Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ / Send money

Send money with Western Union

How do I find out if my money transfer has been sent?

Any time after sending, you can check your transfer status online. All you need is your name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on your receipt.

How do I find out if a money transfer is available for pickup?

You can check your transfer status online. All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt.

How do I pick up a money transfer in Spain?

You can pick up your money at any agent location. You’ll need to complete a “Receive money” form and include the following information:

  • MTCN
  • Receiver name
  • Receiver city and country
  • Expected amount
  • Sender name
  • Sender city and country

For Spanish nationals, please bring your National Identity Document (DNI). For foreigners, please bring any one of the following photo IDs:

  • Passport
  • EU national ID card
  • ES residence or work permit issued by the Spanish government
What are acceptable documents for picking up money in Spain?

To pick up money, Spanish nationals can only use their National Identity Document (DNI). For foreigners, please bring any one of the following photo IDs:

  • Passport
  • EU national ID card
  • ES residence or work permit issued by the Spanish government

A driver’s license is not valid

 

In some cases, the receiver might also need to verify their current address, for example with a utility bill.

What about exchange rates?

When you send money internationally, your receiver will generally be paid in local currency. The exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of sending. However, for transfers to certain countries, the exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of receipt.

How long does it take to send money online?

Here are a few ways you can send money online using Western Union:

  •  Money in minutes

If your money is needed within minutes, you can send online using your credit or debit card. Receivers can pick up cash at Western Union locations worldwide, depending on the hours of operation at that location.

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer mobile money transfer, you can send money to their mobile phone in minutes. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile operators in their country.

  •  Money available in 1 or 2 days

If you send money to a bank account, your money will generally be available in 1 or 2 days, depending on your receiver’s country. Learn more about sending money to a bank account.

How much can I send online?

After we have confirmed your identity, you can send up to 3,000 EUR within a 3-month period.

What do I need to send money from an agent location in Spain?

To send money from a Western Union agent location, you don’t need a credit/debit card or bank account. You can pay in cash for the transfer, and for Spanish nationals, please bring your National Identity Document (DNI). For foreigners, please bring any one of the following photo IDs:

  • Passport
  • EU national ID card
  • ES residence or work permit issued by the Spanish government
How do I find a Western Union agent location?

Find a nearby agent location online or look for Western Union in your local telephone directory.

How do I send money to a mobile phone?

If your receiver lives in a country where we offer this service, you can send money to their mobile phone. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile phone operators in their country.

How do I sent money to a bank account?

This service is available for certain countries. Usually, money is deposited into the receiver’s bank account in 1 or 2 business days. Money may be deposited the same day or in as many as 3 business days, depending on when and where it’s sent.

After you have sent money, ask your receiver to contact their bank or check their bank statement to verify the deposit.

Learn more about sending money to a bank account.

How do I cancel my money transfer and ask for a refund? 1

You can cancel a money transfer only if it has not been picked up by your receiver. If you sent money to a bank account, you can cancel it if the transfer has not been completed by your receiver’s bank.
To request a refund, please call Customer Care, or if you sent the money in person, return to the agent location.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

Refunds typically take up to 10 business days from the date they are completed.

Can’t find what you are looking for?

If you need to get in touch with Western Union, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care

1 The amount of money refunded (amount sent and/or transfer fees) depends on the service chosen and reason for cancelation. If you have questions regarding the amount to be refunded, contact Customer Care. Please also see our Terms and Conditions for more information.