Sending Money Through The Western Union App
The Western Union mobile app allows users to send funds quickly and efficiently, whether at home or on the move. The whole process from downloading the app to making your transfer can be achieved in little less than ten minutes.
- Step 1: Visit the app store on your iOS device or Google Play and search for the Western Union app. Once the app has downloaded, youll be given a short demonstration of its features and asked to register for an account. Proceed to register for the account using your name, email address and home phone number. Once youve completed the registration, youll be asked to select your home country and language for the app.
- Step 2: Now that youre all set up, choose the country that you wish to send money to, the amount that you wish to send and click next. Youll then need to select a payment option from cash pick up, bank transfer, or mobile wallet. Once this has been done, select the transfer payment option from credit/debit card to Apple Pay or online or standard bank transfer. Users who wish to be directed to their nearest Western Union agent can select the in-person option.
- Step 3: Key in the details for your recipient, including the choice of payment then confirm and send.
- Step 4: You can track your transfer through the Western Union app.
Western Union Just Works
I have a fiancé that lives in Colombia I have spent months trying to figure out how to send money to her without getting slapped with not only exchange rate fees, but processing fees, transfer fees and since we are taking fees, fees. When you think Western Union stores you initially think expensive, which is why I avoided it. I highly doubt walking into an actual store or any other app on the planet would charge less than the $3, I spent on fees. This rate is less than most ATM fees and it gives me leverage as to what I can send and the frequency. I couldnt believe it, they also throw in customized e-cards and you can earn unlocks as you go. This gives the process warmth. Last thought on this. I think Western Union should offer point to point virtual and physical debit cards prepaid, checking or otherwise similar to CashApp but with International support. This would change the game and the world as WISE to my knowledge is the only one in the game. As far as this app? It just works and thats all I want and you do too.
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Who Can Send Money With The Western Union App
This service is available to customers all over the world. Simply download the app on iOS or Android, free of charge, and set up an account.
Most customers seek out the services of Western Union due to their cash pay-out option which is available to customers worldwide, with collection points at over 500,000 branches in 200 locations around the globe.
How To Get Western Union Bank Transfer Fees Waived On Your Own

If you want to get Western Union bank transfer fees waived, you do have some options.
1. Contact your bank directly
To get your Western Union bank transfer fees waived, you should reach out to your bank, whether by phone or by email. Begin by providing your personal details, including your account information and the amount of the fees that you were charged.
2. Explain why you want the fees waived
Make it clear to the representative that you want your bank transfer fees waived. Explain why you believe the charges are unfair and be prepared to plead your case to the representative.
3. Provide proof of your legal statutes, if applicable
If you have legal statutes that prevent you from receiving hidden fees and additional charges, make that clear to the bank representative upfront. This might help the representative take action faster. You can also explain your financial situation and why you have trouble paying all the excess bank fees. By the end of the call, the representative should be able to give you some information about your appeal, although it might take a while to get a full decision regarding the bank transfer fees.
Fighting unfair bank fees on your own can be time-consuming and stressful. It can take days or even weeks to get a resolution, and sometimes, that amount of time can make a big difference in your financial situation. For all unfair bank fees, turn to DoNotPay, the fast, easy, successful solution to getting fees waived.
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How To Minimize Western Union Bank Transfer Fees
To avoid excessive bank transfer fees, there are some things that you can do. These include:
- Ask your bank directly if they will consider lowering or waiving the transfer fee for you.
- Explore different transfer options. ACH transfers typically take longer than bank transfers might they might be cheaper.
- Research conversion rates and currency fees ahead of time, to avoid any surprises after the bank transfer is made.
Are There Any Limits
When sending money online with Western Union, there are some limits to consider.
If you want to send more than £799.99 GBP in a 5-day period, then youll be asked for some additional verification information.²
Once your account is verified, your online limit will be increased to £4,000 GBP within a 3-day period.² This is for payments where cash pickup is the chosen collection method.
If you want to send a bank-to-bank transfer, the upper limit will be £50,000 GBP per transfer.² However, this will depend on where youre sending your money.
