Western Union

Western Union: money transfers from the United States

Western Union is a financial services company that allows you to send and receive money from the United States to over 200 countries and territories. Its activity focuses on international transfers, with options to send online, through the mobile app, or in person at any of its agents. The company has been operating since 1851 and has a broad network of agents worldwide.

Ways to send money

The company offers several ways to make transfers. Users can send money online through its website, using the mobile app, or by visiting an agent location. Sending methods include:

• Online sending: requires registration and profile verification with a driver's license, passport, or official ID.
• Mobile app: allows you to send money, pay bills, check exchange rates, or start a transfer to pay in-store.
• In-person sending: available at thousands of Western Union agent locations in the United States.
• Bank account transfer: sends funds directly to bank accounts around the world.
• Cash pickup: the recipient can collect cash at hundreds of thousands of agent locations.
• Mobile wallet: allows you to send money to the recipient's mobile wallet in available countries.

Receiving funds

Recipients can receive money in different ways: in cash at an agent location, by deposit into a bank account, or through a mobile wallet, depending on availability in the destination country. The company states that many transfers may be available for pickup in minutes, depending on the type of service, the destination, and the chosen receiving method.

Mobile app and additional services

The Western Union app allows you to send money, track transfers in real time, repeat transfers to frequent contacts, and pay bills. In addition, the company offers other financial services such as bill payment, money orders, prepaid card, and mobile phone top-ups. Registered users can earn points through the Western Union Rewards program: you earn 100 points for each online transfer and 500 points equal a discount of up to 2 USD on transfer fees. There are also exclusive offers for members.

Global network and security

Western Union states that customers made millions of transfers last year. The company highlights its commitment to security through encryption and fraud prevention. Its network spans 600,000 agent locations worldwide and allows you to send money to 4 billion bank accounts and wallets. According to the company's own data, an average of 7,000 online transfers are made per hour. The company also promotes fraud awareness with the #BeFraudSmart initiative.

Fees and exchange rates

Western Union makes money from the exchange rate applied. Fees and exchange rates may vary by brand, channel, and location, and are subject to change without notice. The company offers a 0 USD transfer fee promotion for the first online transfer, with specific conditions: it does not apply to Quick Collect, transfers within the United States, credit cards, or Google Play. For credit card payments, cash advance fees and interest may apply.

User reviews

The website shows user reviews that highlight the ease of use, speed, and security of the app. Some comments mention the convenience of making transactions from your phone and the competitiveness of exchange rates and fees compared to other services. The ratings come from app stores and the Trustpilot platform.