How To Send Money Online
Sending money online with Western Union is easy. Choose the service that’s best for you and follow the simple steps below to find out how.
Transaction limits
You can send up to 800 GBP within a 12-month period before we ask you to verify your identity.
Payment options
You can pay with your credit or debit card . Or you can use our more economical payment option and pay directly through your bank account.
3 Read the restrictions and special notes for the Mobile service.
4 Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional restrictions may apply. See online Terms & Conditions for details.
5 Funds will be paid to the receivers mobile wallet account provider for credit to the account tied to the receivers mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account overdrawn charges.
6 Card issuer cash advance fee and associated interest charges may apply.
7 Standard message and data rates from mobile service providers may apply.
Why Should I Avoid Sending Money Online With A Credit Card
Compared with using your bank account, it could be more convenient to transfer money with your credit or debit card. However, keep these potential pitfalls in mind.
Your credit card transaction could be treated as a cash advance
When you pay for a transfer with your credit card, the transaction is often treated as a cash advance by your card provider. This typically attracts a cash advance fee and a higher rate of interest than an ordinary card payment. The interest may also apply from the day you make the transfer without an interest grace period.
Look out for credit and debit card fees
Using your bank account is typically the cheapest option. When you use your credit or debit card, your provider is likely to charge you a higher transfer fee.
Moneygram Vs Western Union: An Overview
In this world of ubiquitous ATMs, tap-to-pay checkout, and automated bank deposits, there are still times when it is necessary to hand over or collect actual cash. That is why money-transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union have tens of thousands of agents in cities and towns around the world.
Money-sending services can be a lifesaver. You may feel it is unlikely you will ever be broke and stranded in a bus station in Bengaluru, needing your spouse to send cash, but stranger things have happenedand not just when you are traveling abroad. How about when your child who is studying at a Canadian university needs you to send the rent depositpronto? More routinely, money-transfer companies provide banking services like money transfers, money orders, and bill payments to people who do not have bank accounts. In the United States and Canada, many customers are new immigrants who send money regularly to family members in their home countries. Outside the United States, it is even easier to find a nearby agent for MoneyGram or Western Union , or both. Cash is still king in many countries, and, in developing nations, many people do not have bank accounts.
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Western Union International Transfer Fees
Western Union allows payments both at home and abroad, using a variety of methods. You can pay in cash at their pay-in store, online using a credit or debit card , or via a bank transfer.²
Your recipient can then collect their cash at a Western Union location near to them, or you can arrange to have the money sent directly to their bank account or even mobile wallet.² Not all payment and recipient options are available in all countries.
The fees for Western Union international transfers vary a lot depending on both how you want to fund the transfer, and how its received.
For example, if you wanted to send USD 1000 to a friend in Australia, and they needed to collect it in person, it would cost you USD 5 if funded from your bank account – but the same transaction would cost USD 34 if you pay using a credit card.²
What Is The Cost Of Western Union
For e-Transfers sent using Interac with Western Union, there is a $5 fixed cost each transfer, plus a 1% commission fee on the total amount per transfer. A $10 fixed cost plus a 0.20 percent commission fee, with a minimum of C$15 and a maximum of C$125 per transfer, is charged for wire transfers. Each transfer is worth up to $14.00.
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Western Union Money Transfer Review
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list ofour partnersandhere’s how we make money.
Western Union offers 550,000 locations in over 200 countries and territories to safely send and receive money. Unlike many providers, Western Union offers both domestic and international transfers the ability to fund a transfer with cash or receive cash funds quickly overseas is its specialty.
at Western Union
But Western Union has a complicated pricing structure and the company has fallen short in the past in protecting consumers. It acknowledged its misconduct and agreed to pay $586 million in a settlement in 2017 with the Department of Justice and other government agencies for failing to prevent wire fraud on its platform. With this resolution, Western Union said it was committed to protecting clients by enhancing its compliance programs to prevent fraudulent activity.
To use its service, you must register with Western Union and take several steps to validate your identity. The information you provide online is encrypted in order to prevent fraudulent activity.
This overview of Western Union is for U.S.-based audiences sending money within the U.S. and abroad only.