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What Are The Extra Costs
Using a credit card instead of your bank account to send money can incur a transfer fee larger than $10. On average, plan on spending at least $10 per $100 sent.
Also, when using a credit card, the company will view this as a cash advance, which means you will pay a higher interest rate and a fee. You will want to use a debit card in order to avoid these costs.
Paying within minutes can incur charges that start at about $10 per $100 however, if you dont choose the expedited option, the charges can be a lot less.
Sending money in person can incur additional fees, which usually start at $8. The more money you send, the more youre going to pay in fees.
Pay close attention to the exchange rate as the company is known to hide hidden fees on the real exchange rate.
Western Union Fees And Charges
The fees charged by Western Union vary according to where youre sending money, and also the payment method. Some of the steepest fees youll run into are from international money transfers with Western Union.
Here are the charges you need to know about:
Type of fee | |
---|---|
Cancellation, query and alteration fees | Fees vary |
Not all payment options are available in all countries and currencies, so youll need to check the specific details for your transfer.
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Money Transfer Fees: How Much Will Your Transaction Cost
People send money overseas and domestically for several reasons, from paying back a friend for lunch to helping a loved one with a down payment on a home.
Its helpful to know that transferring money around the world is as easy as initiating a money transfer and having your receiver get the funds almost instantly, but how much does it cost?
While money transfers can be fast, convenient, and easy to initiate, they include fees that vary depending on several factors. Before you transfer funds, learn about money transfer fees, requirements, and how to save money on your next transfer.
Can I Make International Payments With The Western Union App
Western Union is predominantly used for their international payment services, as opposed to domestic payments which can be easily executed via low-cost domestic wire transfers. We would recommend this service for anyone who needs to send an international payment to a remote corner of the world, or is sending an uncommon currency, because of vast accessibility of Western Union services.
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Western Union Exchange Rates Fees And Costs
Service providers like Western Union make a profit from foreign exchange spread, transfer fees and any other charges paid by the customer. For this reason, understanding how much of your money is being spent on these costs means you can make a more well-informed decision about whether this service provider is for you.
Exchange rates
Western Union applies a margin to the mid market rate for any given currency pair. The rates charged are different and dependent on several factors such as:
- The type of transfer: Online money transfers attract higher rates than transfers arranged via an in-person visit to an agent
- The payout method: Cash pickups incur lower interest rates than traditional bank transfers
- The amount transferred: Larger amounts attract higher rates than smaller amounts
- The destination: The sending country will determine the exchange rate margin you will be charged
Our research found that exchange rates given to customers arranging a Western Union international transfer can incur markups up to 7% above the mid market rate. These rates are not nearly as competitive as the foreign exchange services offered by companies like TorFX or Xe.
Transfer fees
In addition to a foreign exchange spread, Western Union imposes a sliding scale of transfer fees, instead of a fixed flat-fee. These fees are determined by the sending country, the transfer amount, the payment method and whether you are sending money online or through an agent.
Additional costs
How Much Does It Cost To Send Money Western Union

With Western Union, you can make a transfer to a bank account, or have the recipient collect the cash from a Western Union location somewhere convenient for them.¹ Its possible to fund transfers using cash, bank transfer, credit or debit card.²
However, the costs can be high if youre sending money using a credit or debit card, or if your transfer is headed abroad.
If you need to make a transfer directly to another bank account, which requires a currency conversion, you might be better off choosing a specialist in international money transfers like Wise.
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How Are Western Unions Exchange Rates
Western Union makes money by adding a margin to the exchange rate in addition to any fees charged. It applies different exchange rates to different transfer types.
It also uses stronger or weaker exchange rates based on the currency you are transferring. Use Western Unions price estimator tool to see what exchange rate you would be offered on your transfer.
Its best to compare the displayed rate on Western Union with the current mid-market rate to work out the size of the margin charged. Then, use the interbank rate as a benchmark for comparing the rates of other money transfer providers.
