How to Make a Money Transfer | Western Union (2025) (original) (raw)

Find out how to transfer money within the US and overseas.

Money transfers are electronic payments that transfer funds between bank accounts. To make one, you need to know what information is required, how much it costs and how it works.

Read on to learn what you need to do before making a domestic or international money transfer, where the service is available, and alternative methods of sending money, whether it be a small or large amount, that may work better for you and your circumstances.

How to transfer money

Here, we explain the various ways to send money, including banks and alternative services, including Western Union.

Through a bank

Transferring money from one bank account to another is the most common way to send money. This can be done either in person at your bank or via your online banking, and both the sender’s and the receiver’s banks are involved in the process.. A money transfer within the United States is usually processed the same day but an international transfer can take longer. It could be a few days, so bear that in mind if and when you decide to go ahead with this method.

Through money transfer services

Banks aren’t the only specialists in moving money. Money transfer service providers also allow you to move funds domestically and internationally.

See how you can send money through Western Union, which has been sending money globally and securely for 150 years. You can transfer between bank accounts, send cash for pickup, and pay bills. You can do this via an online payment, using our app or in person with a Western Union agent.

Send money online

Depending on which service you need, transfers can happen in a matter of minutes, or they can take several days.

Via online services and apps

In recent years, online money transfer services have provided simple and secure ways to send money via the internet, either on desktops or through smartphone apps. Rates vary, so check the app or website first.

Information needed for a money transfer

To make a domestic money transfer through your bank, you need:

You’ll need the above for an international money transfer, but instead of the bank’s transit number, you require its BIC (Business Identifier Code). Most have unique Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) codes.

However, several European nations use the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) system instead. While the US and Canada don’t use IBAN, but do recognize it and process payments.

You’ll need to select the amount and the currency. Usually when sending abroad, you send in the local currency, but some international banks do take US dollars. Check which applies in your instance first.

How to do a money transfer: step by step

Online

  1. Log into your online bank account.
  2. Make sure you have all the information listed above.
  3. Enter the recipient’s bank details. If it’s an international money transfer, don’t forget the SWIFT or IBAN codes.
  4. Enter the amount you want to send and if it’s international, choose the correct currency. Sometimes the currency sets automatically after you’ve entered the recipient’s details.
  5. Double-check all the details and confirm.
  6. Make a note of the transaction number.

There may be an online transfer limit, so you might need to head to your bank in person instead.

In person

  1. Make an appointment with your bank, either in person, online or over the phone.
  2. Make sure you have all the relevant information.
  3. Be aware of what your bank charges to make a money transfer.
  4. Check the fine print with a bank teller. For example, if you’re sending internationally, ask about the exchange rate, fees and taxes.
  5. Fill out the form carefully, whether yourself or by giving the details to a teller.
  6. Save the receipt in case issues arise.

You may, however, prefer to do a money transfer through your bank’s telephone banking service.

Over the phone

  1. Make sure you have all the relevant information.
  2. Make sure your bank supports telephone transfers and if there is a charge.
  3. Call your bank’s telephone banking number.
  4. You’ll be talked through the process either by a customer service representative or an automated voice recording.

Money transfer: fees

Sending a money transfer is a useful way to send a large amount of money, fast. However, be aware that many banks charge a fee. This covers the cost of receiving or sending the transfer.

The average incoming domestic fee is 15,andoutgoingfeesare15, and outgoing fees are 15,andoutgoingfeesare25. International transfers are more expensive as they take longer and involve more parties, including a US bank, a foreign bank and processing systems in both countries.

When filling in the form, take care to fill it in accurately to ensure the recipient receives the money. Then, you won’t be charged twice for the same transfer.

Find out more about money transfer fees.

Is transferring money the best method?

Before deciding to send money, be aware of the potential problems, and that there are alternatives.

Scammers often ask potential victims to send money via digital transfers and claim that it’s the only method. They do this because it can be difficult for the sender to get the money back. It’s also difficult to identify or trace the recipient. So, it’s best to avoid sending money to someone you don’t know.

Despite what scammers claim, there are alternative methods of sending money, without going through your bank. Western Union and other providers offer money transfers, which are similar to money transfers completed by your bank.

Like bank transfers, money transfers transmit financial information. They don’t transport physical money. Unlike some transfers, they don’t use the SWIFT system, and can be sent online, usually on any day, at any time.

FAQs and guides

Send money with Western Union

Use the most downloaded money transfer app to send money internationally for pick up in cash or to a bank account anytime, from anywhere. You can also go online to send money transfers or in person at an agent location.

FAQs

How to Make a Money Transfer | Western Union? ›

Still, they're generally cheaper than cash, card, or mobile wallet transfers. If you're looking for a rough estimate of Western Union's wire transfer fees, you can generally expect to pay around $0.65 and 3.76∗∗forevery3.76 for every 3.76∗∗forevery100 that you send.

How do I send someone money through Western Union? ›

Send money on wu.com or with the mobile app

  1. Sign up or Log in.
  2. Select Send Money.
  3. Select the destination and enter the amount and currency.
  4. Select how your receiver would like to get the money. You can choose: • Cash pick up. ...
  5. Choose how would you like to pay: • Credit** or debit card. ...
  6. Review the transfer summary and submit.

How much does Western Union charge to send $100? ›

Still, they're generally cheaper than cash, card, or mobile wallet transfers. If you're looking for a rough estimate of Western Union's wire transfer fees, you can generally expect to pay around $0.65 and 3.76∗∗forevery3.76 for every 3.76∗∗forevery100 that you send.

Can you send money through Western Union without going to the bank? ›

Western Union allows you to send money directly to a friend or loved one's mobile phone through a mobile wallet1. When you send a mobile transfer, the money goes to the mobile wallet account1 that is only linked to the phone number without the need for a bank account.

Can I send money through Western Union with my debit card? ›

If your money is needed within minutes, you can send online using your credit or debit card. Receivers can pick up cash at Western Union locations worldwide, depending on the hours of operation at that location.

How do I send money via Western Union locally? ›

How to send money in person?

  1. Find an Agent location on WU.COM.
  2. At the location, provide your receiver's and payment information or fill “Send Money” form.
  3. Pay with cash.
  4. Save your receipt and share the tracking number (MTCN) with your receiver.

How can I send money to someone immediately? ›

Best Money Transfer Methods

  1. Zelle. Zelle can be used online, through the Zelle mobile app or through participating banks' online banking platforms. ...
  2. PayPal. PayPal lets you send, request or collect money online or with the PayPal app. ...
  3. Venmo. ...
  4. Western Union. ...
  5. Walmart2Walmart.

What is the cheapest way to send money? ›

How to avoid Western Union fees? ›

You can avoid these fees by using a debit card. * Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. When choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Fees, foreign exchange rates, and taxes may vary by brand, channel, and location based on a number of factors.

What is the limit for Western Union transfer? ›

What are your online transfer limits with Western Union? Western Union unverified accounts can usually send up to 3,000 USD. If you want to send more you must verify your account with some ID - once verified, the upper limit can be 50,000 USD.

What is required to send money via Western Union? ›

How can I send money at a Western Union® location? Here's how to send money in person: Search online for a Western Union location near you. Take a valid government-issued ID or phone number to the counter, along with your receiver's bank and account information.

Do you need your ID to send money through Western Union? ›

To verify your identity, Western Union requires at least one identification (ID) and one non-identification document.

How to transfer money for free? ›

You can send money without a fee by using P2P payment apps such as Cash App, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo and Zelle. Note that you may have to pay a fee if you fund your transfer with a credit card, and the recipient may have to pay a fee if they choose to receive the money instantly in their bank account or debit card.

How to send money through Western Union step by step? ›

How to send money?

  1. Go to an agent location. You can find your nearest one here. ...
  2. Pay the transfer fee.
  3. Track your transfer. Upon successful payment, you'll be given a receipt with your tracking number (MTCN), which you can use to track your transfer.
  4. Inform your receiver.

How long does a Western Union transfer take? ›

Direct to Bank deposit typically takes between 2 to 5 business days, but could vary, depending on country. Bill Payment may vary depending on the selected speed of delivery or the biller. Mobile Money Transfer (transfer to a receiver's mobile wallet) – generally delivered within minutes*.

Why won't Western Union accept my debit card? ›

Your bank may decline your payment due to: Insufficient funds in your bank account. Unusually large payment exceeding your bank limits. Your card may not be enrolled for secure authentication.

How long does it take to send money through Western Union? ›

Money in Minutes service for pick up at an Agent location – generally delivered within minutes*. Next Day service for pick up at an Agent location is generally available the next day*. Direct to Bank deposit typically takes between 2 to 5 business days, but could vary, depending on country.

Is sending money through Western Union online safe? ›

Is it safe to transfer large amounts of money online? Yes, with Western Union you always receive the same high level of protection, no matter how much money you send.

How will I receive money through Western Union? ›

Complete the Receive Money form. Give the form to the agent with your government-issued photo ID and the tracking number (MTCN). Review and sign the receipt. The agent will give you the money and a copy of the receipt.

Can I send money to someone without a bank account? ›

Prepaid debit cards or gift cards are easy ways to send money to someone without a bank account. You can also easily send money online through a virtual wallet or payment app. If you're sending money to someone who is unbanked, pay attention to security and potential limits.

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