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what do you need to send money through western union

Sending money through Western Union is straightforward but requires specific personal details and verification to ensure security and compliance with global regulations. Here's a comprehensive breakdown based on standard practices as of 2026.

Basic Requirements

To initiate any transfer, you'll typically need:

  • Valid government-issued ID : Such as a passport, driver's license, or national ID for age (must be 18+) and identity verification.
  • Your full name and contact info : Matching your ID exactly.
  • Payment method : Cash (at agents), debit/credit card, or bank account for online/app transfers.

Pro tip : Always double-check details to avoid delays—mismatches are a top reason transfers get held up.

Recipient Information Needed

The exact details depend on payout method, but here's what's standard:

Payout Type| Required Recipient Details 137
---|---
Cash Pickup| Full name (as on their ID), country, and sometimes city/agent location. No bank info needed.
Bank Deposit| Full name, bank name/address, account number/IBAN, SWIFT/BIC code. Extras like CLABE (Mexico) or sort code (UK) may apply.
Mobile Wallet| Name, phone number, wallet provider (varies by country).
Home Delivery| Name, full address, phone number.

For cash pickup, the recipient just shows ID and the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) you provide.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Choose your method : Online (westernunion.com/app), app, phone, or in-person at 500,000+ agents worldwide.
  1. Create profile (online/app) : Email, password, and ID upload for first-time verification.
  1. Enter amount and details : Select currency, amount, recipient info, and payout type.
  2. Pay and confirm : Fees vary ($0–$50+ based on amount/method/country); track via MTCN.
  1. Notify recipient : Share MTCN and payout details—they pick up within minutes to days.

Real-world example : Imagine sending $500 to family in Mexico for cash pickup. You input their exact name from ID, select "cash," pay via card online, get an MTCN instantly, and they collect same-day at a local OXXO.

Fees, Limits & Tips

  • Fees : Vary widely—e.g., $5–20 domestic, higher international. Check real-time quotes on WU site.
  • Limits : Often $3,000/day online; higher in-person with extra verification.
  • Exchange rates : WU adds a markup; compare with Wise for savings.
  • Security first : Beware scams—never send to strangers. Transfers are irreversible.

TL;DR at bottom : ID, recipient name + payout details, and payment. Online's easiest for repeat users. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.