Editorial review of Western Union

Overview

Can you trust Western Union to send money abroad? How much the company charge for transferring funds? Are its services reliable? There are many such questions which users look for and therefore, the experts of Exchange Rate IQ provides the unbiased review of “world’s largest money transfer providers”, Western Union. The company offers over 125 currencies which can be transferred in multiple ways.

An American financial service provider, Western Union is one of the world’s oldest money transfer company in the industry. The company offers various products such as person-to-person transfers, money orders, business payments and commercial services. The company is serving more than 200 countries with over 130 currencies. Some of the benefits of using Western Union are:

  • Most Trusted Service Provider
  • Huge Network of ATMs, Agents and Kiosks
  • Variety of Services

Pricing : How much does Western Union cost?

Pricing Rating : 8/10

Western Union Transfer Fee

The Western Union fee is highly variable which depends on multiple factors. This includes factors such as country you are sending money to, payment mode, pay-out mode, transfer amount and method. This fee majorly lies in between $0 (free) to $150. You will get to know how much amount you have to pay when you start the transaction. It charges less on the bank transfer while more for the debit and credit card transfers.

Western Union Exchange Rates

The company offers mid-market exchange rates and also makes the profit in exchanging currencies. Therefore, its margin exchange rate would be a bit lower than the prevailing rates in the market. So, it is important for a customer to pay attention to the rates while transacting with Western Union online. These exchange rates also vary depending on how one pays for the transfer and how the recipient receives the money.

It also offers better exchange rates when you send a larger amount, so, experts say that you should try to send money once rather than a bundle of transfers.

Western Union is not the cheapest option but its rates being often competitive comparing to bank transfers, therefore, we rate it 8 out of 10.

Transparency: Does Western Union have any hidden fees?

Transparency Rating : 10/10

Western Union Hidden Fee

The company does not have any hidden fees. The recipient will receive the amount that has been shown on the transaction page. So, customers should be sure while using the services of Western Union.

Western Union Tracking Details

One can track the transfer through Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) provided by the company through email just after the completion of the transaction. The company has been providing the transaction tracking page, where you can directly check the transfers without logging into your account.

Western Union has no hidden fees and an excellent tracking procedure; therefore, the experts of Exchange Rate IQ provide it 10 out of 10 for the transparency.

Transfer Speed: How long does it take to send money through Western Union?

Transfer Speed Rating : 7/10

The company offers both fast and late transfers depending on the need of the customer. The fast transfers attract more fees, while the transfers which take time have low fees. Therefore, it has no option for fast and cheap transfers.

Some of the transfer types offered by Western Union are:

  1. Transfer from debit or credit card and choosing a cash pickup comes with fast options of “Money in Minutes” or “Next Day”.
  2. Western Union online transfer through bank accounts and cash pickup may take up to 4 business days.
  3. Transfer from a bank account to a bank account can take up to 7 business days.

All this time depends on the destination country, payment mode and other factors such as working hours of the bank, etc. So, we rate it 7 out of 10 for the transfer speed.

Security : Is Western Union Safe?

Security Rating : 10/10

The Western Union Company, popularly known by its brand name Western Union is the oldest and most trusted money transfer service providers. Therefore, the company uses a high level of encryption to safeguard the information of customers.

The company has been affiliated by various authorities across the world in the countries it is serving in. It relies on proprietary and cutting-edge data analysis to always remain compliant with the regulations of all the jurisdictions it operates in.

So, one can trust the company with its security policies and measures it takes to save the details of clients. Therefore, we rate Western Union 10 out of 10 for its security.

User experience of Western Union

User Experince Rating : 8/10

Originally founded as a telegram company in the year 851, Western Union wire transfer service was started in the year 1871. More than 32 transactions take place every second on the western union money transfer, which makes it one of the most used currency exchange service providers. Some of the positive and negative aspects that users face while using the services of Western Union are:

Positive:

  • Low minimum transfer amount
  • Various options to send money
  • Transfer across the world

Negative:

  • Exchange rates are not transparent
  • High transfer fee
  • Not all the channels are available in every country

 

Western Union Prepaid Card

The Western Union NetSpend Prepaid MasterCard allows users staying in the United States to hold the value on a prepaid card and use the card to make and receive Western Union money transfer. One can also use this card to shop online, pay bills, buy grocery, or can collect cash at ATMs. It gives you a quicker and most convenient way to use your money.

 

Western Union Customer Service:

The users of the Western Union, USA can contact the company via online chat, email, or over the phone. For Indian users, Western Union contact details are:

Western Union Phone number: 1-800-102-7111

Western Union India Email: wu-indiacsc@westernunion.com

People can contact the company between 8 am to 8 pm (IST) from Monday to Friday.

 

Western Union App:

The company has been providing its apps so that one can transfer funds without any delay.

  1. Western Union Android App
  2. Western Union iOS App

 

Western Union Refer a friend:

The company provides EUR20 reward if the friend you referred use services of Western Union and transfer funds more than EUR50 in the first transaction.

Western Union Promo Code:

The company time to time provides various offers and discount which will help you in paying less transfer fee or any other offers. These promo codes are shared by notification, SMS or email.

