You can find the answers to many of your questions below. But if you still need to know more, do not hesitate to call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855).
Send money online
Send money to businesses, colleges, universities
Identification process
Receive money
Consumer Protection
Registration
Tax Collected at Source (TCS)
Western Union agent locations
COVID-19
Customer questionnaire
How do I send money to India with UPI?
About UPI
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is a payment method that allows you to instantly transfer money to a bank account in India.
Understanding UPI ID
UPI ID is a virtual payment address (VPA) that uniquely identifies one person. A UPI ID format is like an email ID: with the sign “@” in the middle. For example, your receiver’s UPI ID could be “receiver’s_name@bank_name” or “phone_number@bank_name.”
When sending with a UPI ID, you only need to have your receiver’s UPI ID. You do not need to ask receivers for their account number, account type, bank name, or IFSC code.
To receive the payment, the receiver needs to have their UPI ID linked to the bank enabled for international UPI remittance. Please see below the list of banks that support international UPI.
Current list of banks that support international UPI transfer
Below are the banks currently supported. More banks will be made available soon.
| •Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank Limited | •Janata Sahakari Bank Limited | •Airtel Payments Bank Limited | •Jana Small Finance Bank Limited |
| •Andhra Bank | •Karnataka Bank Limited | •The Andhra Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Limited | •Kalupur Commercial Cooperative Bank |
| •Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank | •Kalyan Janata Sahakari Bank | •Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank | •Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited |
| •Apna Sahakari Bank Limited | •Kerala Gramin Bank | •Bassein Catholic Cooperative Bank Limited | •The Karanataka State Cooperative Apex Bank Limited |
| •Bank Of Baroda | •Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank | •Bandhan Bank Limited | •Laxmi Vilas Bank |
| •Dena Bank | •Bank Of Maharashtra | •Bank Of India | •Maharashtra Gramin Bank |
| •Central Bank Of India | •Mahanagar Cooperative Bank | •City Union Bank Limited | •The Mehsana Urban Cooperative Bank |
| •Canara Bank | •Oriental Bank of Commerce | •Corporation Bank | •G P Parsik Bank |
| •The Cosmos Co Operative Bank Limited | •Pragathi Krishna Gramin Bank | •Catholic Syrian Bank Limited | •Punjab And Sind Bank |
| •Development Bank of Singapore | •Punjab National Bank | •DCB Bank Limited | |
| •Deustche Bank | •Ratnakar Bank Limited | •Deutsche Bank (Bij Alle Sepa-Transacties) | •Rajkot Nagrik Sahakari Bank Limited |
| •Dhanalakshmi Bank | •State Bank of India | •Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited | •Standard Chartered Bank |
| •Federal Bank | •South Indian Bank | •Fino Payments Bank | •The Surath Peoples Cooperative Bank Limited |
| •Fincare Small Finance Bank Ltd | •Saraswat Cooperative Bank Limited | •The Gujarat State Cooperative Bank Limited | •Suryoday Small Finance Bank Limited |
| •Hasti Coop Bank Ltd | •The Shamrao Vithal Cooperative Bank | •HSBC Bank | •Syndicate Bank |
| •IDBI Bank | •The Thane Bharat Sahakari Bank Limited | •ICICI Bank Limited | •TJSB Sahakari Bank Limited |
| •IDFC Bank Limited | •Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited | •Indian Bank | •The Tamil Nadu State Apex Cooperative Bank |
| •Indusind Bank | •Union Bank Of India | •Indian Overseas Bank | •UCO Bank |
| •India Post Payment Bank | •Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited | •Jammu And Kashmir Bank Limited | •Axis Bank |
| •Jio Payments Bank Limited | •The Varachha Cooperative Bank Limited | •Janakalyan Sahakari Bank Limited | •Vijaya Bank |
| •Karur Vysya Bank | •The Vishweshwar Sahakari Bank Limited | •Vasai Vikas Sahakari Bank Limited | •Yes Bank |
Send limits using UPI
Currently, you can send up to 200,000 INR per transfer.
Steps to send money using a UPI through Western Union
Western Union is the first money transfer service company to use a UPI transfer internationally.
