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.