How to receive money with Western Union

 

With convenient ways to receive money, we make getting your funds fast, easy and reliable. Receive cash with ease in person, direct to your bank account or loaded on a prepaid card. Choose the way that’s most convenient for you.

 

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Millions of people around the world choose to send and receive money with Western Union

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Simple steps for receiving money with a bank account

Provide the sender your information

Just a few details are all the sender needs to transfer money. Required information varies depending on your location, but the bank name is mandatory in most countries. In the US you need to provide your ABA routing number, account number, address, city, state, zip and phone number.

 

Track the transfer

Your money is on its way! Use the tracking number (MTCN) to track the funds. The sender will get this in an email receipt, which they can share so both of you can track your money as it makes its way to your bank account.

Receive your money

Depending on your location and bank details, your money can arrive in just minutes1. In some cases, it may take up to four business days2. Whether you have an account with JP Morgan, Bank of America or other major banks, from New York to Los Angeles, receive your funds in a timely manner.

 

Convenient ways to receive money

Bank account

Western Union deposits money transfers directly into the receiver’s bank account.

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Cash pickup

Receive money at hundreds of thousands of agent locations across the globe.

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Western Union®
Prepaid Visa®

Load money, receive, and spend anywhere Visa is accepted

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Flexibility to change the way you receive money

Even though situations can change, it’s important that everyone still gets any money sent their way. That’s why Western Union makes it possible to change the way you receive your money. Just follow the steps below.

Select ‘Update delivery method’ menu on westernunion.com and enter your tracking number (MTCN).

Fill in your information and bank account details5.

Share the link with your sender to complete the money transfer. Your sender must confirm the change in the delivery method.

Log in to westernunion.com.
Select ‘Track a Transfer’ (for money transfers started on westernunion.com/app)4 and follow the instructions on the screen.

Enter the tracking number (MTCN). Select ‘Receive money on a card.’

Fill in the sender’s details.
Submit the details of your
debit card.

Receive money with Western Union

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Change your pickup method

Switch the way you’ll get your money, from cash to a bank account or debit card, if your situation changes – for the most convenient option.

Receive money in minutes1

Funds sent straight to your bank account can arrive in minutes1, depending on when and where they’re sent from and your receiving location.

Choose from multiple agent locations

Arrange to receive cash in person at more than 50,0007 agent locations across the US in all 50 states – from New England to New Mexico.  

Track your money transfer

However your money is due to arrive, track your money transfer online or via our app in real time.

Send and receive money online, available for pickup in minutes1

Quickly and easily send and receive money online from virtually anywhere. Arrange both international and domestic money transfers for cash pickup at thousands of agent locations in minutes1.

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Frequently asked questions about receiving money in the US

Can you receive money online using Western Union?

Yes, you can have funds sent directly to your bank account. Your sender just needs to select ‘Bank account’ when arranging a money transfer. All you need to do is provide the sender with your bank details when sending to bank accounts in the US – your ABA routing number, account number, address, city, state, zip and phone number.

 

How do I receive money from Western Union at an agent location?

To pick up cash fast with no need to fill out forms, you can collect your money in person when the sender arranges delivery to an agent location. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Answer our questions about your money transfer on wu.com or the app to get started.
  2. Track your money transferand go to a participating Western Union agent location to
    pick up your money.
  3. Bring your government-issued photo ID and tracking number (MTCN) to receive your receipt and get your cash.
What do I need to pick up money at an agent location?

Bring a valid government-issued ID (such as a US driver’s license or passport) and the tracking number (MTCN) for the money transfer. You also need to provide the sender’s complete name and state the expected amount. In some cases, you may be asked the sender’s country, state, city and/or province – so it’s good to have these ready too.

How can I find out if a money transfer is ready for me to pick up?

Visit our website and select ‘Track a transfer’. Enter the name of the person who sent you the money and the tracking number (MTCN). Then you can see where your money is in real time, so you know if it’s ready to pick up at an agent location or has arrived in your bank account.

Can I change the way I receive my money transfer?

To change from cash pickup to receive money directly to a debit card:

  1. Log in to your Western Union profile.
  2. Select ‘Track transfer’ and follow the instructions on the screen.
  3. Enter the tracking number (MTCN).
  4. Select ‘Receive money on a card’.
  5. Fill in the sender’s details5.
  6. Submit the details of your debit card.
How can I receive money without a bank account?

Western Union® money services provide the flexibility to send and receive money in the most convenient way for you. If you don’t have a bank account, you can receive cash at an agent location or have it sent directly to your debit card.

Still have questions about receiving money with Western Union?

Speak to someone from our Customer Care team online, over the phone or in person about any further questions. For a quick answer to common queries, visit our FAQ page.

See FAQ’s

Relied on by customers around the world

Western Union has been helping people move money around the world for more than 150 years. We continue to encourage economic growth and make cross-border currency movement quick and easy, to work towards a better world. Billions can receive funds online, with our app or in person.

So, go ahead – tell your sender to transfer money with us and enjoy ease of use, a reliable service and all the other benefits we have to offer.

Encryption to help protect your money transfers

We’re committed to keeping your data secure

Send money with confidence

Money transfers at your fingertips with our app

Start your cash pickup on the app or direct funds into your bank account.

Track your money transfer in real time.

Find an agent location nearby to receive cash.

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1 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. For mobile transactions funds will be paid to receiver’s mWallet account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. See the transfer form for restrictions.

2 United States of America: Funds will reach most banks in the US by the next banking day for transfers sent before 4pm Eastern Time.

3 Faster access to funds is based on comparison of Netspend’s immediate availability policy versus the typical banking practice of only posting funds after settlement. Direct Deposit and earlier availability of funds are subject to payor’s support of this feature and timing of payor’s funding. Check with your payor to find out when the direct deposit of funds will start.

4 Valid only for westernunion.com or Western Union® app transactions sent from United States, Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany.

5 Please make sure that the sender’s name accurately matches with the name provided on the transaction and with the details of the bank account owner. (Account details may vary by country).

6 This service only applies to transfers of $3,000 or less, made within the US that are started on westernunion.com or Western Union® app. Please check with your sender for transaction details.

7 Agent location count valid as of January 2024.