How to make quick money transfers with Western Union
Need to send a quick money transfer? If your loved one is in a sticky spot, you might need to send money to them pronto. However, sending an money transfer can be tricky if they’re in a different country.
Perhaps you’ve forgotten a birthday, they’ve lost their wallet whilst travelling, or they need some cash to help with an emergency. Whatever the reason, Western Union is here to help.
With Western Union’s quick money transfers, you can get your money where it needs to go – fast. Our online money transfer service can send money across the world to your loved one in minutes*.
Here’s a handy guide to making a fast money transfer with Western Union.
How to send a quick money transfer online
1. Log in or register for a free account
To make a quick money transfer online, you need to log in or register for a Western Union account. Don’t worry, it only takes a few minutes to create an account.
You also need to log into your account if you’re sending money with the Western Union app.
2. Choose your money transfer destination and amount
When you’ve logged into your account, you can begin sending a Western Union online payment. First, you need to select your destination country and enter the amount you want to send.
The amount of money your loved one will receive in foreign currency will be calculated instantly.
3. Select how you want to receive the money
Next, you need to select how you want your loved one to receive your quick money transfer. The options available depend on the destination country.
If you need an money transfer, cash is often the fastest way to receive it. When you complete the transfer, the money should be available to collect from your loved one’s nearest in minutes*. We have a footprint of hundreds of thousands agent locations around the world to make it easy to collect a transfer, wherever they are.
Bank transfers can take a little longer. Depending on the destination country and your bank, it can take one to five business days for your transfer to arrive with your loved one.
4. Choose your payment method
You’ll have a range of options to pay for your money transfer. Western Union payment methods for transfers from the UK include:
- Debit/credit card
- Bank transfer
- Google Pay
- Pay cash in-store
If you need to send an money transfer, note that to pay for your transfer in cash, you need to visit a Western Union agent location. Naturally, this will take a little longer than paying online.
5. Send your quick money transfer
Review the details of your transfer and select send.
Your money is on its way. It’s as fast as that!
6. Track your transfer
You can track your transfer to keep tabs on your Wester Union payment every step of the way.
When you complete your transfer, you’ll get a unique tracking number (MTCN). Just enter your MTCN into our Track a Transfer portal and you can see what stage of the process your transfer is at. You can share your MTCN with your receiver, too.
With Track a Transfer, you’ll know when your transfer has arrived.
How to send a quick money transfer in-store
1. Find your nearest Western Union location
To send a same-day money transfer in-store, start by finding your nearest Western Union agent location. We have thousands of locations across the UK for your convenience.
You can use the Western Union app to find your nearest agent location, too.
2. Visit us in-store and start your money transfer
When you’ve found your nearest agent location, head down to begin your transfer. Our agent will guide you through the process.
You’ll need to provide details to make your transfer. To fill out a ‘send money’ form, make sure you have the following information ready:
- Your full name and contact information.
- The recipient’s full name, contact information, and location.
- The amount you want to send, plus fees.
- The purpose of the transfer (e.g., family support, purchase, etc.).
- A valid government-issued form of ID.
If you’re sending a larger amount, you may also need proof of source funds (like a bank statement, pay slip, or tax return).
3. Choose your receiving method
Next, decide how you want your loved one to receive the money. There’s a range of options to choose from:
- In-person cash pickup: The recipient can collect the money in cash from a Western Union location. This is usually the fastest way to send money, so opt for this if you need a same-day money transfer.
- Bank account deposit: Transfer funds directly to the receiver’s bank account.
- Mobile wallet transfer: Send money to the recipient’s mobile wallet (in available countries).
- Bill payment: Pay a bill on behalf of the receiver.
- Prepaid card reload: Add funds to a prepaid card.
4. Pay by cash or card
When the details of your transfer are confirmed, it’s time to choose your payment method. You can pay for your quick money transfer in cash or by credit or debit card. Pay for the transfer amount, including fees.
With your receipt, you’ll get a tracking number (MTCN). You can use this to track the status of your transfer online or on the app.
5. Share the transfer details with your receiver
Don’t forget to share the MTCN and other relevant details with the receiver. They’ll need this information to pick up the Western Union payment.
6. Your transfer is ready to collect
You’ll be notified when your transfer is ready to collect. Depending on your chosen collection method, your receiver can pick up the funds from a Western Union location, have them deposited into their bank account, or access them through their mobile wallet.
Send a quick money transfer on the app
Another way to transfer money same day is to use the Western Union app. Money transfers on the app work the same way as online, but the process is even quicker. You can log in using Face or Fingerprint ID to save time. You can also scan your credit or debit card rather than enter the details manually.
If you need to send quick money transfers to loved ones often, you can save your receiver’s details on the app to make repeat transfers extra speedy.
The Western Union app makes it easy to send quick money transfers in just a few taps.
How fast is Western Union?
Sending money with Western Union is generally fast. The speed can vary depending on the destination, the service chosen, and any local regulations. Some transfers can be completed within minutes, while others may take a few hours or even a few days.
If you need a quick money transfer, be sure to check the estimated delivery time when making the transaction.
Ready to send a quick money transfer with Western Union? Get started in just a few minutes.
*Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional Restrictions may apply. See terms for details.