1. Log in to your Western Union profile.
2. Choose India as your receiving country (you will need to know your receiver’s mailing address).
3. Choose to send using a bank pay out and use any payment method.
4. Choose UPI ID under the bank information section. You’ll be able to browse all the banks enabled for international UPI transfer.
5. Choose to send your transfer, and you’re all set. Generally, your transfer should be completed in minutes.
How do I send money online?
To send money online, you need to visit wu.com and create a profile. After your profile has been verified, you’ll be able to send funds directly to your receiver’s bank account.
How do I complete my first money transfer online in India?
To complete your first money transfer, please follow these steps:
- Log in or Register.
- Select destination country.
- Select the sending method.
- Add or select your receiver.
- Select a payout method.
- Read information about how to protect yourself from fraud.
- Review your transfer data and accept our terms and conditions of the service.
If you have any questions while registering, please call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial ++91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
Why was my identity not verified?
There may be one or more reasons why we were unable to verify your ID:
- The address you provided did not match what’s on your government-issued ID (Passport, Driver’s license, Aadhaar card or Voter ID card).
- Your name did not match what is on your ID.
- Your date of birth did not match what is on your ID.
If you are asked to verify your identity again, please make sure all the information you provide matches what’s on your ID and your WU profile.
Who can be my receiver when sending money online in India?
Through wu.com India, you can send money to an individual. If you are sending money to your loved ones, you should provide your receiver’s full name, bank account number, bank name and bank routing number (SwiftBIC).
Where can I send money online through wu.com India?
The countries you can send money through wu.com India are1: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana ,Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vietnam, UAE, Uganda, USA. Transfers within India are not available.
How do I pay for my online money transfer?
You can pay for your online money transfer by using your bank account funds. Once you receive a receipt email with your money transfer details, follow the instructions:
- Open your bank’s Internet banking page.
- If you are sending money for the first time, you will need to add Western Union’s bank account as a beneficiary, the details of which will be in your receipt email.
- Fill in the sending amount and complete your money transfer.
If you have any questions please call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
I have started the money transfer online and received the tracking number (MTCN). When must I send the funds by in order to complete the money transfer?
After receiving your tracking number (MTCN), you will have 72 hours to send the funds. Otherwise, the transfer will be cancelled and you will need to start a new money transfer.
How much money can I send online from India?
Once your verification is completed, you will be able to send online the INR equivalent of 10,000 USD per transfer for education, 5,000 USD per transfer for other purposes (including overseas medical treatment, examination fees, business travel) or up to 250,000 USD per financial year, which goes from April 1st to March 31st. This limit includes all transfers sent using any of the Western Union services.
How do I know if my online transfer has been approved?
Your online receipt along with the payment instructions will state that your transfer has been placed and that a payment is needed. After you complete a bank transfer you will get a confirmation email stating that your payment was completed.
Can I get a receipt for my transfer?
Yes, a receipt will be sent to your email after the transfer is completed. You can also see the details of all your transfers in your profile history section on wu.com.
What is a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN)?
The Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) is a unique number assigned to your transfer.
How can I pay in India for required outward remittance transactions?
Only payments from an individual resident savings bank account are permissible. For further details please refer to LRS regulatory guidelines.
What details do I need to provide when sending money to a business entity?
When adding a business entity (non-individual) as a beneficiary, you will need to provide the following details:
- Beneficiary name
- Bank account number
- Bank name
- Bank routing number/SwiftBIC (or equivalent)
- Address2
- Contact number2
- Email address2
- Payment reference number
If you have any questions please call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
Can I pay for overseas education online?
Yes, you can pay for your education online if you are paying for examination fees, school or university abroad. Please select beneficiary type as non-individual, provide the beneficiary/college’s details and choose education as the purpose of transfer.
Please note that you can fund the transfer only from individual savings account. Payment from current account and joint savings account is not accepted.
If you have any questions please call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
please refer to“Where can I send money online through wu.com India?”for more information on the list of countries available to send money online.
What is a payment reference number?
A payment reference number is important to identify the sender. Once you initiate a money transfer successfully it will be displayed on your screen.The payment reference number will have to be added in the remarks/narration field while sending money online to Western Union’s account.
