What is a Western Union MTCN tracking number?
When you make a money transfer with Western Union, you’ll receive a ten-digit Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). You’ll get an MTCN however you send money with us, whether it’s online, on the app, or in-store.
But what is an MTCN and how can you use it to track your transfer? Here’s a handy guide to Western Union MTCN tracking.
What is a Western Union MTCN?
When you send money with Western Union, your transfer is assigned a unique ten-digit number. This number is your MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number).
You can use your MTCN tracking number to check the status of your transfer. If your receiver wants to check the status of the money transfer, you can share the number with them, too.
Where can I find my MTCN?
Not sure where to find your MTCN number? You’ll have a tracking number whether you’ve sent a transfer online, in-store, or on the Western Union app.
You can find your MTCN on your transfer receipt. If you made your transfer on the website, the number will be on your online receipt and the confirmation email you receive. If you made a transfer in-store, your number will be printed on your receipt.
You get a unique MTCN for each money transfer. If you send multiple transfers at the same time, each one will have a different number.
How to track MTCN with Western Union
It’s easy to track MTCNs for Western Union transfers online and on the app. To track the status of your transfer, just head to our Track a Transfer page and enter your ten-digit number. You can then see the status of your transfer in real time.
MTCN tracking is also available on the Western Union app. This is handy if you want to check the status of your money transfer on your smartphone when you’re out and about.
If your receiver wants to see the status of the transfer, you just need to share the 10-digit tracking number with them.
The tracking statuses for transfers include:
- In progress
- Available
- Received
- Paid
- Delivered
- On hold
- Cancelled
- Refunded
Can’t find your MTCN?
Lost your MTCN tracking number? Don’t worry, you can still check the status of your transfer.
On the Track a Transfer page, select Don’t know the MTCN? You’ll then need to enter your phone number or the sender and receiver’s names. Select the receiver’s country, enter the transfer amount and the date the transfer was sent. You’ll then be able to see your transfer’s current status.
Benefits of an MTCN tracking number
Why do we give MTCN numbers with our transfers? Here are just a few reasons why:
- It’s quick and easy to check the status of your transfer. Using the Track a Transfer service on our website and app, you can see the status of your money transfer in a matter of seconds. Simply enter your ten-digit MTCN and we’ll do the rest.
- You can check on the status of your transfer anytime and anywhere. As long as you have an internet connection and your MTCN number, you can check on the status of your transfer online or on the app.
- You can share your MTCN with the receiver. If your receiver wants to track the transfer, you simply need to share the MTCN with them and direct them to the Track a Transfer page on our website.
- You can see when your transfer has been delivered. Want to know when your transfer has arrived? We’ve got you. When your transfer has been received or collected, the status will be updated.
- It’s easy to find your MTCN. Just look at your receipt, whether it’s an email receipt from an online transfer or a physical receipt from an in-store transfer.
Send money internationally in just a few clicks
Need to send money to loved ones abroad? Western Union makes it easy to send and track money transfers around the world.
Send an online money transfer today in just a few clicks. Don’t forget to keep note of your MTCN to track your transfer’s status.
MTCN frequently asked questions
How do I use the Western Union tracking number (MTCN)?
A tracking number (MTCN) will be generated for every Western Union® transfer. Whether you’re sending a transfer online, on the app or from an agent location, it’s important to keep your MTCN tracking number safe. Do not share the MTCN tracking number or any other details about your transfer with anyone other than the intended receiver.
Both you and your receiver will need the MTCN. You’ll use the Western Union tracking number to check the status of the transfer. The receiver will use the MTCN to pick up the money from an agent location if this is your chosen way to receive the transfer. You’ll also need the MTCN if you need to contact Customer Care about a money transfer.
How do I track the status of a money transfer with my MTCN?
To track your transfer, enter your 10-digit MTCN tracking number on our website or on the app. You’ll be able to see the current status of your transfer.
How does the receiver use the MTCN?
The sender can share the MTCN tracking number with the receiver. This is the unique Western Union tracking number (MTCN) once you make the money transfer and get your receipt. Your receiver can use this to track the status of the transfer.
If the receiver is picking up the money from a Western Union agent location, they’ll need to provide the MTCN alongside a government-issued form of ID upon collection.
Does the MTCN make my transfer more secure?
Western Union is a reliable way to transfer funds worldwide. While the MTCN helps verify that transferred funds are picked up in-store by the intended receiver, it is not a security measure. We have other measures in place as part of our commitment to security, like encrypted transfers and fraud prevention measures.
To protect yourself, we suggest you visit our Consumer Protection Center to learn how to recognise common scams and frauds.
How long do international money transfers take?
How long your transfer will take depends on a variety of factors, like your send method, how you choose to receive the money, the destination country, and the amount sent. It can take anywhere between a few minutes to four business days for the money to reach your receiver.
Find out more about international money transfers.
