How to receive money with Western Union

Q: How do you know if the funds are ready to be recovered?

You can check the status of your transfer online . All you need is the tracking number (the MTCN) that appears on the sender's receipt.

Wherever you live in Switzerland, your relatives, friends or business associates can send you money instantly. Receive money from abroad or from Switzerland, directly into your bank account, or in cash.

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How to receive money easily in Switzerland

Bank account
The sender can choose to send money directly to your bank account. Receive your money with confidence, exactly where you want it.
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Cash pickup
If you prefer to receive your transfer in cash, you can benefit from this very quickly. There are Western Union agent locations throughout Switzerland. You may find a location near you to collect your transfer in person.
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Debit or credit² card
When you send money to your receiver’s debit or credit² card funds will be paid directly into the bank account associated with your receiver’s card.
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Simple steps for receiving money with a bank account

1
Provide the sender your information
The sender only needs basic information to send you money. You will hardly have to do anything.
2
Track the money transfer
Our real-time tracking, along with instant notifications, allows you to follow your money throughout the process. Use your unique tracking number (MTCN) on our tracking platform.
3
Money received
Check your bank account for funds, and take advantage of it right away.

Receiving money with Western Union

Change your reception method

Change the way you receive your money, when you want it – whether it’s through a bank account or in person at agent location.

Get a free quote

We provide a free, no-obligation cost estimate, so you and your loved one can know exactly how much you will send and receive in each currency.

Choose from any agent location

For a more personal cash pickup, visit one of our Swiss agent locations.

Track your transfer

Don’t miss a step in the progress of your transfer, from the moment it is sent to you, to the moment it reaches its destination.

Popular with customers around the world

As a leading money transfer company, Western Union aims to support the Swiss economy and create a better world. Millions of accounts around the world receive money transfers online, via our app, or in person, and securely. Don’t hesitate: ask your sender to transfer funds to you with Western Union, and enjoy easy, reliable transfers and many other benefits we offer.

Encryption of transfers ensures secure transactions
We are committed to protecting your personal data

International money transfer services at your fingertips

Start your cash pickup on our app, or transfer the funds to your bank account

Track your transfer in real time

Find agent location near you to receive your transfer

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Frequently asked questions about receiving money

Can I receive money from abroad without a bank account?

Yes, you can receive money from abroad or from Switzerland without a bank account. From many countries around the world, your loved one can send money and you can collect it in cash at one of the agent locations in Switzerland.

Simply bring your tracking number (MTCN) and valid identification to collect your money. Find a Western Union^® agent nearby today, ready to receive your money.

What do I need to receive a cash transfer at an agent location?

Permissible identification documents vary depending on the recipient’s country and the outlet. As a rule, passports and national identity cards are accepted. To pickup money in Switzerland, the following IDs are accepted:

Passport
Residence card issued in an EU country
National identity card issued in an EU country
Refugee card issued in an EU country

How much money am I allowed to receive from abroad?

The amount you can receive from abroad to Switzerland depends on where the money is being sent from and the method of payment used.

The best way to confirm the amount you can receive is again for your loved one to visit the Western Union website in their country of residence, where they can check the limits for sending money from their country to Switzerland.

How long does it take to receive money from abroad?

Similarly, the time it takes to receive a money transfer from abroad to Switzerland also depends on where the money is sent from and the method of payment used.

In many cases, the money can be sent for collection in a matter of minutes¹, whereas if the money is sent directly to your bank account, it may take several working days¹. Again, if your loved one goes to the Western Union website in their country of residence, they will be able to see the estimated times for the different payment methods.

How do you know if the funds are ready to be recovered?

You can check the status of your transfer online. All you need is the tracking number (the MTCN) that appears on the sender’s receipt.

Have more questions about receiving money with Western Union?

Contact our Customer Care team or visit our FAQ page for more information.

FAQ

¹ 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. For mobile transactions funds will be paid to receiver’s Mobile Wallet account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. See the transfer form for restrictions.

² Some card issuers may charge additional fees for using our services. Please contact your card issuer for more information.