How to receive money with Western Union

With convenient ways to receive money, we make getting your funds fast, easy and reliable.

Track a transfer
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Simple steps for receiving money with a bank account

1

Provide the sender your information

Just a few details are all the sender needs to transfer money. Required information varies depending on your location, but the bank name is mandatory in most countries.

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2

Track the transfer

Your money is on its way! Use the tracking number (MTCN) to track the funds.

3

Money received

Depending on your location and bank details, your money can arrive in just minutes1.

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  • 1

    Provide the sender your information

    Just a few details are all the sender needs to transfer money. Required information varies depending on your location, but the bank name is mandatory in most countries.

    Instructional-_-receiver
  • Instructional-_-track-transfer
    2

    Track the transfer

    Your money is on its way! Use the tracking number (MTCN) to track the funds.

  • 3

    Money received

    Depending on your location and bank details, your money can arrive in just minutes1.

    Instructional-_-send-n-receive

Convenient ways to receive money

  • bank-building
    Bank account

    Western Union deposits money transfers directly into the receiver’s bank account.

    Learn more
  • dollar-with-pen
    Cash pickup

    Receive money at hundreds of thousands of agent locations across the globe.

    Find locations
  • Spot-_-netspend
    Western Union® Netspend®
    Prepaid Mastercard®

    Load money, send money and get paid up to 2 days faster2 with direct deposit.

    Learn more

Flexibility to change the way you receive money

Even though situations can change, it’s important that everyone still receives their money. That’s why Western Union makes it possible to change the way you receive your money. Just follow the steps below.

  • number 1

    Select ‘Update delivery method’ menu on WU.com and enter your tracking number (MTCN).

  • number 2

    Fill in your information and bank account details5.

  • number 3

    Share the link with your sender to complete the transfer. Your sender must confirm the change in the delivery method.

  • number 1

    Log in to WU.com.
    Select ‘Track a Transfer’ (for transactions started on WU.com/app)4 and follow the instructions on the screen.

  • number 2

    Enter the tracking number (MTCN). Select ‘Receive money on a card.’

  • number 3

    Fill in the sender’s details.
    Submit the details of your
    debit card.

Frequently Asked Questions about receiving money in the U.S.

Can you receive money from Western Union online?

Yes, you can have funds sent directly to your bank account when your sender selects ‘Bank account’ during the transaction.

How do I receive money from Western Union at an agent location?

Pick up cash fast, no need to fill out forms.

1. Answer our questions about your transfer on WU.com or the app to get started.

2. Track your transfer and go to a participating Western Union® agent location to
pick up money.

3. Bring your government-issued photo ID and MTCN to receive your receipt and get your cash.

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

Bring a valid government-issued ID and the tracking number (MTCN).

How can I find out if a money transfer is ready for me to pick up?

Visit our website and select Track Transfer. You’ll need the name of the person who sent you the money and the tracking number (MTCN).

Can I change the way I receive my money transfer?

We know situations can change. That’s why Western Union makes it possible to change the way you receive your money.

To change from cash pickup to receiving money directly to a debit card:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Select Track Transfer and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. Enter the tracking number (MTCN).
4. Select ‘Receive money on a card.’
5. Fill in the sender’s details5.
6. Submit the details of your debit card.

Have more questions about receiving money with Western Union?

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

FAQ
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Relied on by customers around the world

As a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement, Western Union aims to help grow economies and create a better world. Billions of accounts worldwide can receive funds online, with our app or in person. So, go ahead: tell your sender to transfer money with us and enjoy ease of use, reliable service and all the other benefits we have to offer.

Encryption to help protect your transfers

We’re committed to keeping your data secure

Money transfers at your fingertips with our app

Start your cash pickup on the app or direct funds into your bank account.
Track your money transfer in real time.
Find an agent location nearby.
Download the app
4.8/5
4.4/5

Rating as of September 15, 2020.

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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. For mobile transactions 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. See the transfer form for restrictions.

2 Faster access to funds is based on comparison of Netspend’s immediate availability policy versus the typical banking practice of only posting funds after settlement. Direct Deposit and earlier availability of funds are subject to payor’s support of this feature and timing of payor’s funding. Check with your payor to find out when the direct deposit of funds will start.

Issuer Statement:

The Western Union® NetSpend® Prepaid MasterCard is issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. NetSpend, a TSYS® Company, is a registered agent of MetaBank. Certain products and services may be licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,000,608 and 6,189,787.

Use of the Card Account is subject to funds availability and ID verification. Transaction fees, terms, and conditions apply to the use and reloading of the Card Account. See the Cardholder Agreement for details.

MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

Card may be used everywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted.

NetSpend, the NetSpend logo, and any related trademarks or service marks are federally registered U.S. Service Marks of Total System Services, Inc.® and are used with permission.

3 Valid only for WU.com or Western Union® app transactions sent from United States, Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany.

4 This service only applies to transfers of $3,000 or less, made within the US that are started on WU.com or Western Union® app. Please check with your sender for transaction details.

5 Please make sure that the sender’s name accurately matches with the name provided on the transaction and with the details of the bank account owner. (Account details may vary by country).