see an update on the status of your transfer. Check your money transfer status now.

How do I receive money with Western Union^® without a bank account?

You can easily receive money from abroad by picking up cash at one of hundreds of thousands of agent locations around the world. Simply take your tracking number (MTCN) and valid ID to collect your money. Find a nearby Western Union^® agent location.

What do I need to pick up cash at an agent location?

Please have these to hand to receive money from abroad:

The sender’s full name (first, middle and last name)
The country where the money was sent from
The approximate amount that was sent
The unique number of the money transfer (MTCN)
Your government-issued identification document(s) as required

The following documents are accepted in the UK:

Current signed passport
Current full driving licence (EU) and provisional licence (UK only)
National identity card (EU only with the exception of UK)
EU residency card
Emergency/temporary passport, emergency travel documents
Ships passport

What is the best way to receive money with Western Union from overseas?

One of the best ways to receive money from abroad is using Western Union’s^® international money transfer services. We offer a range of options for both you and your sender, including bank transfers, cash pickup and funds sent straight to your mobile wallet³.

Better yet, you can both track the transfer using a unique tracking number (MTCN). This can help ensure you know where the funds are at every stage of the transfer process.

When you receive money, track your transfer on our app

Send money quickly or start a transfer and pay in-store.

Track your money transfer in real time.

Send again quickly to friends and family.

Download now

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4.5/5

Rating as of 17 March 2022.

Still have questions about sending money online?

Contact our Customer Care team or visit our FAQ page for more information.

See FAQs

¹ Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional Restrictions may apply. See terms for details.

² Agent location count valid as of 30 June 2021.

³ Funds will be paid to receiver’s mWallet account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. Funds availability subject to terms and conditions of service. See Mobile Form for Restrictions.