FAQ / Send money online
Send Money Online
How do I send money online?
You can send money online to a Western Union location for a cash pickup, directly into your receiver’s bank account, or to your receiver’s mobile phone. After you’ve chosen your destination country, you’ll see the types of services available.
Learn more abouthow to send money online.
How long does it take to send money online?
Here are a few ways you can send money online using Western Union:
- Money in minutes:
If your money is needed within minutes, you can send online using your credit or debit card. Receivers can pick up cash atWestern Union locationsworldwide, depending on the hours of operation at that location.
If your receiver lives in a country where we offer mobile money transfer, you can send money to their mobile phone in a matter of minutes.Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one ofour partner mobile operatorsin their country.
- Money available in 1 or 2 days:
If you send money to a bank account, your money is generally available within 1 or 2 days, depending on your receiver’s country. Learn more aboutsending money to a bank account.
How do I pay?
Pay for your money transfer in the following ways.
a) Card
You can pay using your debit or credit card.
Supported cards are: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Visa Electron. Please contact your bank to ensure your card isenrolled for secure authentication.
b) Klarna, bank transfer on wu.com
You can pay for your money transfer using your online bank account. Once you have entered your transfer details, you will be redirected to your online banking via Klarna.
c) Bank transfer from your account to Western Union
Enter your transfer details on wu.com and log in to your online banking to pay for your transaction.
1. Select bank transfer option
2. Review and confirm your transfer. Your receipt with your transaction information, reference number and Western Union bank details will be shown to you and sent to your email address.
3. Log in to your bank website/ mobile app. Use the beneficiary information on the receipt page and make the payment via bank transfer. (Please ensure the information you provide matches the information on your Western Union receipt.)
4. Once Western Union receives your payment, a confirmation email will be sent to your email address.
How do I send money to a bank account?
This service is available for certain countries. Usually, money is deposited into the receiver’s bank account within 1 or 2 working days. Money may be deposited on the same day or in up to 3 working days, depending on when and where it’s sent.
After you send money, ask your receiver to contact their bank or check their bank statement to verify the deposit.
Learn more aboutsending to a bank account.
How do I send money to a mobile phone?
If your receiver lives in a country where we offer this service, you can even send money to their mobile phone—so they can get their money quicker and easier than ever. Make sure your receiver has activated a mobile wallet with one of our partner mobile operators in their country.
Check available destination countries and mobile networks.
How much can I send online?
To send more than 1000 EUR every 5 days from Austria, you’ll need to verify your identity online. Once verified, you can send up to 5000 EUR every 3 days.
Will my credit card charge a fee for sending money with Western Union?
Some card issuers may charge additional fees for using our services. Please contact your card issuer for more information.
What is Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode®?
Verified by Visa®and MasterCard SecureCode®help prevent unauthorised online use of cards. These services use personal passwords or identity information and are available for most cards from participating financial institutions.
Once your card is activated, your card number will be recognised whenever it’s used at participating online stores. A window will automatically appear, and your card issuer will ask for your password. You’ll enter your password to verify your identity and complete your purchase.
Even if you haven’t activated Verified by Visa®or MasterCard SecureCode,®your card can still be used on our site.
How do I know if my online transfer has been approved?
Your online receipt will show whether your transfer was approved. If we need more information before we can complete it, you’ll be asked to call us. When the transfer is complete, you’ll get an email with your tracking number (MTCN).
How secure is my transaction?
Western Union uses the latest technology to ensure convenient and reliable online money transfers. We have upgraded our security standards to protect you from fraud when you pay online using a credit or debit card. This enhanced layer of security, aligned with the latest EU regulations and changes to security systems, helps card issuing banks to better identify and verify customers, allowing for convenient, smooth and reliable online transactions.
What are my rights when transferring money in the European Union (EU)?
According to EU regulations, you have the right to easy, secure payments with no extra cost when you pay with a card issued in the EU1. You also have the right to a basic payment account if you are a legally residing in Europe. Learn more.
Why was my payment declined?
Your debit or credit card payment may be unsuccessful due to several reasons:
a) By your bank
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 beenrolled for secure authentication.
If your bank declines a payment while making a Western Union money transfer, you need to contact your bank or log in to your online banking to resolve the issue.
b) By Western Union
Western Union may decline your payment for the following reasons:
- Exceeding the transfer limit set for the country you are sending money from.
- To protect you from fraud or consumer scam.
How many Alipay wallet transfers can I make in a month?
You can make up to 5 transfers to the same receiver on Alipay wallet within a 30-day period starting from the date of the first transfer. If it’s urgent, you can always choose a different payout method such as bank account or cash.
Can’t find what you are looking for?
If you need to get in touch with Western Union, don’t hesitate to contact ourCustomer Care
1 Please note that you need to be a legal resident of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom to be eligible for these rights.
