What do I need to send money with Western Union?

To send money online or in the app, you need: a Western Union account (free to create), a valid government-issued ID, and a funding source (bank account, debit card, or credit card). To send in-store, you need a government-issued ID and your payment (cash or card). You will also need the recipient's full legal name as it appears on their ID, and for bank deposits, the recipient's bank account details.

How does the recipient pick up cash from Western Union?

The recipient goes to any Western Union agent location in their country with a government-issued photo ID and the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) you provide them. The agent verifies their ID, confirms the MTCN, and pays out the cash. No bank account is required. The full legal name on the recipient's ID must match the name you entered when sending.

Can I send money with Western Union without an account?

Yes. You can send money in-store at a Western Union agent location without creating an online account. You fill out a send form, pay with cash or card, and receive an MTCN receipt. Online transfers do require a Western Union account (free to create).

What is the MTCN number on Western Union?

The MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) is a 10-digit number Western Union assigns to every transfer. You receive it by email and on your receipt immediately after sending. Share this number with your recipient so they can pick up cash at a WU agent location. Never share your MTCN with strangers — scammers use stolen MTCNs to redirect cash pickups.

How to Send Money with Western Union 2026 — Online, App and In Person

Sending money with Western Union takes less than 5 minutes online. You need a Western Union account, a funding source, and your recipient’s name and delivery details. For cash pickup, you only need the recipient’s name and country — they collect at any of 500,000+ locations with their ID and the MTCN tracking number you give them.

What You Need Before Sending

Required item	Notes
Western Union account	Free; create at westernunion.com or in the app
Government-issued ID	Passport, driver’s license, or state ID
Funding source	Bank account (ACH), debit card, or credit card
Recipient full legal name	Must match their government ID exactly
Recipient bank details (bank deposit)	Account number, routing/IBAN, bank name
Recipient country and city (cash pickup)	No account number needed for cash pickup

How to Send Money Online (Step by Step)

Go to westernunion.com or open the WU app
Enter the destination country — select where the money is going
Enter the amount — see the fee and exchange rate before proceeding
Choose delivery method — cash pickup, bank deposit, or mobile wallet
Enter recipient details — full legal name, and bank details if depositing
Choose your funding method — bank account (ACH), debit card, or credit card
Review the summary — total fee, exchange rate, and amount recipient receives
Confirm and send — you receive an MTCN by email and in the app immediately

The entire process takes 2–5 minutes for a returning user.

How to Send Money In-Store

Find a WU agent — use the WU agent locator at westernunion.com (Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Dollar General, and thousands more)
Bring your ID and payment — government ID + cash or card
Complete the send form — fill in recipient name, country, amount, and delivery method
Hand the form and payment to the agent — they process the transfer
Get your receipt with the MTCN — give this number to your recipient

In-store fees are typically higher than online. Use online/app sending to minimize costs.

How the Recipient Picks Up Cash

The recipient does not need a bank account, smartphone, or Western Union account to receive cash.

What the recipient needs:

A government-issued photo ID
The MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) you send them
Their full legal name must match what you entered when sending

Steps:

Recipient goes to any WU agent location in their country (use the WU agent locator)
Tells the agent they are receiving a money transfer
Provides their name, your name, the MTCN, and their ID
Agent verifies and pays out the cash in local currency

Cash is often available within minutes of you sending (for “money in minutes” transfers). Some transfers to bank-limited regions may take longer.

How to Send a Bank Deposit

For bank deposits, you need the recipient’s:

Full name
Bank name
Account number
Routing number (US), IBAN (Europe), IFSC (India), CLABE (Mexico), or equivalent

Bank deposits take 1–5 business days depending on the destination country’s banking system.

Funding Methods Compared

Method	Speed to send	Fee impact
Bank account (ACH)	1–3 business days to fund	Cheapest
Debit card	Instant	Moderate
Credit card	Instant	Most expensive (3–4% surcharge)
Cash in-store	Immediate	Higher stated fee; no need for bank account

Safety Tips

Share the MTCN only with the intended recipient — if a scammer gets your MTCN, they may attempt to redirect the cash pickup
Verify the recipient’s name carefully — the name you enter must match their ID exactly or the agent will not pay out
Never send WU to strangers — Western Union transfers are irreversible; scams often request WU payment
Keep your receipt — you need it if you need to track, inquire, or cancel the transfer

Track your transfer anytime with the MTCN at Western Union tracking.

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Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy