Frequently asked questions

Become an Agent

What do I need in order to offer Western Union money transfer services?

How will I earn money with Western Union?

Who's responsible for setting the price of the money transfer service?

How is a Western Union money transfer processed?

Will I be able to process money transfers to any destination?

What support will I receive from Western Union?

What do I need to know about Anti Money Laundering (AML) compliance?

What type of business do I need to have to be eligible?

Do I need to have a specific licence and will I be regulated?

What do I need in order to offer Western Union money transfer services?

You'll need a computer, an Internet connection and a printer* (*depending on your country of residence) at your retail location. Once you've installed the software we'll provide, you'll be able to offer money transfer services and earn a commission on every Western Union money transfer that's sent or received from your retail locations(s).

How will I earn money with Western Union?

Each time a consumer sends a Western Union money transfer, they'll pay a transfer fee for the service. As a Western Union agent, you'll earn commission on the transfer fee for every transaction you process. The more transactions you send or receive, the more you earn.

Who's responsible for setting the price of the money transfer service?

We'll provide the fee tables. The system will automatically calculate the fee based on the amount of money sent, the service chosen and the destination country.

How is a Western Union money transfer processed?

To send money: The consumer completes a send money form and gives it to the Western Union agent. The agent enters the consumer's information into the Western Union system, checks their identification and collects the cash (including the sending fee). The agent ensures that the consumer signs the receipt and provides them with a copy.

To receive money: The consumer completes the receive money form and gives it to the Western Union agent. The agent enters the consumer's information into the system, checks their identification and gives the consumer the funds and a copy of the receipt.

Will I be able to process money transfers to any destination?

Yes, your customers will be able to send money to nearly 500,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. You'll also be able to pay out money that's been sent from any Western Union location across the world.

What support will I receive from Western Union?

Once you've been enrolled as an agent, Western Union will help you get started and make your first transaction. You'll get a free starter pack with training and marketing promotion materials. We'll provide your training and software for free. As a Western Union agent, you'll have access to our Customer Care who'll answer any questions you may have about offering our service.

What do I need to know about Anti Money Laundering (AML) compliance?

While all money transfer agents have a responsibility to implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance procedures, Western Union has an industry-leading AML program and provides first-class training and support to help you succeed as an agent and protect your business.

What type of business do I need to have to be eligible?

Many retail businesses make great Western Union agents. Agents in our network own businesses as diverse as convenience stores, financial services providers, newsagents, pawnbrokers and travel agencies.

Do I need to have a specific licence and will I be regulated?

Yes, but Western Union will handle this for you.