For example, a student paying to an overseas university will have to provide his enrollment no. or student ID for the university to reconcile his payment.
If you have any questions please call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
Where can I send money online through wu.com India?
When sending money to a company or an institution, the countries you can send money to are3:
United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, France, Germany, Ireland and Italy.
Can I pay for my international travel online?
Yes, you can pay for your personal or business international visit by sending money to your tour operators, hotels, travel agents etc. Please select beneficiary type as non – individual, provide beneficiary/hotel’s details and choose business travel as the purpose of transfer.
Please note that you can fund the transfer only from individual savings account. Payment from current account and joint savings account is not accepted.
If you have any questions please call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
For what purposes can I send money online when sending to a business entity?
You can send money online for the following purposes:
- Overseas education: payment to universities, institutions for college fees and entrance exams.
- Business travel and payment to overseas tour operators, hotels, travel agents.
How much money can I send online to a company or an institution?
Once your verification is completed, you will be able to send online the INR equivalent of up to 10,000 USD per transfer for education, or up to 5,000 USD per transfer for other purposes.
If you have any questions please call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
This limit applies to all overseas transfers sent via Western Union or any other service used.
What if I don’t have a payment reference number?
If you cannot locate the payment reference number, you can provide the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) to the receiver to reconcile the payment.
How can I cancel my online money transfer after it was sent?
An online money transfer can only be cancelled if it has not been paid out to the receiver in the destination country. You can cancel the transfer if its status is not shown as CANCELED or DELIVERED online. Check thestatus of your transfer.
Note that you can get a full refund if you cancelled the transfer before it’s paid out to the receiver.
Does Western Union need to verify my identity?
Yes, before making your first online money transfer, you will need to verify your identity.
Once you have successfully registered online, you will be asked to visit anyYes Bank branchnear you to verify your identity in person. You can also opt for an online verification (e-KYC) by providing your Aadhaar card number online.
How long will it take to verify my identity?
It will take 1-2 working days to verify your identity if you go to a Yes Bank branch to submit documents. If you opt for online verification (e-KYC), your verification will be done instantly.
How do I provide my identification document?
Please present a valid identification document along with your PAN card at any Yes Bank branch during your verification process.
Acceptable ID documents are: passport, voter ID card, driver’s licence or Aadhaar card.
Which branches can verify my profile in India?
You can visit anyYes Bank branchnearest to you, to verify you profile in person.
How do I receive money in India?
If your loved ones sent you money directly to your bank account, you don’t need to do anything, the money will be automatically deposited.4 If your loved ones sent you money for pick up in person, please visit the nearest agent location.
What documents can I use to pick up money in India?
You need to present any government-issued ID5 to pick up money at a Western Union agent locationin India. If your name has changed due to marriage or gazette notification, do not forget to bring your marriage certificate or Gazette notification indicating your change of name.
How much money can I pick up in India?
As per government requirement you can receive up to $2,500 USD (or its INR equivalent) per transfer.
Maximum cash payout for all Indian nationals is 50,000 INR; Payouts over 50,000 INR will be paid by local crossed cheque only. Under exceptional circ*mstances, foreign nationals with Tourist VISA could get over 50,000 INR in cash.
You can only receive a maximum of 30 transfers per year.
How much does it cost to receive money?
All fees are paid by the sender. Receiving money is free of charge.
Who uses Western Union money transfer services?
Western Union services are for anyone who needs to send or receive money quickly. From travelers and people supporting friends or relatives abroad.
How can I know the status of my money transfer?
You can check yourtransfer status online. All you need is the sender’s name and the tracking number (MTCN – Money Transfer Control Number) found on the transfer’s receipt.
Can I receive money at any time at an agent location?
You can receive money within the operational hours of our agent locations. You can check times ofoperation online.
Introduction to consumer protection
Western Union values its business and takes pride in delivering your funds in the quickest and most reliable way possible. However, it is important that you protect yourself from fraudsters who are out to get your money. Below are some frequently asked questions about fraud. For more information, please visit the Fraud Awareness sectionhere.
Are there common fraud scenarios that I should be aware of and things I shouldn’t send my money for?
