Frequently Asked Questions

Send money to a bank account

What’s a BIC code?

A BIC is a worldwide code for bank identification. The BIC is the same as the SWIFT code and is either 8 or 11 digits.

How long will it take my money to get there?

Generally, it will take 1 or 2 bank working days. The length of time varies based on where and when the money is sent.

What is the Western Union® Direct to Bank Account money transfer service?

The Direct to Bank Account money transfer service offers senders an easy and convenient way to send funds directly to a receivers’ bank account.

What information is required from the sender to send a Direct to Bank Account money transfer?

The bank information required to send money to a bank account varies by country. Generally, you will need to know:

  • The amount in the local currency you wish to send (money transfers to a bank account can only be sent in local currency)
  • Your receiver’s full name (including middle name)
  • Your receiver’s bank name
  • Your receiver’s bank code and bank account number or the receiver’s IBAN

The exact information required will be specified when you complete your money transfer.

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

You can use the transfer status service to track the status of any money transfer. All you need is the tracking number (MTCN) and the sender’s name.

How do I send money to India with UPI?

About UPI

Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is a payment method that allows you to instantly transfer money to a bank account in India.

Understanding UPI ID

UPI ID is a virtual payment address (VPA) that uniquely identifies one person. A UPI ID format is like an email ID: with the sign “@” in the middle. For example, your receiver’s UPI ID could be “receiver’s_name@bank_name” or “phone_number@bank_name.”

When sending with a UPI ID, you only need to have your receiver’s UPI ID. You do not need to ask receivers for their account number, account type, bank name, or IFSC code.

To receive the payment, the receiver needs to have their UPI ID linked to the bank enabled for international UPI remittance. Please see below the list of banks that support international UPI.

Current list of banks that support international UPI transfer

Below are the banks currently supported. More banks will be made available soon.

Send limits using UPI

Currently, you can send up to 200,000 INR per transfer.

Steps to send money using a UPI through Western Union

Western Union is the first money transfer service company to use a UPI transfer internationally.

  1. Log in to your Western Union profile.
  2. Choose India as your receiving country (you will need to know your receiver’s mailing address).
  3. Choose to send using a bank pay out and use any payment method.
  4. Choose UPI ID under the bank information section. You’ll be able to browse all the banks enabled for international UPI transfer.
  5. Choose to send your transfer, and you’re all set. Generally, your transfer should be completed in minutes.

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 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 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.

What’s a bank code?

A bank code is a series of numbers used to identify banks around the world. The bank code can be 3-23 digits, depending on the country and the type of code.

A bank code may be known as:

  • BSB
  • SWIFT code
  • BIC (Bank Identification Code)
  • CHIPS (Clearing House Inter-Bank Payment System) — US and Canada only
  • NCC (National Clearing Code)
  • BSC (Bank Sort Code)
  • IFSC (Indian Financial System Code)

For some countries, you also may need an international bank account number (IBAN) in addition to the bank code.

You should obtain the bank code and IBAN (if applicable) from your receiver.

What’s an IBAN code?

An IBAN is used in some countries to identify a customer’s bank account. The IBAN is an alphabetical country code followed by 2 digits and then as many as 35 characters for the bank account.

You should obtain the IBAN from your receiver.

What currencies are available for payouts?

Payouts will only be made in the local currency. Senders should ensure their receiver’s bank account is a local currency account to avoid potential service delays or additional charges from the receiver’s bank.