How to send money via Western Union Internationally
Transfer Operator Information
Western Union offers a worldwide money transfer service. There are four ways to send money with Western Union: online, ‘Stage and Pay’, in person and by phone.
How to send money through Western Union
Sending Money Online
With Western Union, you can send money online. Your receiver can pick up the money as cash at a Western Union agent location. In certain countries, money can be deposited in a bank account or received in a mobile wallet.
How long does Western Union take to transfer money?
There are two speeds of transfer:
Western Union Money in Minutes
You can send ‘Money in Minutes’ which allows the recipient to collect the funds within minutes of sending them.
Western Union Three Day Service
You can use the ‘Three Day Service’ (only available in the US).
This service allows the recipient to collect the funds within three bank business days of sending them.
Both ‘Money in Minutes’ and ‘Three Day Service’ require the sender to log in to their Western Union profile. With ‘Money in Minutes’ the sender pays with either a debit or credit card, and with the ‘Three Day Service’ the sender must link their US bank account to their profile.
Customers in Australia can send instantly via online bank transfer, using the POLI service. This can be seen as an option in both the Western Union App and website.
WU Stage and Pay
Western Union’s Stage and Pay service is available via two methods from Australia, one method from New Zealand, and one method from the United States.
1. Western Union via BP petrol stations (Australia only):
Send money via a kiosk and pay in-store:
Step 1: Enter your money transfer details into the tablet located on the kiosk
Step 2: Present your mobile number, photo ID, cash or debit card at the BP counter for payment
Step 3: Collect your receipt with the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). Share the MTCN with your receiver to pick up the mone
2. Send money from your mobile and pay in-store (available in Australia, New Zealand* and the United States):
Step 1: Download the Western Union app
Step 2: Enter your money transfer details to start transfer
Step 3: Select “pay in cash” on payment option screen
Step 4: Present your mobile number, photo ID, cash or debit card at any participating store for payment
Step 5: Collect your receipt with the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). Share the MTCN with the receiver to pick up the money.
*App-initiated transfers can be completed at all Western Union agents in New Zealand excluding Kiwibank and NZ Post locations.
Sending Money in Person
Western Union has agent locations worldwide. Please visit the Western Union website to find an agent location.
- There are two speeds of transfer:
- Money in Minutes
- Next-Day Service (only available in the US)
Next-Day Service transfers can be received as cash or as a Reloadable Prepaid Card the next day. - By Phone (only available in the US)