Western Union® Mobile App Enables Transfers to Billions of Accounts in
Nearly 100 Countries or Payout at 500,000+ Agent Locations Globally
BUENOS AIRES, JUNE 12, 2019 – As part of its digital expansion across Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Union, a leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement, broke new ground in Argentina with the launch of the Western Union® omnichannel mobile app, a first for the money transfer sector in the country.
Customers in Argentina can now connect with their families and loved ones around the world, 24/7, via the Western Union mobile app (available in IOS and Android). They have the option to pay for their transactions using online home banking or digitally initiate their transactions on the app and pay in person at a participating Western Union Agent location.
Western Union’s enhanced mobile service in Argentina enables payout into billions of bank accounts in nearly 100 countries across the world, or to Western Union’s more than half a million Agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories.
“We are pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to smoothly and fluidly transfer money internationally on digital channels, and also provide the choice of paying out into bank accounts or at retail. We use cutting-edge technology to simplify money transfer, so users can send money 24/7 to nearly every country across the world, with a few clicks,” said Maximiliano Babino, General Manager and Vice-President of Western Union, Argentina and Uruguay. “Through innovation and customer service, Western Union is transforming the money transfer Fintech segment in Argentina.”
More than 41 million of Argentina’s population of 45 million people are internet users, bringing 93 percent of the population online, according to a 2019 report by Hootsuite and We Are Social. In addition, 73 percent of the population own a smartphone.
Western Union is offering introductory pricing to consumers using the app and sending money from their bank account with a fee of 2% of the amount sent, up to $50,000 pesos, and $1,000 pesos flat fee for money transfers above $50,000 pesos1. Customers can also benefit from Western Union’s loyalty program, My WU®. Using the app, they can earn points to be redeemed for service fee discounts.
Western Union has operated in Argentina for more than 25 years and currently has a network of more than 5,400 Agent locations2. Western Union also offers bill payment services under the Pago Fácil® brand.
Globally, Western Union offers digital money transfer services via Westernunion.com in more than 70 countries and territories, and mobile apps in 35 countries. Our robust payout network is a rare combination of more than half a million retail Agent locations in more 200 countries and territories; billions of bank accounts in nearly 100 countries, and wallet payouts in a dozen countries.
CUSTOMER GUIDANCE
Western Union’s app offers a user-friendly experience, allowing consumers to complete their transactions in just a few steps.
After downloading the Western Union app, a first-time user will need to register, providing basic information, and complete at least one transaction through the option “cash payment”. Once the customer visits a Western Union agent location and pays in cash for this money transfer, he/she will be able to send money paying through bank account.
To send a money transfer and pay with bank transfer:
- On opening the app, customers must select ‘Send money’ to start the transfer.
- After logging in, customers enter the amount and the country for that specific money transfer transaction
- Thereafter, the customer must tap the button “How would you like to pay?” and choose the option “Bank Transfer”
- Review all the information and tap ‘Next.’
- Customer must provide all information of the receiver (Full Name, e-mail, mobile number and what are the reasons you are sending the money)
- The app will show a summary with all information regarding the transaction. To finalize the transfer, the customer must tap “Send”
- The app will display payment instructions for completion of the bank transfer
Western Union also makes money from currency exchange, outside Argentina. When choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes may vary by brand, channel, and location based on a number of factors. Fees and rates subject to change without notice.- As of Q1 2019
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement. Our omnichannel platform connects the digital and physical worlds and makes it possible for consumers and businesses to send and receive money and make payments with speed, ease, and reliability. As of March 31, 2019, our network included over 550,000 retail agent locations offering Western Union, Vigo or Orlandi Valuta branded services in more than 200 countries and territories, with the capability to send money to billions of accounts. Additionally, westernunion.com, our fastest growing channel in 2018, is available in approximately 70 countries, plus additional territories, to move money around the world. With our global reach, Western Union moves money for better, connecting family, friends and businesses to enable financial inclusion and support economic growth. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