Yes. Only use Western Union to send money to friends and family. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. Scammers sometimes encourage people to transfer money. Do not transfer money to anyone who asks you to send them money:
- For an emergency situation you haven’t confirmed
- For an online purchase
- For anti‐virus protection
- For a deposit or payment on a rental property
- To claim lottery or prize winnings
- To pay taxes
- For a donation to charity
- For a mystery shopping assignment
- For a job opportunity
- For a credit card or loan fee
- To resolve an immigration matter
If you transfer money, the person you’re sending it to gets the money quickly. After the money is paid, Western Union may not be able to give you a refund, even if you are the victim of fraud, except under limited circ*mstances.
Someone claiming to be from Western Union emailed me. What should I do?
If you receive an email from anyone claiming to be from Western Union and you are unsure about it, do not click on any links in the mail. This may be a phishing attempt to acquire sensitive information from you. Instead, immediately forward the suspicious mail to[email protected]Western Union will never send you e-mails to ask for your user ID, password, or credit card details.
What can I do if I suspect fraud or am a victim of fraud?
You should contact the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 1-800-102-7111 immediately for assistance with a transaction that you believe was sent for fraud. You should also file a report with your local law enforcement. You should also contact your government’s Office of Consumer Affairs and police station if you are uncertain or suspicious of a telephone, mail, or e-mail solicitation.
What additional tips should I keep in mind?
- Always make sure you know who you are sending money to.
- Discontinue a call if a caller coaches you to respond to questions asked by Western Union.
- Security is everyone’s responsibility. Stay informed. Keep abreast of new fraud trends.
- Remember, if it seems too-good-to-be-true, it probably is.
- Get more information about how toprotect yourself from fraud.
How do I register online in India?
Registration is required for sending money abroad online from WU.com. Complete the profile registration form on wu.com and follow these steps:
- You will be asked to provide your full name, your complete Indian address (the same as on your government-issued ID), a phone number, email address, country of birth, date of birth, annual income, occupation, nationality and PAN card number.
- Visit anyYes Bank branchnear you with your PAN card and a proof of address to complete your one-time profile verification. You can also opt for an online verification (e-KYC) by providing your Aadhaar card number online.
- Once your profile is successfully confirmed, you will be able to send money online to a receiver’s bank account.
If you have any questions while registering, please call Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
Does it cost anything to register for online services in India?
No, it’s free to register for our online services in India.
Who can register and send money online?
Anyone who meet the following criteria can send money online through wu.com in India:
- Residents with a valid PAN card and address proof.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must accept our terms and conditions.
- You must have a valid email address.
- You must have a valid phone number.
- You must have a bank account in India.
How many times can I register?
You can only register once with your email ID.
How can I change or update my WU profile?
You can change or update your WU Profile information from the Profile overview tab after youlog into wu.com.
After your profile is verified you cannot change your name, last name, date of birth and nationality. If you need to change this information after your profile is verified, please contact Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm . Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
What do I do if I forget my username or email, password, or repeatedly entered my details incorrectly?
Your username is your email address.
If you forgot your password, you can select the Forgot password option and a new password will be sent to your email.
If you repeatedly entered your details incorrectly and your profile gets locked, please try log back in to your profile after 30 minutes or contact Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
What do I do if I want to change my login information like password or email address?
You can change your password on the Profile Overview page afterlogging in. Please select Edit profile from the right-side menu and choose the change your password option.
How can I delete my Western Union profile?
To delete your Western Union profile, please contact Western Union Customer Care toll free number at 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Indian time from Monday to Sunday (if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855), or send an email to[email protected].
What is Tax Collected at Source (TCS)?
Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is an income tax collected on international money transfers falling under the Liberalized Remittance scheme (LRS) given in Section 206C of the Income Tax Act 1961.
When has TCS come into effect?
TCS came into effect from October 1, 2020. However, all international money transfers under LRS made from April 1, 2020 would be considered for applying TCS.
What is Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) of RBI?
LRS is a scheme that allows a resident individual to send money internationally up to USD 250,000 every financial year.
What percentage of TCS is applicable on money transfers?
• A 5% TCS is applicable for all international money transfers under LRS more than INR 7,00,000 in a financial year including educational payments without loans.
