Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ / Send money

Send money

Can I change the name on a money transfer?

You can only make minor typographical corrections to the receiver’s name on a regular money transfer as long as the money hasn’t yet been picked up or deposited. This can’t be done on a money order, bill payment, or prepaid money transfer.

For your safety, make sure you know your receiver.

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

If you’re the sender, you can check any time after sending in your profile’s history. If you’re the receiver, you can check your transfer status online. All you need is the tracking number (MTCN) available on the receipt.

Are residents of the Bailiwicks of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man allowed to send money?

No. Residents of the Crown dependencies are not currently allowed to send money online on the UK website.

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 tracking number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt.

How do I pick up a money transfer?

You can pick up your money at any agent location. You’ll need to provide the following information:

  • Tracking number (MTCN)
  • Origin country
  • Sender’s name
  • Amount
  • Valid identification

Some restrictions may apply.

What are the acceptable documents to pick up a money transfer?

You can pick up your money transfer at any nearby agent location with one of the following:

  • Your passport1
  • Your UK, EU, or EEA driver’s license.
  • Your, EU, or EEA residence card.
  • Your EU national ID card with the exception of the UK
  • Emergency travel documents
  • Shipping passport
  • UK Application registration card

1We also accept temporary or emergency passports.

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 shipment. However, for transfers to certain countries, the exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of receipt.

How do I pay for my money transfer online?

You can pay with your credit/debit card or a bank transfer. Bank transfer is available for UK residents only. After you’ve chosen your destination country, you’ll see the types of services available to you. For more details about online payments, please call Western Union customer care at 0808 234 9168 for UK residents only and +32-(0)2 639 7103 or email us at uk.customer@westernunion.co.uk.

How much can I send online?

You can send up to 800 GBP per transfer from the United Kingdom if your identity hasn’t been verified.

You can send up to 800 GBP per transfer from the United Kingdom and territories

After your identity has been verified, you can send up to 4000 GBP every 3 days with your credit card and 50, 000 GBP through your bank.

Please note: Only UK residents can send transfers with Western Union.

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 send money to a bank account?

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

After you send 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?*

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.

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

How long does it take to receive a refund?

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

Are residents of Gibraltar allowed to send money online?

Yes, residents of Gibraltar can send money online only using their credit or debit cards. Bank transfer is currently unavailable in Gibraltar.

When is my money transfer complete?

Your transfer is complete when your receiver picks up the money from an agent location or when the transfer amount is credited to your receiver’s bank account, credit or debit card, or mobile wallet.

For quick resends, access to your transfer history, and other benefits, we suggest you sign up with westernunion.com or download our app if you haven’t done so already.

How will I get my refund and how long will it take?

Refunds are done in the original form of payment and within 5-7 business days from the date they are processed. You’ll be notified when your refund is credited to your bank account, credit or debit card, or when it is ready for pickup.

Please note: To pick up your refund, you’ll need to visit one of our agent locations with your government-issued ID and tracking number (MTCN).

How do I know if my transfer has been approved?

We need to double-check a few details before we send your transfer. This is a standard process, and sometimes takes longer than usual.

If necessary, we’ll reach out to you. Otherwise, no further action is needed.

For online transfers, we’ll notify you when your transfer status has changed. For transfers at agent locations, you’ll need to check your transfer status after some time for any updates.

In case your transfer status shows In Progress for more than 48 hours, contact us.

Why do we need more information from you?

Sometimes we might need additional information to verify your profile or transfer details. To do so, we may reach out to you via a phone call, SMS, or email. Alternatively, you can send us your documents on id@westernunion.com (as PDFs or JPGs).

To avoid any further delays, please send clear and easy-to-read scans of your documents.

Photo ID

You can send us any of the following documents:

  • Your passport1
  • Your UK, EU, or EEA driver’s license.
  • Your, EU, or EEA residence card.
  • Your EU national ID card with the exception of the UK
  • Emergency travel documents
  • Shipping passport
  • UK Application registration card

Note:

  • You must send a copy of both the front and the back of your ID document.
  • Your information must match that on your ID document.
  • Your signature on your ID document or signature page must be visible (if applicable).

 

Proof of address

You can send us any of the following:

  • Your electricity bill
  • Your gas bill
  • Your phone bill
  • Your bank or credit card statement
  • Financial institution letter
  • Local authority letter
  • Insurance document
  • Tax or government document

 

Be sure your proof of address contains:

  • The date (it should be less than 90 days old).
  • Your full name (first, middle, and last name).
  • Your current home address.
  • The issuing company’s name and logo.

 

1We also accept temporary or emergency passports.

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