How to Send Money Through Western Union

What Western Union Does and How It Works

Western Union is a money transfer service that lets you send cash to someone else, either in the United States or abroad. You give Western Union money at one location — a store, agent, or online — and the recipient picks it up at another Western Union location using a reference number you receive. The money does not go into a bank account unless the recipient chooses to have it deposited that way.

Western Union charges a fee for this service. The fee depends on how much you send, where it is going, and how fast you want it to arrive. Sending $100 domestically might cost $5 to $10, while sending the same amount internationally could cost $15 to $30 or more. The person receiving the money does not pay a fee — you pay it upfront.

The service is useful when you need to send money to someone without a bank account, when you want to avoid using your own bank, or when the recipient needs cash when ready rather than a bank transfer that takes days.

Key Takeaways

• You can send money through Western Union in person at an agent location, by phone, or online through their website or mobile app.
• The recipient picks up cash at a Western Union location using a reference number and identification, or can have the money deposited into a bank account.
• Fees vary based on the amount sent, destination, and speed of delivery, and you pay the fee when you send the money.
• The entire process typically takes minutes to hours for domestic transfers and one to three business days for international transfers.
• You will need the recipient's full name, location, and either their phone number or email address to complete a transfer.

Sending Money in Person at a Western Union Agent

The most common way to send money through Western Union is to walk into a store that acts as a Western Union agent. These include grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing shops, and dedicated money transfer locations. You can find nearby agents on the Western Union website by entering your zip code.

When you arrive, tell the agent you want to send money and provide the recipient's full name, the amount you want to send, and where they will pick it up. You will also need to show a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The agent will ask you how you want to send the money: for cash pickup, bank deposit, or mobile wallet deposit. For a cash pickup, the recipient will need to go to a Western Union location and provide the reference number you receive and a photo ID.

Pay the agent in cash or, at some locations, by debit card. You will receive a receipt with a reference number (called a Money Transfer Control Number or MTCN). Write this number down or take a photo of it — the recipient needs it to pick up the money. The transfer is complete when ready, and the recipient can pick up the cash within minutes at most locations.

Sending Money Online or Through the Western Union App

You can also send money without leaving home by going to westernunion.com or using the Western Union mobile app. Create an account or log in, then select "Send Money" and choose your destination country or state.

Enter the recipient's full name, phone number or email address, and the amount you want to send. You will choose how the recipient receives the money: cash pickup at a Western Union agent, direct deposit to their bank account, or delivery to their mobile wallet. Then provide your own payment method — a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Western Union will show you the fee and exchange rate (if sending internationally) before you confirm.

Once you complete the transfer, you will receive a reference number by email or text. Share this number with the recipient so they know it is coming. For cash pickup, the recipient goes to a Western Union location with the reference number and their ID. For bank deposit, the money arrives within one to three business days depending on the bank.

What Information You Need Before You Send

Gather these details before you start a transfer, whether in person or online. You need the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their ID — if you spell it wrong, they may not be able to pick up the money. You also need their phone number or email address so Western Union can notify them that the money is ready.

If the recipient is picking up cash, you need to know which city or country they are in, so you can tell Western Union where to send it. If they are receiving a bank deposit, you will need their bank account number and routing number. For a mobile wallet deposit, you need the phone number associated with their wallet account.

You will also need a valid photo ID for yourself — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Western Union requires this for all senders, whether you are sending in person or online. If you are sending more than $3,000, Western Union may ask additional questions about the source of the money and the reason for the transfer, as required by federal law.

Understanding Fees and Exchange Rates

Western Union's fees are not fixed — they change based on several factors. The amount you send matters: sending $50 costs less than sending $500. The destination matters: sending money within the United States costs less than sending it internationally. The speed matters: requesting the money arrive within minutes costs more than waiting one to three business days.

When you send money internationally, Western Union also applies an exchange rate to convert your dollars into the recipient's currency. This rate is not the same as the mid-market rate you see on financial news sites — Western Union's rate includes their markup. You can see the exact fee and exchange rate on the Western Union website or app before you send, so there are no surprises.

Compare the total cost (fee plus any exchange rate markup) against other money transfer services if you are sending a large amount or sending internationally. Some services charge less for certain routes, and some offer better exchange rates.

How Long the Transfer Takes

For domestic transfers within the United States, the money is usually ready for pickup within minutes to a few hours, depending on the time of day and the agent location. If you send money in person at 2 p.m. on a weekday, the recipient can often pick it up the same day. If you send it late at night or on a weekend, it may not be ready until the next business day.

For international transfers, the timeline depends on the destination country. Many countries receive transfers within one business day, but some take two to three business days. Bank deposits take longer than cash pickups — typically one to three business days even domestically, because the money has to move through the banking system.

You can check the status of your transfer anytime on the Western Union website or app by entering your reference number. The recipient can also track it if you give them the reference number.

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong

If the recipient never picks up the money, Western Union will hold it for a set period — usually 90 days domestically and longer internationally. After that, the money is returned to you. You can request a refund at any time before the money is picked up by contacting Western Union with your reference number.

If you sent the money to the wrong person or the wrong location, contact Western Union when ready. If the money has not been picked up yet, they can cancel the transfer and refund you. If it has already been picked up, you will need to contact the recipient directly to ask them to return it — Western Union cannot reverse a completed pickup.

If you suspect fraud or an error with your account, call Western Union's customer service line or visit a local agent. Keep your receipt and reference number with you when you contact them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to someone without a bank account?

Yes. The recipient can pick up cash at any Western Union agent location using the reference number and a photo ID. They do not need a bank account. This is one of the main reasons people use Western Union instead of bank transfers.

What if the recipient loses the reference number?

The recipient can still pick up the money if they have your name and their own photo ID. They tell the Western Union agent your name and their name, and the agent can look up the transfer. It is faster if they have the reference number, but it is not required.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

Yes, but only if the recipient has not picked up the money yet. Contact Western Union with your reference number and request a cancellation. If the money has already been picked up, you cannot cancel it through Western Union — you would need to contact the recipient directly and ask them to return it.

Is Western Union safe to use?

Western Union is a regulated company and the transfer itself is find. However, like any money transfer service, it can be used for fraud or scams. Never send money to someone you do not know or trust, and be cautious if someone asks you to send money urgently or to keep it secret. Scammers often use Western Union because the transfers are hard to reverse.

Do I have to use a Western Union agent, or can I send money directly to a bank account?

You can do both. You can send money for cash pickup at an agent location, or you can send it directly to the recipient's bank account. Bank deposits take longer (one to three business days) but do not require the recipient to go anywhere. Choose the option that works best for your situation.