Western Union has been one of the most convenient ways to transfer money for more than a century. Western Union locations can be found around the globe, but for those who have never used their services before it may seem daunting. Thankfully, we are here to help alleviate your anxiety and answer some of the most common questions about Western Union money transferring services.
What is Western Union?
Western Union is an international money transferring service that allows you to receive and send money to over 200 countries around the globe. These transfers are done on a secure banking platform called a SWIFT/BIC network. Western Union money transfers can be placed online or in-person at your local currency exchange.
How Do I Transfer Money via Western Union?
You can transfer money via Western Union online, through the WU app, or in-person at your local Western Union currency exchange.
How to Do a Western Union Money Transfer in Person?
To initiate a Western Union money transfer in-person, bring your government-issued ID and the cash you’d like to send up to the counter at your local Western Union currency exchange. The agent will take care of the rest. Once the transaction is complete, you’ll receive a receipt with the MTCN number. Make sure to share this number with the recipient, as they’ll need it to receive the funds.
How Much Can You Send with Western Union?
In the United States, you can send up to $3,000 with Western Union money transfers. If you’d like to send more than this amount, you’ll need to complete Western Union’s identity verification process at your local currency exchange location. Once verified, you can send up to $50,000.
How Long Do Western Union Transfers Take?
Depending on the location of the person you are transferring money to, transfer times can take up to 5 business days. More often than not, transfers can be completed within one banking day, or even within minutes. This chart shows the estimated delivery times for international and domestic transfers.
How Do I Receive Western Union Money?
You can receive Western Union funds in three ways. You can receive money to your bank account, your mobile wallet, or in cash at your local currency exchange.
If you’d like to receive the money to your bank account, the sender must provide your bank account and routing number. If you’d like to receive funds to your online wallet, the sender need only provide your phone number in the money order. To receive cash, the sender should include your full name and home address as they appear on your government-issued ID.
What Receiver Information is Needed For Western Union?
In order to receive cash from a Western Union money transfer, you must have your government ID and the money transfer control number that the sender of the funds was provided by the clerk.
How Do I Cash a Western Union Money Order
Cashing a Western Union money order is easy. Visit your closest Western Union agent and ask to complete the “To Receive Money” form. To complete this form, you’ll need to know the sender’s name, the sender’s location, and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). You may also be asked to provide a test question and answer.
Once the form is complete, present it to the clerk along with a Government-issued photo ID. You’ll be asked to sign that you received the money and then you’ll receive the funds.
How Long Does Western Union Hold Money?
Western Union money transfers are available for pickup for up to 90 days. If the recipient isn’t able to pick up the money in that timeframe, reach out to Western Union customer service to have them renew the request.
