How does a Western Union^® money transfer work?

An international money transfer involves the process of electronically transferring funds abroad, in a specific currency. With Western Union, international money transfers can be sent to loved ones or another person.

International money transfers are typically done on what is known as the SWIFT/BIC network. This network is a secure messaging system used by banks to quickly and securely transmit information. The SWIFT/BIC network includes banks from more than 200 countries.

How much money you can transfer internationally depends on where you are sending money to. If you are sending money from Germany, you can send up to 1,000 € without verifying your identity. Need to send larger amounts? You can send up to 50,000 € with Western Union once you are verified.

You can check the limit per country by clicking send money and selecting your destination.

Money transfer costs vary depending on several factors such as how and where you are sending the funds and how you want to pay for the transaction.

If sending with Western Union, you can and without an obligation to send money later in the ‘Send money’ form.

The time in which funds arrive varies depending on several factors such as how and where you are sending the funds. Some money transfers take just a few minutes³, while some may take several days depending on where the receiver is located and how their bank or credit¹ union operates. If you need to get funds to your receiver quickly, they can conveniently pick-up cash at an agent location in minutes³.

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With the Western Union^® app, you can make a money transfer to your receiver’s country on the go and from virtually anywhere—no need to fill out a form. Get step by step instructions here:

1. Open the app. If you already have the Western Union^® app, log in with Touch ID or your credentials. If you don’t have our app, simply download it and follow the steps to sign up with an email address.
2. Select country and send amount. Start a money transfer by entering the destination country and the amount you’d like to send.
3. Select the reception method. If you would like your money to arrive in cash at a Western Union location, click on ‘Cash at a WU location.’ If you prefer to transfer money to a bank account, simply select ‘Bank Account’ as the receive method. In certain countries, you can send money directly to your receiver’s
4. Specify your payment method. Choose how you will pay for your money transfer. You can pay by bank transfer, Sofort, by debit/credit¹ card or cash.
5. Confirm and pay. Almost there! Confirm and pay for your money transfer and your money will be on its way.
6. Track your money transfer. Finished! We will send you a confirmation email with a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). Give this number to your receiver so they can collect the money in cash (if selected) and you can both easily track your money transfer.

Western Union supports you so that you can be there for your loved ones. Here’s how to send money in person:

1. Find a Western Union location. Find a Western Union agent location near you.
2. Head to the counter. Head to the counter and present the agent with your information. You’ll need your ID, My WU^℠ number or telephone number, and your recipient’s details. If you want to send money to a bank account, you’ll also need your receiver’s account information.
3. Pay the way that works for you. Pay the amount you’re sending and the transfer fee² in cash. If you send money to a bank account, you can also pay with an EC card (Girocard) at one of the participating locations) issued in Germany.
4. Share the MTCN with your receiver. Your money transfer is finished! We’ll provide you the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). Share this with your receiver so the funds can be collected quickly and reliably.