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Western Union Review — Fees, Rates and Pros & Cons
The largest cash pickup network in the world — 500,000+ agent locations.
Read user reviews on TrustpilotMoney transfer operator
Founded
1851
Headquarters
Denver, CO, USA
Status
Public (NYSE: WU)
Fee structure
Flat fee + rate markup
Fees vary by amount, send and receive country, and payment method. Online and bank-funded transfers are typically cheaper than in-person cash transfers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unmatched cash pickup network — 200+ countries
- Send from a physical agent if you don't have a bank account
- Strong brand recognition and consumer trust
- Mobile wallet payouts available in many corridors
Cons
- Among the wider exchange rate margins
- In-person cash transfers carry higher fees
- Online experience less polished than digital-first competitors
Licenses and regulation
Western Union is regulated as a money services business or licensed bank in the following jurisdictions:
| Country / Region | Regulator |
|---|---|
| USA | FinCEN MSB + state licenses |
| UK | FCA |
| EU | Central Bank of Ireland |
Top corridors
Western Union is most competitive on these currency pairs:
Compare against others
Profile based on publicly available company information. For pricing, KYC requirements and current promotions, always check Western Union's official site.