What information do you need to send money through western union

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ/ Send money in person

Who uses Western Union money transfer services?

Anyone who needs to send or receive money quickly uses Western Union. These include people supporting friends or relatives abroad and travellers who need to make fast, international remittances.

What are Western Union agent locations?

Western Union agent locations are independent businesses that provide money transfer services to their customers on behalf of Western Union.

Which transfer service is offered at Western Union agent locations?

Western Union agent locations offer the ability to send money worldwide using cash. To check which services offer your nearby agent click here.

How do I send money from an agent location?

You’ll need to follow your agent’s instructions and pay the agent the amount you want to send, plus fees, in the payment method you selected. If you send money in cash, you can also use the service “Pay in cash” from your Western Union mobile app to set up your money transfer and complete the payment at your nearest location.

To pick up the money, the receiver can go to any Western Union agent location. They will need to follow the agent’s instructions and provide the tracking number (MTCN) and a valid ID document. The agent then pays the transfer amount to the receiver.

What do I need to send money from an agent location?

Sending money with Western Union from an agent location doesn’t require credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, or memberships. Senders are required to show a valid identification to meet government requirements.

What are acceptable ID documents for picking up money?

Please be aware that as of 26th June 2017, you are required to show identification to send and receive money from an agent location in the United Kingdom. You are required to present one of the following documents for any transfer up to the value of 5000 GBP:

  • Current signed passport
  • Current full driving licence (EU) and provisional licence (UK only)
  • National identity card (EU only with the exception of UK)
  • EU residency card
  • Emergency / Temporary passport
  • Emergency travel documents
  • Ships passport

How much money can I send from an agent location?

You can usually send any amount. However, for certain amounts and transfers, you may be subject to additional security and asked to provide additional information or documentation.

How are money transfers paid out to receivers?

Generally, we will pay cash to your receiver. But in some cases, payment may be made by cheque or a combination of cash and cheque.

Other restrictions may apply.

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

Any time after the money has been sent, you can check your transfer status with your agent or by calling us at 0800 833 833. All you need is your name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on your receipt.

How can I find out if a money transfer is available for pickup?

You can check your transfer status with your agent or by calling us at 0800 833 833. All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt.

How do I pick up a money transfer?

You can pick up your money at any agent location. You’ll need to provide the following information:

  • Tracking number (MTCN)
  • Origin country
  • Sender’s name
  • Amount
  • Valid identification

Some restrictions may apply.

When are Western Union services available?

Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation. Some have extended hours and some even stay open 24 hours.

Find a nearby agent location.

How do I find a Western Union agent location?

Find a nearby agent location online or look for Western Union in your local telephone directory.

Can’t find what you are looking for?

If you need to get in touch with Western Union, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ/ Send money

How do I find out if my money transfer has been sent?

Any time after sending, you can check your transfer status online. All you need is your name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on your receipt.

How do I find out if a money transfer is available for pickup?

You can check your transfer status online. All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt.

How do I pick up a money transfer?

You can pick up your money at any agent location. You’ll need to complete a form and include the following information:

  • MTCN
  • Receiver name
  • Receiver city and country
  • Expected amount
  • Sender name
  • Sender city and country

Acceptable ID documents are also required.

Some restrictions may apply.

What are acceptable ID documents for picking up money?

Acceptable ID will vary depending on the country and the agent where the receiver picks up the money. In general passports and national ID documents are acceptable. A driver’s license might not be valid.
In some cases the receiver might also need to verify their current address, for example with a utility bill.

What about exchange rates?

When you send money internationally, your receiver generally will be paid in local currency. The exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of sending. However, for transfers to certain countries, the exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of receipt.

How long does it take to send money online?

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 transfers, you can send money to their mobile phone in 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 will generally be available in 1 or 2 days, depending on your receiver’s country. Learn more about sending money to a bank account.

How much can I send online?

You can send up to 1,000 EUR before we need to verify your identity.

Once your identity has been verified, your send limit will increase to 5,000 EUR.

How do I find a Western Union agent location?

Find a nearby agent location online or look for Western Union in your local telephone directory.

How do I send money to a mobile phone?

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer this service, you can send money to their mobile phone. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile phone operators in their country.

Check available destination countries and mobile providers.

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 in 1 or 2 business days. Money may be deposited the same day or in as many as 3 business 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 money to a bank account

How do I cancel my money transfer and ask for a refund?1

You can only cancel a money transfer if it has not been picked up by your receiver. If you sent money to a bank account, you can cancel it if the transfer has not been completed by your receiver’s bank.
To request a refund, please call Customer Care, or if you sent the money in person, return to the agent location.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

Refunds typically take up to 10 business days from the date they are completed.

Can’t find what you are looking for?

If you need to get in touch with Western Union, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care

1 The amount of money refunded (amount sent and/or transfer fees) depends on the service chosen and reason for cancellation. If you have questions regarding the amount to be refunded, contact Customer Care. Please also see our Terms and Conditions for more information.

What details do you need to send money via Western Union?

Information required for sending money in-person Government-issued ID to confirm your identity. Cash, credit or debit card to pay for the total – including any transfer fees and currency exchange rates. Your receiver's full name (as on their ID), country and address (where requested)

What information do you need to send money?

What do I need to make a bank transfer?.
the amount you want to send..
the full name of the person you're sending money to..
their 6-digit sort code..
their 8-digit account number..
a payment reference (usually your name, so the person knows who sent them money).
whether you want the money to be sent right away..