Western Union money transfer review & guide
Exchange rates, payment options, step-by-step guide, transfer fees, and all you need to know about .
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Everything you need to know
Western Union review
The internet may have made money transfers faster and more convenient, but transfers are nothing new.
One of the oldest and largest money transfer companies is Western Union. Founded in 1851 when money was sent on horseback, Western Union allows you to transfer money to any of more than 200 countries worldwide. Since then, its business has grown and expanded thanks to online money transfers.
Send money in more than 125 currencies with your credit card, bank account, debit card, or wire transfer online. Moreover, Western Union is very famous all around the world because of their cash transfers through the agent network. You can literally visit any WU branch or location and personally transfer your money to any country in the world.
Payment Methods Available with Western Union
Western Union allows you to pay for a money transfer in five different ways:
The amount of money you can send using Western Union depends on your individual transaction history if you’ve successfully sent money with Western Union before. It also depends on the receiver’s country, your location, and how you elect to pay for the transfer.
If you choose to send money by initiating the transfer in person at a Western Union branch, there is usually no limit to how much money you can send daily.
How much can I transfer with Western Union?
Western Union offers varying transfer limits depending on the method used and the sender's verification status.
Verified Accounts:
Limits increase to $5,000 USD per transaction.
Unverified Accounts
You can send up to $1,000 USD per transaction.
Cash Pickup
You can send up to $7,500 USD per transaction.
How long does a transfer usually take with Western Union?
The time it takes for a transfer to complete with Western Union depends on several factors. While Western Union strives to process transfers as quickly as possible, the speed of the transfer is influenced by the destination country, the transfer method chosen, and the payment method.
Pros and Cons of using Western Union
Pros
Large network of Western Union locations means that recipients have better access to receiving cash faster..
Easy to use with a user-friendly website and app..
Typically low fees charged for bank-to-bank transfers..
A large network of agent locations, with more than 350,000 individual locations internationally.
Multiple ways to initiate a transfer - online, app, phone, and in person..
Pay for your transfer using a bank account, wire transfer, debit card, or credit card..
Debit and credit card transfers can reach the recipient within 1-2 business days..
Cons
The least expensive option, bank-to-bank transfer, takes the longest to get to the recipient..
Lower daily transfer limits than other online transfer companies..
One of the most expensive online money transfer companies.
Fees differ in agent locations and online, making it difficult to know if you’ve got the best rate.
How it works
How does Western Union make money?
Western Union makes its money in two major ways. By charging transfer fees on its transfers, and by marking up the exchange rate to send money.
Typically, Western Union charges fees based on three factors: The country where you’re sending money, how much money you’re sending, and how you’re paying for the transfer. You will pay lower fees or no fees at all if you use bank to bank type of transfer. If you want the money to get to the other person quickly, use a credit card or debit card to fund the transfer. However, paying this way is going to cost you a fee.
Western Union also makes money by marking up the margin on exchange rates. This markup can add up to 20 percent of the total amount of your money transfer.
Because of the fees and exchange rate markup, Western Union is not often the least expensive option for sending money.
Western Union exchange rates
Best rates with RemitBee
RemitBee makes sending money abroad simple, fast, and affordable. With transparent fees and no hidden charges, it offers competitive pricing for international transfers. You can choose from multiple payment methods and benefit from the mid-market exchange rate, which ensures you get the best value for your money.
Transfers are secure, with top-level encryption protecting your data and funds. Whether you're sending money to family or handling business transactions, RemitBee ensures a smooth, reliable experience every time.
Safety and security
Is Western Union money transfer secure?
Western Union is considered a secure and well-trusted way to send and receive money internationally.
It is fully licensed and insured in multiple countries. With its long history of offering money transfers, Western Union has gained significant trust from the public.
Western Union complies with the regulatory requirements in the countries where it operates, ensuring the security of every transaction.
Security features
With Western Union you can send money from the following countries
Other Money Transfer Providers
Have questions? We have answers!
