Money Transfer


Money Transfer

1. Who uses the Western Union Money Transfer service?

Anyone who needs to send or receive money quickly from people who are supporting friends or relatives living in a foreign country, travelers, or business people who need to make fast international remittances.

2. What do I need to send money from an Agent location?

Sending money with the Western Union Money Transfer^SM service from an Agent location does not require credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts or memberships. Customers receiving money only need a valid form of identification and/or, in some cases, depending on the amount of the transfer, senders may need to furnish identification or other information to meet government requirements.

3. How does the Western Union Money Transfer service work from an Agent location?

The sender initiates the transaction by completing a "To Send Money" form and paying the Agent cash to cover the transfer amount plus applicable fees. The Agent immediately processes the transaction.

To pick up the money, the receiver completes a "To Receive Money" form at any Western Union Agent location and provides proper identification. The agent then pays the transfer amount to the receiver.

4. What are Western Union Agent locations?

Western Union Agent locations are independent businesses that provide money transfer service to their customers on behalf of Western Union. In the United States, Western Union Agents are primarily retail locations - grocery stores, check-cashers, mail box centers, drug stores, travel agencies and depots and other retail locations. Outside the U.S., agents include well-known financial institutions, post offices, airports, stations, currency exchange offices, travel agencies and other locations.

5. How much money can I send from an Agent location?

Using an Agent location, you can send as much money as you'd like, although certain security compliance requirements must be met when sending amounts over a certain limit. Learn more about local restrictions.

6. How are money transfers paid out to individual receivers?

In most cases, money transfers are paid out in cash. However, depending on the amount sent and the location, some money transfers will be paid out by cheque, or in a combination of cash and a cheque. International transactions are usually paid in local currency. Other restrictions may apply.

7. How can I find out if my money transfer has been paid?

Any time after the money transfer has been sent, you can visit our web site and select Order Status to obtain the status of your money transfer. All you need is your name and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) to verify if the money transfer has been paid.

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

You can visit westernunion.com and select Order Status to obtain the status of your money transfer. All you need is the sender's name and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) to determine if the money is available for pick up.

9. How do I pick up a money transfer?

You may pick up your money transfer at any Agent location. You will need to complete a "To Receive Money" form with the following information: name, address, amount expected, as well as the sender's name, telephone number, city and state being sent from. Valid identification is also required. Some restrictions may apply.

10. What is considered valid identification to pick up a money transfer?

Primary identification verifying the full name and one form of non-primary identification verifying the current/permanent address (Utility Bill, a letter from a hostel manager confirming temporary residence, etc.

11. During what hours is the service available?

Each Western Union Agent location determines its own hours of operation, and most maintain extended hours, or even stay open around the clock. You can find an Agent location that will be open when you want to use it.

12. How do I find a Western Union Agent location?

You can use westernunion.com to find an Agent location near you. Or look for Western Union in your local telephone directory.