• A 0.5% TCS is applicable if a loan is obtained from a financial institute for educational purpose as defined under section 80E. However, YES Bank charges 5% TCS on all international money transfers more than INR 7,00,000 in a financial year, including on a loan obtained from a financial institution for educational purpose.
• Thus, irrespective of the purpose of transfer or the source of funds, TCS is applicable and will be collected and remitted by Yes Bank on all international money transfers exceeding INR 7,00,000 in a financial year under section 260C of the LRS of RBI.
• A 10% TCS is applicable on international money transfers if PAN card is not provided. Please note, Western Union does not process any money transfer without a PAN card.
Who is responsible to collect the TCS?
YES Bank, being the authorized dealer, will collect the TCS at a 5% rate on international money transfers exceeding INR 7,00,000 under section 260C of the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) of RBI.
On which money transfers, is TCS applicable?
A 5% TCS is applicable on all international money transfers exceeding INR 7,00,000 in a financial year under LRS.
What percentage of TCS is applicable on money transfers for education purpose?
As per current regulations, If the money transfer is for educational purposes through a loan obtained from any financial institution as defined under section 80E, the TCS rate will be reduced to 0.5%. However, this being an online model, as required by Yes Bank, TCS will be charged at flat rate of 5% for transactions across all purposes by Yes Bank. You can claim refunds for TCS paid against the tax payable while filing your income tax returns as per process.
How will the threshold limit of INR 7,00,000 be computed for FY 2020-21?
The TCS is applicable on all international money transfers under LRS from October 1, 2020. However, for tracking the total threshold limit of INR 7,00,000, all international money transfers under LRS made from April 1, 2020 would be considered.
Can I get any tax rebate?
Yes, TCS paid can be adjusted against tax payable by filing the income tax returns (ITR) in India subject to applicable income tax provisions. The TCS remittance from the bank’s side will be reflected inForm 26AS of the Pan card holder.
Can I get the TCS refunded if the money transfer is cancelled or refunded?
Please note that Western Union or YES bank cannot refund the TCS collected and paid to the government. However, you can claim a refund when filing the income tax returns (ITR). For more information, please refer to theoutward remittance web section on the YES bank website.
Are there any exemptions from TCS?
Yes, there are the following exemptions from TCS:
• Money transfers sent via Western Union and other YES Bank channels, or international payments via YES Bank debit card less than INR 7,00,000 in a financial year are exempted from TCS.
Is TCS applicable on tax paid income?
The TCS can be set off against the overall liability of the taxpayer. If a parent has already paid tax on their income and is simply paying the same on behalf of their child, the parent can claim a TCS refund by filing the income tax returns (ITR) in India.
Is there any relaxation on TCS rates due to the COVID-19 situation?
No, there is no relaxation on TCS rates due to COVID-19 situation. Therefore, it needs to be collected at a specified rate of 5%.
Some examples to understand how TCS is applicable:
Case 1:
Mr. A made his first international money transfer of INR 5,00,000 in April 2020 – No TCS
Mr. A made his second international money transfer of INR 2,00,000 in June 2020 – No TCS
Mr. A made his third international money transfer of INR 3,00,000 in September 2020 – TCS will be applicable on INR 3,00,000
5 lakhs + 2 lakhs + 3 lakhs = 10 lakhs. As the limit of money transfer of INR 7 lakhs in a financial year is exceeded, a 5% TCS will be applied on INR 3 lakhs.
Case 2:
Mr. B made money transfers of INR 10,00,000 up to September 30, 2020 – No TCS was applied
Mr. B made money transfers of INR 5,00,000 from October 2020 – March 2021 – TCS applied
10 lakhs + 5lakhs = 15 lakhs. In this case, as the threshold limit of INR 7 lakhs in a financial year is already exceeded before October 1, 2020, a 5% TCS will be applied on every money transfer made after October 1, 2020. In this case, on INR 5,00,000.
Case 3:
Mr. C has made a money transfer of USD 20,000 through Western Union on October 5, 2020 towards education fees out of India through his loan borrowed from a bank (qualified loan under Indian Income Tax Act) – TCS applied
– USD 20,000 = INR 14,80,000. In this case, as the threshold limit of INR 7 lakhs in a financial year is exceeded, a 5% TCS will be applied on INR 7,80,000. Though TCS rate is reduced to 0.5% on money transfers for education purpose paid through loans but YES Bank charges the TCS on loan obtained from a financial institute for educational purpose at 5% only.
