Frequently Asked Questions

The Western Union Prepaid Visa card is a general purpose reloadable prepaid card offered directly by Western Union. You can use it everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

You can use your card to send or receive money transfers, shop online or to withdraw cash from ATMs. The card is available on our website or at selected Western Union agent locations. (Filter on prepaid card sales locations)

• Easy access to a Visa prepaid card account without opening a bank account.
• No credit check, hidden fees or minimum balance required.
• Easily redirect money transfers to your Prepaid Visa card account. Skip the lines in stores.
• Convenient options to add money to your card – online or selected Western Union agent locations. (Filter on WU^® Reload+ locations)
• Shop online or make retails purchases anytime, anywhere.
• Create a PIN for secure debit purchases and ATM withdrawals.
• Manage your card account and track transactions on your digital dashboard online.
• More convenient and safe than carrying large amounts of cash.

There are two ways you can get a card:

1. Sign-up on the Western Union Prepaid card website
2. Visit a Western Union agent location. (Filter on Prepaid card sales to see where cards are offered). In-store, just ask a Western Union agent at the money/customer service desk about the Western Union Prepaid card.

To activate a replacement or a physical card ordered online, follow these steps:

1. Log into your account online.
2. From your dashboard, select the card you want to activate.
3. Select Activate now and follow the prompts.

To reload money to your card or to use it internationally, you’ll need to complete identity verification. If you’re unable to complete the verification, please contact Customer Care at 1-888-294-5098 for assistance.

Yes, some fees apply. For a full list, please see our Terms & Conditions.

There are many ways to add money to your card, either in person or online.

In person:

Western Union money transfer:

• Ask your Western Union agent to direct your money transfer to a prepaid card

Online:

Western Union money transfer

• Direct an incoming money transfer to your existing card online by logging into your account, selecting Add money, and then Redirect an incoming money transfer.
• Direct an incoming money transfer to a new card by signing up for a new card and entering your MTCN when prompted.

Debit card transfer:

• Add money online by logging into your account, selecting Add money, and then Debit card.

Direct deposit:

• Log in to your online account and select View Card, then Direct deposit details.
• You’ll find your account number, routing number and a direct deposit form to submit to your employer.

You can reload your card using any of the available options to add money once we verify your identity.

To verify your identity in-store, find a location using the store locator.

You’ll need to provide:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Permanent address where you reside
• Proof of identity via two (2) valid IDs
• Social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer information number (ITIN) if you have one

To verify your identity online, go to the Prepaid card website, enter your email address, and select I have a card to get started.

You’ll need to provide:

• Full legal name
• Permanent address where you reside
• Date of birth
• Social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer information number (ITIN)

We will electronically verify your information and may ask you to upload documentation if we require additional information.

Your loved ones can send money directly to a card for you to use. This is a convenient, safe and secure way to receive money transfers.

If you have an existing prepaid card, log in to your account, select Add money, then Redirect incoming money transfer. Enter your money transfer confirmation number (MTCN) and you’re on your way.

If you are not a cardholder, sign-up for a new card on the Western Union website.

• Start by entering your email address.
• Enter your money transfer confirmation number (MTCN) when prompted.
• Enter your personal information, including your name and contact details.
• Provide a valid SSN or ITNIN to complete the identify verification process.

Tip: make sure that your name and phone number on your incoming money transfer matches the name and phone number you use on your prepaid card exactly.

A virtual prepaid card is a digital version of a traditional prepaid card. A virtual Western Union prepaid card will be issued to you when you sign up online so you can begin using your account right away.  You can use the virtual card details to shop online or add to a virtual wallet on your phone to make purchases in person.

You can find your virtual card details, including card number, expiration date and CVV by logging into your Western Union Prepaid Visa^® card account. Select View card and then View card details.

Note: If you only have a virtual card, you can order a physical card any time. The physical card will have a different number and will replace your virtual card once you activate it.

The Western Union Prepaid Visa Card only supports the US Dollar (USD) currency.

Once you have passed identity verification you can use your card to make a purchase anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including outside the US.

Note:

• Foreign exchange fees may apply.
• You cannot reload your card at any agent location outside United States.

If your prepaid card is lost or stolen, freeze it immediately.

To freeze your card, Contact Customer Care at 1-888-294-5098 or follow these steps online:

1. Log into prepaid profile online.
2. Select View card from your dashboard.
3. Select Freeze card below the card’s image.

Once your card is frozen, you will not be able to add money or make any transactions on the card until you unfreeze it or activate a replacement card.

If you get your card back, you can unfreeze it. Contact Customer Care at 1-888-294-5098 or follow these steps:

1. Log into your Western Union Prepaid Visa card account.
2. Select View card from your dashboard.
3. Select Unfreeze card below the card’s image.

Replacement cards may be requested for cards that are permanently lost or stolen. It will be mailed directly to your address on file in 7-10 business days. Please activate your card online as soon as you receive it.