Western Union Review: All You Need to Know 2024
Western Union is one of the world’s most recognised money transfer brands, with agents in almost every country on earth. You can use Western Union to send payments in person, online and on the go through its mobile apps. Payout options are extensive – including bank transfers and cash for collection at agents around the world.
This Western Union review walks through all there is to know about Western Union, including fees, whether it’s safe to use, how fast it is, how to get set up, and more. We will also present you a few alternatives to Western Union, such as Wise, Remitly or Revolut.
Western Union: Key points
Key features:
- One of the most established and extensive money transfer services in the world
- Send money in person, online and using the Western Union app
- Payout methods include bank transfers, cash collection and mobile money payments
- Huge agent network, covering over 500,000 global locations
Key stats:
- Western Union is over 150 years old
- Send to over 200 countries and territories – you can send payments to every country on earth aside from Iran and North Korea
- 24 digital transfers a second are processed by Western Union
- 150 million retail and digital customers around the world
| Western Union pros | Western Union cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Enormous and well established provider, serving more or less everywhere on the planet ✅ Pay in person with cash, or online using a bank transfer or card ✅ Payout in cash, to a bank or mobile money account ✅ Cash payments can be available in minutes |
❌ Exchange rates include a markup ❌ Variable fees apply depending on a wide range of factors ❌ Not all services are available in all destination countries |
Overall:
Western Union is one of the best known money transfer brands on the planet, supporting online, offline and mobile payments.
Western Union has a great range of services backed up by a huge agent network. That makes them particularly attractive for anyone looking for an international payment provider with the option to pay in or pay out in cash.
Western Union may not always be the cheapest option out there for electronic payments, usually because of exchange rate markups, but the range of services and the convenience of their agent network make them a contender, particularly if you’re looking for a cash based transfer service.
How much can I save with Western Union?
Using a specialist provider can often be much cheaper than opting for a bank when you need to send a payment overseas. Let’s look at how sending a payment with Western Union might match up with 2 popular New Zealand banks.
We’ll model a payment of different values, sending money from New Zealand to the UK. This comparison assumes you’re sending a payment using a bank transfer, which is then delivered right into your recipient’s own bank account.
| Sending amount in NZD | Recipient gets with BNZ | Recipient gets with ANZ | Recipient gets with Western Union |
| 1,000 | 465.52 GBP | 466.83 GBP | 475.08 GBP |
| 5,000 | 2,327.51 GBP | 2,334.03 GBP | 2,375.41 GBP |
| 10,000 | 4,654.67 GBP | 4,667.71 GBP | 4,750.82 GBP |
*Correct at time of research – 2nd September 2024
Bear in mind that in these transfers, Western Union is waiving transfer fees – a common promotion for new customers. Weigh up a few options – including both Western Union and other transfer services – against your bank to see which offers the very best value for your specific payment.
What is Western Union?
Western Union was founded in the US over 150 years ago, and over the years the services available have developed to suit consumer needs. You can send money with Western Union in person, online or using an app. Payout options vary by country, but include bank transfers, cash for collection and transfers to mobile money accounts.
With one of the strongest agent networks in the world, Western Union is particularly known for arranging payments where either the sender or the recipient wants to deal in cash. Let’s look at the full range of services on offer from Western Union:
Cash collection
You can send payments for cash collection via a huge range of Western Union agents around the world. Use the Agent Locator tool to find Western Union locations convenient to you or your recipient.
Great for: getting money quickly, and in cash, to someone who may not be able to access a bank account.
Bank transfers
Set up a payment online or in the Western Union app and have it deposited in your recipient’s bank account directly. Payments usually arrive in a day or two. This can be a convenient option as your recipient won’t need to visit an agent to get their money. It can also be the cheapest way to arrange an international payment.
Great for: sending convenient international transfers online and in-app.
Mobile money
In some countries, Western Union can facilitate mobile money payments which are sent quickly and directly to people with mobile money accounts. This service is available in select locations where Western Union works in partnership with mobile phone operators.
Great for: mobile money payments direct to digital wallets.
Is Western Union available in New Zealand?
Yes. Western Union is available in New Zealand for on and offline payments.
How does Western Union work?
