Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ / Send money

Send money

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

If you’re the sender, you can check any time after sending in your profile’s history.

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 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)
  • Valid ID documents
  • Sender’s name
  • Sender’s city and country
  • Amount

Some restrictions may apply.

Which ID documents are accepted for cash pick up?

Depending on the receiver’s country and the agent location, the acceptable ID documents vary. In general, passports and government-issued IDs are acceptable. To pick up cash in France, the following ID documents are accepted:

  • Passport
  • EU Resident card
  • EU National ID card
  • EU Refugee card
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 shipment. 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 it 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 transfer, 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 is generally 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 EUR 1,000 before we need to verify your identity.

After that is finished, your limit will increase to EUR 5,000.

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.

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?*

You can cancel a money transfer only if it has not been picked up by your receiver. If you have 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.

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

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