Frequently Asked Questions

Send money online

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.

•Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank Limited•Janata Sahakari Bank Limited•Airtel Payments Bank Limited•Jana Small Finance Bank Limited
•Andhra Bank•Karnataka Bank Limited•The Andhra Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Limited•Kalupur Commercial Cooperative Bank
•Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank•Kalyan Janata Sahakari Bank•Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank•Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited
•Apna Sahakari Bank Limited•Kerala Gramin Bank•Bassein Catholic Cooperative Bank Limited•The Karanataka State Cooperative Apex Bank Limited
•Bank Of Baroda•Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank•Bandhan Bank Limited•Laxmi Vilas Bank
•Dena Bank•Bank Of Maharashtra•Bank Of India•Maharashtra Gramin Bank
•Central Bank Of India•Mahanagar Cooperative Bank•City Union Bank Limited•The Mehsana Urban Cooperative Bank
•Canara Bank•Oriental Bank of Commerce•Corporation Bank•G P Parsik Bank
•The Cosmos Co Operative Bank Limited•Pragathi Krishna Gramin Bank•Catholic Syrian Bank Limited•Punjab And Sind Bank
•Development Bank of Singapore•Punjab National Bank•DCB Bank Limited•Paytm Payments Bank Ltd
•Deustche Bank•Ratnakar Bank Limited•Deutsche Bank (Bij Alle Sepa-Transacties)•Rajkot Nagrik Sahakari Bank Limited
•Dhanalakshmi Bank•State Bank of India•Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited•Standard Chartered Bank
•Federal Bank•South Indian Bank•Fino Payments Bank•The Surath Peoples Cooperative Bank Limited
•Fincare Small Finance Bank Ltd•Saraswat Cooperative Bank Limited•The Gujarat State Cooperative Bank Limited•Suryoday Small Finance Bank Limited
•Hasti Coop Bank Ltd•The Shamrao Vithal Cooperative Bank•HSBC Bank•Syndicate Bank
•IDBI Bank•The Thane Bharat Sahakari Bank Limited•ICICI Bank Limited•TJSB Sahakari Bank Limited
•IDFC Bank Limited•Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited•Indian Bank•The Tamil Nadu State Apex Cooperative Bank
•Indusind Bank•Union Bank Of India•Indian Overseas Bank•UCO Bank
•India Post Payment Bank•Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited•Jammu And Kashmir Bank Limited•Axis Bank
•Jio Payments Bank Limited•The Varachha Cooperative Bank Limited•Janakalyan Sahakari Bank Limited•Vijaya Bank
•Karur Vysya Bank•The Vishweshwar Sahakari Bank Limited•Vasai Vikas Sahakari Bank Limited•Yes Bank

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.

What is the Western Union® Direct to Bank Account money transfer service?

The Direct to Bank Account money transfer service offers senders an easy and convenient way to send funds directly to a receivers’ bank account.

Learn more.

What information is required from the sender to send a Direct to Bank Account money transfer?

The bank information required to send a Direct to Bank Account money transfer varies by country. In generally you will need to know:

Your Receiver’s bank name. Your Receiver’s Bank Code and bank account number. The amount and currency you wish to send. You can refer to the Direct to Bank Account – Country Information section to see specifically what details are required for each country.

How can 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 sent the 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.

What’s a bank code?

A bank code is a series of numbers used to identify banks around the world. The bank code can be 3-23 digits, depending on the country and the type of code.

A bank code may be known as:

  • BSB
  • SWIFT code
  • BIC (Bank Identification Code)
  • CHIPS (Clearing House Inter-Bank Payment System) — US and Canada only
  • NCC (National Clearing Code)
  • BSC (Bank Sort Code)
  • IFSC (Indian Financial System Code)

For some countries, you also may need an international bank account number (IBAN) in addition to the bank code.

You should obtain the bank code and IBAN (if applicable) from your receiver.

Learn more about sending money to a bank account.

What’s an IBAN code?

An IBAN is used in some countries to identify a customer’s bank account. The IBAN is an alphabetical country code followed by 2 digits and then as many 35 characters for the bank account.

You should obtain the IBAN from your receiver.

Learn more about sending money to a bank account.

What currencies are available for payouts?

Payouts will only be made in the local currency. Senders should ensure their receiver’s bank account is a local currency account to avoid potential service delays or additional charges from the receiver’s bank.

How can I find out if my money has been sent?

You can use the transfer status service to track the status of any money transfer. All you need is the tracking number (MTCN) and the sender’s name.

What’s a BIC code?

A BIC is a worldwide code for bank identification. The BIC is the same as the SWIFT code and is either 8 or 11 digits.

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?

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

a)      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?

You can send up to than 1.000 EUR per transaction or within a 3-day period before we need to verify your identity. After your identity is verified, you can send up to 5.000 EUR per transaction.

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.

How can I add a new receiver?

Once you have started a transfer:   
  1. Choose Add a new receiver, or Add new receiver from phone contacts. 
  2. Fill out the form and Save.  

How can I pay for my money transfer?

If available, you can pay with the following:  
  • Credit *  or debit card
  • Your bank account using “Bank Transfer” service.
  • Through our banking partners such as Faster Payment, SOFORT, Trustly, iDeal etc.
*If you’re using a credit card, a card-issuer cash advance fee and associated interest charges may apply. You can avoid these fees by using a debit card.

What shall I do to ensure my payments are more secure?

Western Union uses Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)  to secure online payments. To ensure the best experience when using Western Union, we ask our customers to consider the below:

  • Make sure your card is enrolled for secure authentication by either contacting your bank or logging on to your online banking and selecting the option from your security settings.
  • Ensure your contact information is up to date on your online banking and Western Union profile.

Please note, you can also pay for your money transfers via alternate payment options available for your country, including Sofort, Trustly, iDeal, Faster payment, Apple Pay and WU Pay. Your payment options will be shown to you when you start an online transfer.

What is Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)?

Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) is a requirement that payment service providers must apply as of 14 September 2019 as mandated by the EU’s Payment Services Directive (PSD). SCA requires service providers to use multi-factor authentication to verify online payments. To meet the SCA requirements, Western Union uses enhanced security to ensure your online transactions are convenient and reliable while also making your experience smoother and easier.