Frequently Asked Questions

Send money in person

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 from an agent location?

You’ll need to follow your agent’s instructions and pay the agent the amount you want to send, plus fees, in the payment method you selected. If you send money in cash, you can also use the service “Pay in cash” from your Western Union mobile app to set up your money transfer and complete the payment at your nearest location.

To pick up the money, the receiver can go to any Western Union agent location. They will need to follow the agent’s instructions and provide the tracking number (MTCN) and a valid ID document. The agent then pays the transfer amount to the receiver.

When is my money transfer complete?

Your transfer is complete when your receiver picks up the money from an agent’s 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.

When are Western Union services available?

Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation. Some have extended hours and some even stay open 24 hours.

Find a nearby agent location.

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

You can check your transfer status with your agent or by calling us at 0800 833 833. All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt.

Who uses Western Union money transfer services?

Anyone who needs to send or receive money quickly uses Western Union. These include people supporting friends or relatives abroad and travellers who need to make fast, international remittances.

What are acceptable ID documents for picking up money?

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.

How can I find out if my money transfer has been paid?

Any time after the money has been sent, you can check your transfer status with your agent or by contacting Customer Care. All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN) printed on the sender’s receipt.

Which transfer service is offered at Western Union agent locations?

Western Union agent locations offer the ability to send money worldwide using cash. To check which services offer your nearby agent click here.

How are money transfers paid out to receivers?

Generally, you can choose how your receiver will get the money. These are some of the common receive methods:

  • In cash at an agent location.
  • Online to their bank account, credit/debit card, or mobile wallet.

Please note: The receive method may vary, depending on your receiving country and the send method selected by you.

What are Western Union agent locations?

Western Union agent locations are independent businesses that provide money transfer services to their customers on behalf of Western Union.

How much money can I send from an agent location?

You can usually send any amount. However, for certain amounts and transfers, you may be subject to additional security and asked to provide additional information or documentation.

How can my receiver pick up the money?

Your receiver can pick up the money at any of our agent locations. They’ll simply need to show the following:
  • The tracking number (MTCN)
  • A valid identity proof
  • The amount to receive

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

Sending money with Western Union from an agent location doesn’t require credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, or memberships. Senders are required to show a valid identification to meet government requirements.