» Looking for more options? Check out the best ways to send money
How Can I Send Money From My Credit Card With Western Union
With Western Union, you can transfer money using a credit card online, via our app, or at one of our handy local agent locations. All you need to do is have the information of both accounts involved in the transfer , choose how much you want to send, and where you want to send it.
Sending money online or with our app is quick and easy and can be done in just a few clicks. If you want to send money in person, you need to find your local agent and bring the necessary account details, along with your card and proof of identity.
We make it easy to support friends and family, wherever in the world they may be. All you need to do is for a Western Union account and youll be ready to make your first transfer.
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What We Will Cover
Most of us have credit cards, and theyre a convenient way to buy now and pay later. In some cases, credit cards can be used to transfer money internationally. Its vital to understand the fees, charges and fine print so you dont end up paying too much. In this article well explore:
- When should you use a credit card to transfer money overseas?
- Emergency transfers MoneyGram, Western Union and PayPal
- Standard transfers your bank
- The Currency Shop reviews different currency providers
Other Ways To Send Money
Western Union is great, but its not always your best option. There are numerous ways to send money to somebody else, and you might save money or make things easier for everybody by using a different service.
Several online services and apps allow you to send money for free. The funds typically take two to three business days to transfer, but if youre not in a hurry you can save a trip to the Western Union desk. A wire transfer allows you to make instant transfers of any size from your bank account to somebody elses bank account, although youll need the recipients routing and account information to complete the wire.
Note that Zelle is an option for instant money transfers between banks, in some cases.
Where most online services fall short compared to Western Union is speed. While transfers might appear to be instant, the recipient cant necessarily pick up cash or spend the money right away. Plus, everybody needs to sign up for an account, and overseas transfers might not be easy.
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What Are The Fees To Send Money Online With A Credit Card
You have many options when it comes to sending money with your credit card, as companies are often willing to accept payment by plastic if youre willing to pay for the convenience. Here are the fees charged by popular options for sending $1,000 to Mexico with your credit card when we checked in 2020.
| Sending $1,000 to Mexico via | Percent fee |
|---|---|
| $1.41 | $47.71 |
While WorldRemit charges the lowest in credit card fees compared to the other popular sending options we checked, these fees arent the whole story.
Western Union Conversion Rate Vs Bank
The exchange rates used by both Western Union and traditional banks typically include a markup on the real exchange rate. However, the amount of this markup varies depending on the currency pairing involved.
That means that the best way to check which is the best value is to call into your bank to get their rates and then compare them online with the rate for your currency pairing offered on Western Union.
Dont forget to compare both rates with the mid-market rate, too. And if you dont think they offer a fair deal, try a different provider entirely, like Transferwise.
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The Best Platform For Money Transfers Depends On Your Needs
Whether youre looking to send money domestically or overseas, there are plenty of options to choose from. Many banks and financial institutions offer wire transfers, but these can often be expensive. They may also require a lot of information about you and the person youre sending money to.
The main things to consider when looking for an online money transfer platform are where and to whom youre sending the money, according to Matt Oppenheimer, CEO and co-founder of Remitly, a digital money transfer service.
Oppenheimer adds that the biggest pitfalls for money transfers tend to be fees and customer service. The lower the fees, the more money your recipient will get, he says. His advice? Look into transfer fees and exchange rates to make sure theyre fair.
It may go without saying, but customer service can also be lacking at some established money transfer companies. Look for a company thats open and transparent and lets you know exactly when your money will arrive to your recipient, says Oppenheimer. Find one that will share updates along the way, or is easily reachable 24/7 to help you.
With those standards in mind, weve compiled a list of the top five online money transfer platforms. Read on to find the right one for you.
What Else Should You Know About How To Send Money Using A Credit Card
Overall, the main consideration when you transfer money from a credit card to a bank account or loved one is the possible impact it can have on your credit score. You should also be aware of interest rates and debt implications.
If you can, its best to transfer money from debit card accounts to avoid the risk of going into your overdraft and accruing debt-related fees. If the money is for an emergency, its also a good idea to seek out financial advice from your bank or financial advisor.