Who are Western Union® agents?
They are our representatives in the different countries you need to send or receive money, they may be banks, post offices, supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, airports, train and bus stations, currency exchange offices and other retailers.
How can I find a Western Union® agent location in India?
Finding an agent location in India is easy, just select ouragent locator tool.
Can I send money from an agent location in India?
Money transfers from agent locations in India are not available.
Can I pick up money at any time at an agent location?
Each Western Union agent location determines its own hours of operation. Some have extended hours and open during weekends. Finding an agent location in India is easy, just select ouragent locator tool.
How does a Western Union agent pay out a money transfer?
Money transfers will generally be paid in cash. Other restrictions may apply. Please contact aWestern Union agentto get more information about restrictions or call Western Union’s Customer Care toll free number 1-800-102-7111 available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm IST from Monday to Sunday, if calling from outside India, please dial +91-73-148-19855, or send an email to[email protected].
How to become a Western Union ® agent?
If you are interested of becoming one of our agents, please visit ourbecome an agent information page.
Western Union continues to monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) developments closely. Our primary concern is the safety of our customers and employees, as well as the well-being of those impacted. Here, you can find answers to questions that you might have about how our services may change during this time. We will keep this information updated as the situation develops.
Is Western Union open for business?
- Yes, we continue to serve our customers and operate globally. Given the current situation, we encourage those in affected areas to send or receive money using ourmobile app, or westernunion.com.
- Please note that ouragent locationsin areas with a high concentration of COVID-19 outbreaks may close their businesses temporarily or may have updated operating hours. Be sure to check our agent locator for current hours of operation. You should also consider calling before visiting to confirm availability of services and open hours.
I cannot pick up my money transfer because no agent locations are open due to COVID-19.
We are sorry for the inconvenience. Given the ever-changing situation, we recommend those experiencing local restrictions due to COVID-19 visit westernunion.com or use our mobile app to send transfers for payout directly to a bank account or a digital wallet.
If I can’t pick up my money transfer, what will happen to my money?
Your transfer will be available for 30 days. After this time, your sender will have to contact our Customer Care to restart the transfer or cancel the transfer for refund.
Can I authorize someone to pick up money for me if I can’t leave my home?
For security reasons, only the designated receiver can pick up a transfer. However, you can ask your sender to contact our Customer Care to cancel that transfer and start a new one. Your sender can then transfer money online directly to a bank account or a mobile wallet, if available.
What can I do to protect myself from fraud?
Please be aware of the risk of fraud and phishing, especially during this time, and take extra caution when sending money:
- Don’t send money for loan or credit card fees, customs, or shipping fees.
- Don’t send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Be suspicious of businesses without a verified street address.
- Don’t pay for an item or service with a money transfer to an individual.
- Be suspicious about transferring money for charity and ask a representative for an ID.
- Think twice before sharing your financial information.
Please visit ourFraud awarenesspage to learn more and check current Coronavirus-relatedonline scams.
Is it true that paper money can spread Coronavirus?
We have no reason to believe that banknotes are more likely to spread viruses like Coronavirus than any other surface. Theguidance from the World Health Organizationremains that basic hygiene is the best possible defense against Coronavirus.
Is there any charitable cause that I can participate in via Western Union?
Western Union and the Western Union Foundation launched a$1M USD global appealand is accepting donations through May 15thWestern Union and the Western Union Foundation will match up to $500,000 USD in donations to go toward supplies, equipment, and frontline medical aid.Donate here.
What is Western Union doing to support customers during this time?
- Our goal is to keep our digital and retail services operational across the world, while abiding by local regulations and guidelines.
- We are constantly improving our services, such as adding new ways to speed up the ID verification process and offering a home delivery feature in some countries.
- Given the ever-changing situation, we recommend those experiencing local restrictions due to COVID-19 visit westernunion.com or use ourmobile appto send transfers for payout directly to a bank account or a digital wallet. This service is currently available in more than 100 countries.
