The Western Union app allows you to initiate an international money transfer from a smartphone, without going through a counter or post office. The service operates to most countries, with several receiving options available for the beneficiary: bank transfer, cash pickup, or credit to a mobile wallet.
Closure of Western Union’s digital bank in Europe: what changes for the app
Western Union is in the process of closing its digital banking service in Europe. Affected customers receive a notice giving them two months to empty their account and update the linked payment details (salary, direct debits, subscriptions). After the individual closure date, the associated debit card will stop working and access to the banking app will be disabled.
This closure does not affect the money transfer function. The app remains fully operational for sending funds internationally. However, those who used the integrated bank account as the starting point for their transfers must now link another payment method (external bank account, debit or credit card).
To understand in detail the procedure for sending money with the Western Union app, one must first master the profile setup steps outlined below.
Create your profile and set up a payment method on the Western Union app
After downloading the app, creating the profile involves identity verification. A valid ID is required, as well as an address in France. This step determines the transfer limits and accessible payment methods.
Link a bank account or card
Three main payment options are offered in the app:
- Transfer from a bank account by entering your bank details directly in the app. This method is generally associated with lower transfer fees.
- The debit or credit card, which can be scanned from the app for quick registration. The transfer is initiated within minutes.
- Apple Pay or Google Pay, for users whose phones support these services. Payment is made without manually entering card details.
Once the payment method is registered, it is saved in the profile. Subsequent transfers no longer require re-entry, speeding up the process.
Check fees and exchange rate before sending
The app displays the transfer fees and the exchange rate applied before confirming the transfer. These two elements vary depending on the destination country, the amount sent, and the chosen payment method. A bank transfer to a bank account in the destination country often costs less than a cash pickup.
The amount received by the beneficiary is displayed in local currency. This summary allows for comparing the actual cost of the operation before confirming it.
Receiving options for the beneficiary: transfer, cash, or mobile wallet
The choice of receiving method depends on the beneficiary’s situation and the service coverage in their country. This parameter must be selected at the time of sending, not afterward.
Transfer to a bank account
The transfer to a bank account is the most direct method. It requires knowing the beneficiary’s bank details (IBAN or local equivalent depending on the country). The receipt time varies but is generally quick for the most common corridors from France.
Cash pickup at a retail location
If the beneficiary does not have a bank account, they can withdraw the funds in cash at a partner retail location. The app generates a tracking number (MTCN) that the sender communicates to the beneficiary. The beneficiary presents an ID and the MTCN to collect the money.
This method is particularly used for countries where banking is still weak. The associated fees are generally higher than for a bank transfer.
Credit to a mobile wallet
In some African and Asian countries, money can be sent directly to the beneficiary’s mobile wallet (M-Pesa, Orange Money, or local equivalent). The recipient’s phone number is sufficient. This is often the fastest method, with near-instant receipt.
Track the transfer and manage beneficiary information
Each transfer generates an MTCN that can be viewed in the app’s history. This number allows you to track the transfer in real-time, from initiation to receipt by the beneficiary.
The app retains the details of registered beneficiaries. For a recurring transfer to the same person, simply select their profile from the list. The amount, receiving method, and payment method remain modifiable for each operation.
Cash payment after online preparation
A hybrid option exists: prepare the transfer in the app, then go to a retail location to pay in cash. This solution is suitable for those who prefer not to register a digital payment method. Payment must occur within 24 hours of creating the transfer; otherwise, the operation is canceled.
A loyalty program awards points for each transfer, regardless of the amount. These points grant access to discounts on transfer fees. Completing the profile (identity verification, adding a payment method) triggers an initial bonus of points.
The choice of receiving method remains the parameter that most influences the total cost of a transfer. Always check the summary (fees, exchange rate, amount received in local currency) before confirming to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially on corridors where the difference between options can be significant.