Western Union also offers payments online and in their app, which can be delivered direct to bank and mobile money accounts or for cash collection – but one of the stand out factors of Western Union remains its offline options delivered via a network of agents around the world.
Through local agents in New Zealand and beyond, you can send payments in person – and have them collected in cash on the other side of the globe, sometimes in just a few minutes.
The range of pay on and pay out options available means you can often combine the services you need, to get the right mix for both you and your recipient. Sending customers will need to have their identity checked with a government issued ID – if you’re sending money digitally you can create an account with just your phone and your passport.
Ways to send money with Western Union:
- Send money online or in app and pay from your bank or with a card
- Pay in person at an agent location – cash is usually accepted
Is Western Union safe to send money?
Western Union complies with legal requirements in New Zealand and in all other countries in which it offers services. It is considered safe to use when sending money to people you know and trust.
Western Union warns about criminals who can try to use their services to commit consumer fraud. That’s typically because cash payments can be arranged very quickly and are hard to trace once they’ve been picked up. By the time you realise you’ve been a victim the money has gone.
Western Union pricing
Western Union costs can include a transfer fee and an exchange rate markup. The cost for your transfer will depend on several factors:
- Destination country
- The currency sent
- Payment amount
- Pay in and pay out options selected
You can start to set up your payment online or in the Western Union app, to see the costs including the fees, exchange rates and delivery times.
Western Union exchange rate
Western Union exchange rates include a markup on the mid-market rate, and can vary by brand, channel and location.
How long does Western Union transfer take?
A Western Union payment can take anything from a few minutes to 5 days depending on the exact service you pick and where your money is going. Transfers to be collected in cash can often be collected in minutes, particularly if you fund your payment with a card. If you’re sending money to a bank, it may be paid into the receiver’s bank account in minutes, on the same day, or within 5 working days – all depending on the exact transactions details.
How to use Western Union
You can use western Union to send money online or in the Western Union app, or in person if you pop to an agent location near you. If you want you can also start your transfer online or in the app and then complete it by paying in a store. This can be handy if you want to use cash as online payments require you to pay from your bank or with a card.
How to send money with Western Union
If you’re sending a payment in person you’ll need to take along your valid government ID when you visit an agent location. The agent will then guide you through the process to set up your transfer and pay the amount being transferred plus fees.
To send money online or in the Western Union app:
- Log into the Western Union desktop site or open the app
- Select the country you want to send to and enter the payment amount
- Select the services you require, and check the fees and rates
- Follow the prompts to enter the required information
- Select payment method, confirm and fund your transfer
The details you’ll need when you’re sending money
The details you need depend on how the money will be received. If you’re sending a payment to be collected in cash you need the recipient’s name as shown on their ID document. For bank transfers you need:
- The recipient’s name
- The recipient’s bank account number
- The recipient’s bank name and address
- The recipient’s bank BIC/SWIFT code
Sometimes other information is also required depending on the situation – you’ll be notified if this is the case for your transfer.
Western Union payment methods
Send a Western Union payment:
- Using a POLi bank transfer
- By credit card
- By debit card
- In cash at an agent location
Payout methods
Arrange a Western Union payment, and select the following payout methods:
- Bank transfer
- Cash pickup at an agent
- Mobile money account
How to track Western Union transfer
Once you’ve sent a payment you can track it using the reference number you’re given when your transfer is confirmed. Simply enter this into the tracking section of the Western Union website or app.
How to create an account
Create an account using your photo ID documents in an agent location – or you can create a Western Union account online or in the app in just a couple of steps:
- Select Register
- Enter your name as it appears on your government ID
- Add your personal details
- Enter your email to get confirmations and receipts
- Complete the verification step in person or online
Before you can send money you might need to upload some documents for verification online – or pop to an agent location with your paperwork.
What documents you’ll need
You’ll normally need a government issued ID document to be verified with Western Union in New Zealand – a passport or a driving licence is a common choice.
How long does Western Union verification take
If you’re getting verified in person it should be pretty much instant. Online and in app this may take a little while, but it’s usually very quick also.
Do I need a bank account for Western Union?
No. If you’re sending money you can visit an agent in person and make your payment using cash. If you’re receiving money you can ask the person sending you the payment to set up a transfer for cash collection. Again this cuts out the need for your money to pass through a bank account.