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Can You Send Money With A Credit Card
First, the obvious question: can you send money with a credit card?
The good news is that there are a few different ways youll be able to pay using your credit card when you send money to a friend, business or to pay a bill. This guide runs through the key options looking at cost, convenience and speed.
Transfer Money From A Credit Card To A Bank Account
There are several ways in which you can transfer money from a credit card to a bank account. However, this depends on your bank or credit card issuer, so its best to research beforehand to gauge which options are available to you.
A popular method of transferring money from a card to an account is via a direct transfer. This can be completed in person, and online in some account cases, and is usually used if you or a loved one requires the money within a short amount of time.
Another way is to withdraw money from an ATM and simply deposit this into your bank account. However, this method isnt best suited if you wish to send the money overseas or the person whose account you want to deposit into isnt present with you. An easier way, in this instance, would be to send a check, which they could then deposit into their account themselves.
If you need to send money from a credit card to a bank account urgently, you can opt for a cash advance. More commonly used for financial emergencies, a cash advance acts as a loan taken out on a credit card, which can then be deposited into a bank account. This must then be paid back with interest this starts accruing as soon as the money is taken from the card.
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Western Union Online Money Transfer
The Western Union and TUI collaboration brings a new dimension to international money transfer. So you can send money abroad to friends and family, or if youre away on a TUI holiday, studying abroad, or working overseas you could benefit from sending money to yourself with our new online service, for cash pick up or to a bank account. With hundreds of thousands of agent locations worldwide, finding one near your receiver or hotel is easy.
Simple steps for cash pick up abroad:
- Take your MTCN, senders full name, country where the money was sent from, the approximate amount sent and a valid ID to collect your money.
- Current signed passport, Current full driving license or provisional license, EU Residency Card, Emergency / Temporary Passport, Emergency Travel Documents.
How do I send money online?
You can send money online to a Western Union location for cash pickup, directly to your receivers bank account, or to your receivers mobile phone. After youve chosen your destination country, youll see the types of services available.
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 at Western Union locations worldwide, depending on the hours of operation at that location.
- Money available in up to 2 days:
After youve chosen your destination country, youll see the types of services available to you.
Wide International Reach: Western Union
Depending on where you need to transfer money, Western Unions extensive worldwide network could be your best bet. The platform transacts in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 130 currencies, giving it a wider overall reach than OFX.
Online international transfers start with a $10,000 limit, but you can request to raise that limit in your online account.
The main drawback to Western Union is its fees, which start at $5 for standard delivery to select currencies and countries. Delivery time for this method is typically three to five business days. Wire transfers, which have a shorter estimated delivery time of one to two business days, cost $22. Heads up: The recipients bank may charge extra fees on top of Western Unions fees, so be sure to do your research before transferring money.
If youre not in a hurry and the recipient lives in an eligible country, you can choose to send a draft check at no fee. This method takes 10 to 15 business days to deliver the money, and the recipient will be responsible for cashing the check at their bank or financial institution.
Western Union doesnt explicitly state its protections to fraud victims, but the company urges consumers to adopt best practices when transferring money. That means never sending money to a stranger and not falling prey to scams that seem too good to be true. You can contact Western Union to report fraudulent activity, but theres no guarantee youll get your money back.
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Western Union Exchange Rates: A Hidden Fee
Heres what Western Union say in the Send Money Online page² in the footnotes, relating to international transfers:
In addition to the transfer fee, 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. Fees and rates subject to change without notice.
To really understand what Western Union means here, you need to understand a bit about the mid-market rate. Thats the only real exchange rate and the one that banks and financial institutions use when trading currency on the open market. You can check the mid-market rate using an online currency converter, or by googling the currency pairing you need.
And this is where customers should be wary. It is true that many foreign exchange and international money transfer services do not use the mid-market rate to complete transactions.
However, there are services out there, such as Wise, which believe it is fairer – and better value for customers – to use the mid-market rate and apply only a small transparent fee to each transaction.
In many cases, the spread applied by banks and foreign exchange services can add a significant cost to the customer. Using a provider who sticks as close as possible to the real exchange rate, can make a significant difference.