Western Union review

Western Union is the option when the person receiving money needs cash in hand. It sends to 200+ countries and territories and lists 600,000 agent locations worldwide, plus bank account and mobile wallet delivery. New online customers get a 0 USD transfer fee on their first online transfer, though the offer excludes Quick Collect, transfers within the United States, credit cards and Google Play. After that, fees and exchange rates are shown when you enter a transfer, and Western Union states that it makes money from currency exchange, so compare the rate as well as the fee. The rewards program gives 100 points per online transfer, and 500 points are worth up to 2 USD off transfer fees. If you pay by credit card, your card issuer may add a cash advance fee and interest. For travelers who want to hold currencies or spend by card, Western Union offers less than Wise or Revolut.

Who it is for

senders who need cash pickup almost anywhere

Price

0 USD transfer fee on your first online transfer; later fees and rates shown when you send.

Get a 0 USD transfer fee* on your first online transfer
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Send to 200+ countries and territories online or in store
• 600,000 agent locations worldwide
• Delivery to bank accounts, mobile wallets and cash pickup
• Western Union Rewards: 100 points per online transfer, 500 points for up to 2 USD off fees
• App to send money, pay bills and check exchange rates

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 0 USD transfer fee on the first online transfer
• Strength: Largest cash network on this list
• Strength: Pay online, in the app or in person
• Weakness: Western Union says it makes money from FX, so the rate carries a margin
• Weakness: First-transfer offer excludes credit cards, Quick Collect and Google Play
• Weakness: Credit card payments may trigger cash advance fees

Key facts

• First transfer: 0 USD transfer fee online
• Reach: 200+ countries and territories
• Agent locations: 600,000
• Rewards: 500 points = up to 2 USD off fees
• In service since: 1851

Where it ranks

Western Union is No. 6 in our Best Currency Exchange Apps verdict.