Why am I unable to use Western Union services after receiving the message “Additional info needed, go to westernunion.com/gcr”?
To protect our customers, we review every money transfer to make sure it’s safe. For a variety of reasons, we may ask you to provide us with more information before we can allow you to continue using our services.
Why do I need to provide additional information?
We need additional information to understand why you use Western Union and the relationship between you and the person or entities you’re transacting with. The more information you provide, the quicker we’ll be able to complete your request.
How can I use Western Union services again?
To have access to our services again, follow the steps below:
- Gather the required documents. Please note that these will vary depending on your reason for using Western Union and your relationship to the person or entities you’re transacting with. At minimum you must be prepared with your government-issued photo ID, documents that relate to your purpose for using Western Union, proof of the source of the funds, and any additional documents that may provide support for the answers provided on the questionnaire. For more information, go to Help section at westernunion.com.
- Go to westernunion.com/gcrand start the customer questionnaire.
- Complete the customer questionnaire:
- Personal information:
– Provide your first, middle (optional) and last names as they appear on your ID.
– Share your current email, physical address and mobile number. Please make sure you provide an active email address for communication purposes.
– Specify your country of birth.
– Select your occupation and provide additional clarification if needed.
– Enter a recent tracking number (MTCN) if available.
– Upload a copy of your valid government-issued photo ID. - Relationships:
– List people or entities you’ve transacted with using Western Union.
– For each person or entity, enter the full name, relationship, purpose of transaction and upload supporting documents. - Source of funds:
– Choose the source of funds from the drop-down list and upload supporting documents. - Third party details (if you are transacting on behalf of someone else) (if applicable):
– Explain the purpose of transaction(s) and your relationship to the third party.
– Provide the details related to the third party. - Fraud (if applicable):
– Indicate if you’ve been a victim of fraud or scam.
– If yes, share a brief description of what happened.
- Review the accuracy of the information you provided.
- Select Submit questionnaire to complete the process.
What documents are suitable and why does Western Union need them?
a. Valid government-issued photo ID is needed to verify your identity.
- Examples: passport, driver’s license, national ID.
b. Source of funds is needed to make sure that the money transfers are not related to illegal acts and correspond to the nature of your activity.
- Examples: at least the latest 3 months of bank statements, at least the latest 3 months of pay slips, employment contract with salary, loan papers, sale agreement, winning receipt, tax return statement, etc.
c. Purpose of money transfer or intended use of money is needed to understand the basis for making the payment and the type of relations between the sender and the payee.
- Examples:
- Personal remittance/family support – the following documents are suitable to prove relationship: pictures with persons you transacted with, marriage certificate, counterparty’s birth certificate, counterparty’s government issued ID, etc.
- Business remittance/payment for goods/services – bills, receipts, sale or purchase agreements, etc.
- Education – evidence of tuition fees, etc.
- Medical expenses – hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, health insurance premiums, etc.
- Charity support – written acknowledgment from the charity, etc.
- Purchase home – purchase agreement, mortgage documents, etc.
- Gift – receipts, etc.
- Travel expenses – travel tickets, hotel bookings, etc.
d. Third party activity (sending or receiving money on behalf of individual or business) information is needed to understand the purpose and nature of your relationship with Western Union.
- Examples: business registration documents, letter of authorization by the company or notary, bank statement showing access to third party funds, etc.
What happens after I provided the additional information?
After we’ve received your completed questionnaire and required documentation, we’ll email you a response within 3 business days.
In case we have additional questions, we may contact you via the email address provided in the questionnaire.
Are my documents safe?
We’re committed to the security of your personal information. We use organizational, technical and administrative safeguards that comply with applicable government laws and regulations to secure your personal information. We also restrict access to the personal information that we process to only our employees, agents and representatives that have a business need to know it. For more information, read our Terms and Conditions and Online Privacy Statement.
1 Country list may change. Changes are subject to Western Union capability to undertake account payout.
2 Optional fields depending on the receiving country.
3 Country list may change. Changes are subject to Western Union capability to undertake account payout.
4Timing of deposits and their availability are subject to the banking laws and regulations of India.
5Acceptable IDs are subject to the banking laws and regulations of India
