Frequently Asked Questions
Send Money FAQ
Sending money
1. What are Western Union® Agent locations?
2. How do I find a Western Union Agent location?
3. How do I send money from an Agent location?
4. What do I need to bring to send money from an Agent location?
5. How much money can I send from an Agent location?
7. How can I find out if my money transfer has been paid?
Receiving money
9. How do I pick up a money transfer?
10. What do I need to bring to pick up money at an Agent location?
11. How can I find out if a money transfer is ready for me to pick up?
12. How does Western Union pay out money transfers?
1. What are Western Union® Agent locations?
Agent locations are places where you can transfer money using Western Union. Agent locations may be in supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, and other retailers. In some countries, they may be in banks, travel agencies, post offices, airports, train, and bus stations, and currency exchange offices.
2. How do I find a Western Union Agent location?
You can easily find a nearby Agent location using our online tool.
3. How do I send money from an Agent location?
You will find it quick and easy to send money from one of our Agent locations: Fill out the required form and show the Agent clerk your identification card. Give the Agent clerk your payment in cash and sign the receipt.
Find out more about sending money from an Agent location.
4. What do I need to bring to send money from an Agent location?
You will need a current government-issued photo ID.
5. How much money can I send from an Agent location?
You can usually send any amount you wish. However, for certain dollar amounts and transfers, you may have to provide additional information or documentation.
Find out more about sending money from an Agent location.
You can transfer money anytime at Agent locations during their business hours.
7. How can I find out if my money transfer has been paid?
After you have sent your money transfer, follow these easy steps: Click on Tracking at the top of any site page. Type in the Sender's name and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) from the transaction.
Check your transfer status now.
8. Does Western Union offer an escrow service or any kind of buyer protection for online auctions or other transactions?
No. Western Union does not offer escrow or buyer protection. To help protect yourself from fraud, never send money to someone you don’t know. If you suspect you may have been the victim of fraud using Western Union, contact us immediately.
Learn more about fraud awareness.
9. How do I pick up a money transfer?
- Complete the To Receive Money form.
- Give the form to the Agent clerk with your government-issued photo ID and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN).
- Review and sign the receipt.
- The Agent clerk will give you the money and a copy of the receipt.
Find out more about receiving money at an Agent location.
10. What do I need to bring to pick up money at an Agent location?
- A current government-issued ID.
- The Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN).
11. How can I find out if a money transfer is ready for me to pick up?
Visit any site page and select Tracking from the top of the home page. You’ll need the name of the person who sent you the money and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN).
12. How does Western Union pay out money transfers?
Generally, we pay your money transfer with cash but in some cases, payment may be made in the form of a money transfer check or pay out card.