Besides all this, the Western Union website is available in various languages, which help it to serve people across the world. It offers personal, business and charitable transfers, but has many areas where it can expand for more growth.

 

On overall user experience, we rate Western Union 8 out of 10.

Coverage: How many Countries & Currencies does Western Union support?

Market Coverage Rating : 8/10

Western Union is the largest and oldest money remittance service provider, which has grown in over 200 countries and territories across the world.

  • Its services allow people to send and receive money through agents over 550,000 locations.
  • With Western Union send money online, one can send funds to more than 125 countries.
  • It is also providing its services through ATMs and kiosks which are available at various places.

The company is focusing on massive digital expansion, which will enable the digital transfer of money across the countries. Currently, the digital options of Western Union are available in the US, Canada, many countries of Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

It’s currently expanding this service in Asia, Middle East and Latin America. It has already expanded its services in Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica and Panama in Latin American and the Caribbean; Singapore and Malaysia in Asia; and Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman in the Middle East. You can also find the Western Union locations near you here.

Currencies Supported by Western Union

It has been operating in more than 130 currencies, some of it are:

AED LSL IDR INR USD CAD EUR
SEK YER ZAR GBP KWD NZD SGD
OMR HKD BOB BTN WST XAF QAR and more

The company is soon bringing its money sending services in India, where people will be able to transfer INR to other currencies to the friends and family. Still, it has to cover many areas in Asia and the Middle East which will help it to cover the whole world under its services. So, we rate it 8 out of 10 for the coverage head. So, for using the services of Western Union Login.

Western Union FAQ's

What is the minimum and maximum transfer amount at Western Union?

Western Union Minimum Transfer Limit: USD $1

Western Union Maximum Transfer Limit: USD $5,000

You can send the similar amount in other currencies through Western Union.

How much can I send with Western Union?

Western Union is pretty flexible in the transfer limits it offers its customers. It has a low minimum transfer limit of USD $1 and a maximum transfer limit of USD $5000 which is averagely fair for a daily sender. Even better is the fact that you can send this money to over 200 countries worldwide where several of their agents are located. Knowing this can make you easily plan your transfer ahead and make timely payments when needed.

What if I want to send more than USD $5,000?

If you want to send more than USD $5,000 through Western Union, you need to open forex account with the company.

Can I track money sent via Western Union?

stern Union offers a unique Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) for every sender making a transaction. This number should be passed on to the recipient so that he or she may provide it for he or she to receive the money sent. You can get your MTCN tracking number from your history page and in your printed or emailed receipt.

How can I know if a Western Union agent is located near me?

You can determine the proximity of your nearest Western Union agent via their agent locator from their website, or simply, by clicking here. This locator offers you the option of searching for an agent via your physical address or via an agent’s name. It will then pin point the exact location of the agent near you or an agent of your preference based on your experience with them.

What is Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN)?

Money Transfer Control Number (MCTN) is provided by Western Union to sender which needs to be passed to the recipient, so when recipient reach to agent to pick up cash, he has to provide MCTN to the agent.

How can I start sending money via Western Union?

Sending money via Western Union is easy. All it takes is a mobile phone through which you can download the Western Union agent bank’s Mobile App. Once you have the app, you can log in to your profile and start making your transactions. To find out more about how you can send money and track it to the point it reaches your recipient, you can visit their customer care page for detailed assistance.

How can I make sure my transfer is safe?

Western Union strives to send your money in the fastest and most reliable way possible. Moreover, it values the integrity of your funds. However, the responsibility of preventing fraudsters from reaching your money is also in your hands. Relative to this, Western Union has gone out of its way to enlighten you concerning how you can avert all malicious activities that can lead to loss of your money. Find out some of the ways through which you can ensure that you do not send money to a fraudster and prevent yourself from making heavy losses.

Westernunion User Reviews and Ratings

I love this service

Review published on 05-05-2024

I love that your fast, safe, cheap and easy transfers. Excellent service!

by Sandra

Soy usuario frecuente y necesito que…

Review published on 05-05-2024

Soy usuario frecuente y necesito que restablezcan el programa de puntos y beneficios o dispongan de codigos promocionales

by Lucas Tomasetti

Los espacios en blanco del formulario a…

Review published on 05-05-2024

Los espacios en blanco del formulario a completar no funcionan bien. Los errores son frecuentes. La interface de usuario no es amigable.

by Ricardo Patitucci

You do not let me earn points on my…

Review published on 05-05-2024

You do not let me earn points on my transfers. It's been the case for an extremely long time now.

by Norma

Transfer Type And Modes

Pay In Options

  • Bank
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Mobile Money
  • Cash Card
  • Mobile Wallet

Pay Out Options

  • Bank
  • Cash
  • Mobile Money
  • Home Delivery
  • Cash Card
  • Mobile Wallet

Service Mode

  • Online
  • At Branch
  • Telephone

Westernunion Company & Contact Info

Type:- American financial services and communications company
Address:- 12500 E. Belford Ave
Englewood, CO 80112
USA
Email:- wu-indiacsc@westernunion.com
Service Info:- 1-800-325-6000
Established:- 1851
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