How to receive money from Western Union?
When you receive money with Western Union your funds can be deposited into your bank account, arranged for cash pick-up, or in some cases sent to a mobile money account.
If your money is being sent to a bank or mobile money account you do not need to do anything – just wait for the funds to appear in your account. If you’re getting a cash collection payment you have to visit an agent with your government issued photo ID to get your payment.
Western Union limits
If you’re sending from your bank account directly to another bank account, you can transfer up to 80,000 NZD. However, some countries might have lower limits which you’ll be notified of when setting up your transfer.
Paying in cash at an agent location might mean lower limits again as these can be set by the agent depending on the payment method, sending and receiving countries and other factors.
Supported currencies
Western Union supports 100+ different currencies and lets you send to over 200 different countries and territories. In fact, every country in the world aside from Iraq and North Korea is covered in some form.
Western Union reviews
On Trustpilot, which aggregates customer feedback, Western Union scores an average of 4.2 stars on Trustpilot, from a total of over 92,000 listed reviews at the time of writing. That’s a Great score.
Of the reviews that have been posted, 65% did give Western Union the highest possible Trustpilot rating. There’s particular praise for the ease of using the Western Union website and app. Here’s what one happy customer said:
“Your website is easy to use. I like the ability to easily switch from a resend amount to different amount without re-entering all the same information. I also appreciate the ability to send the running total of amount send to each person. And it goes without saying, the best part is I know all my transactions are safe and secure!”
When it comes to the less good reviews, 15% of people gave the worst available rating, with issues focused on things like high fees and complex customer verification processes.
Western Union accessibility
Use Western Union online, in the mobile app on both Apple and Android phones, or by visiting an agent location.
Western Union customer service
Here are the key Western Union support options in case something goes wrong:
| Customer support channel | Western Union availability |
|---|---|
| Phone support | 0800 005 253 |
| Chat support | Available via the app or desktop site |
Western Union alternatives
- Western Union vs Wise – send online and mobile payments which use the mid-market exchange rate and low transparent fees, or open an online international account to send and hold multiple currencies. Cash payments are not available
- Western Union vs Remitly – similar range of payout options as Western Union, but fewer countries covered. Choose different delivery speeds which come with a choice of transfer fees.
- Western Union vs PayPal or Xoom – send instant payments at home and abroad – convenient and quick, but not always the cheapest. With PayPal your recipient will also need to set up an account to get their money.
- Western Union vs Revolut – open an online international account to send and hold multiple currencies from the same account.
Conclusion: Is Western Union a good way to transfer money?
Western Union is a giant in the world of international payments, with transfers available in person, online and on the go through mobile apps. One of Western Union’s biggest strengths is its global reach. Between online services and a global network of 500,000+ agents, almost every country in the world is covered. And with cash payments available almost instantly, it’s an especially good pick if you need to get money quickly to someone without a bank account.
Western Union might not be the fastest or cheapest for online and mobile transfers direct to bank accounts, but definitely worth looking at for in person and cash collection payments.
Western Union money transfer review FAQs
Is Western Union legit?
Western Union is legit, and a safe service to use if you’re sending money to someone you know and trust. Be wary – as with any provider – and check all the payment details before you start.
How much does Western Union cost?
Western Union fees depend on the country you’re sending to, the value of the payment and the specific transfer type.
How long does Western Union take to transfer funds?
Cash payments made under the Money in Minutes option can be available almost instantly. Bank transfers may take up to 5 days to arrive.
Is it safe to transfer money with Western Union?
It is safe to transfer money with Western Union if you’re sending to someone you know. Bear in mind that criminals do target services like Western Union, so only send to trusted recipients.
How does Western Union apply exchange rates?
Western Union makes money from currency exchange. That means that there’s a markup – a fee – added to the exchange rate offered to customers.
Does Western Union have a mobile app?
Get the Western Union app on Apple and Android phones.
How does Western Union work?
Western Union supports transfers through its huge agent network, as well as via a desktop site and mobile app. Send payments to a recipient’s bank account, as a mobile money payment, or for cash collection.
How many currencies does it support?
Western Union supports 100+ currencies for payments all over the world.