What Do You Need To Perform A Wire Transfer
What youll need to perform your wire transfer may vary depending on the provider you use, but youll likely need to provide the following information:
- The amount of money you want to send in dollars or foreign currency
- You receivers first and last name as written on their government-issued ID
- Your receivers country of residence you may also need to supply their address
- Your receivers phone number.
Youll also need to supply your receivers bank details, though the information required may vary depending on whether your wire transfer is being sent within or outside the US:
- Domestic transfer you should supply the receivers bank name, routing number and account number.
- International transfer you should supply the receivers International Bank Account Number and Bank Identifier Code or local equivalent.
Once youve submitted the wire transfer, the provider will likely contact you with the payment details including payment instructions and a form of tracking number. Depending on your bank, you should be able to pay for your wire transfer online, in-person or over the phone.
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Donotpay Can Easily Appeal Western Union Bank Transfer Fees
How to Get Western Union Bank Transfer fees waived with DoNotPay
If you want to Get Western Union Bank Transfer fees waived with DoNotPay but don’t know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 4 easy steps:
Western Union Transfer Methods And Options
Fees and exchange rates vary by which combination of these options you pick, and by country.
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Sending channels: Website, mobile app, by phone and in person at U.S locations.
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Payment options: U.S. bank accounts Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit and debit cards and cash at in-person locations only.
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Delivery options: Bank deposits into a bank account and cash for pickup at a location such as a retail store or bank.
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Per-transfer limits: Varies by many factors, including destination country, your transfer history, the delivery speed you choose, your payment method and agent location limits.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Western Union
If the funds have already been sent from western Union and you want your transfer cancelled, get in touch with the customer help desk. In cases where funds have already been paid out to the recipient, Western Union can do nothing much to reverse your transaction.
Western Union does not offer any form of purchase protection. The company strongly recommends that people using their services do not send money to people that they do not know.
Western Union believes in rewarding loyalty and anyone sending money through their app or website will be enrolled in the My WU loyalty program. The program allows visitors to earn points with each qualifying money transfer that can be redeemed against reduced transfer fees on future qualifying transfers.
Western Union agent locations are independent businesses that provide money transfer services on behalf of Western Union.
A Complete Guide To Western Union Transfer Fees
Western Union, being such an old and large company, has a somewhat complex fee structure.
Many fees vary depending on where you are, where the money is going, and how much money is moving. Weâll try to clear up some of that murkiness here, so you donât have to!
Below is a breakdown of every Western Union fee.
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How Long Does It Take To Send Money With The Western Union App
Money transfers paid for via cash, credit or debit card may be available to pick-up or withdraw within minutes, depending on the branchs operating hours.
Money transfers sent via banks will typically reflect in the recipients bank account within 2 business days. However, factors such as security procedures employed by the recipients bank may affect processing times.
These transfer times have been provided by Western Union as an estimate and do not include the estimated payment processing times. As previously mentioned, transfer speed differs according to country.
How Much Does It Cost To Use The Western Union App

When it comes to sending money internationally, Western Union fees are considerably higher than other international money transfer providers. However, due to their solid reputation, many customers are happy to pay for these fees, comforted by the familiarity of the Western Union brand.
Costs are determined by the type of transfer, the location it is being sent and how it will be received. There is a limit of up to £2,500 per transaction. As outlined in the earlier section, payment options include cash, bank transfer, debit or credit card and there is a fee for each of these methods which ranges from $5 20.
In addition to these upfront costs, Western Union also adds a mark-up to the mid-market rate. Again, the percentage of this mark-up is contained within the exchange rate and determined by destination country, but it ranges from 2 to 20%.
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Western Union Table Fees
To work out the exact costs for your transfer, youll be able to use the Western Union fees calculator online. Simply enter the currency you want to send to and from, the way you want to pay for the transfer, and how you want your recipient to get the money. This will show you an instant quote for both the fee and exchange rate available online and instore.
To give an illustration of the typical costs of a Western Union transfer lets look at an example: Sending USD1,000 to Canada in CAD. The range of costs and exchange rates on offer can be complex – well explore these a little more below the table.
Transfer paid by: |
*Fees and exchange rates correct at time of research – 5 October 2020