Western Union Reviews
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About Western Union
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Western Union offers global money transfer and payment services. Established in 1851, it enables individuals to send money across borders, pay bills and purchase money orders, with services available in over 200 countries. Western Union combines physical agent locations with digital platforms to support personal and business financial transactions.
- Quick and easy money transfers
- Reliable service for urgent needs
- User-friendly app and website
- High fees for transactions
- Inconsistent customer service
- Technical issues with online service
Western Union Reviews
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Reviewed May 19, 2026
I uploaded $1860 to a Western Union (WU) prepaid card on 5/18/26. I was told that it would be available for immediate use. I attempted to link the card to the WU site but was unsuccessful. I attempted to use the card for purchase but was unsuccessful. Contacted customer service and was told that there was an error, the issue would be escalated for resolution within 24-48 hrs. I was told that I could use for POS. Reached out again on 5/19/26. I was told that the issue was due to multiple WU accounts needing to be linked.
The issue was not escalated as previously reported but would be escalated now. I was directed to use ATM to get money. Tried and unsuccessful. Spoke with another rep who stated that the issue was related to suspicious activity and that I needed to be verified. Verified all my information and confirmed that my identification has been verified but that I have to wait 24-48 hrs while the escalation team works on my account. I was told to try again to withdrawal. I tried to withdrawal money from the card but was unsuccessful.
Called again and spoke with a supervisor from corporate. He mentioned that the issue is related to suspicious recent transaction activities. He said that all of my recent transactions were denied because of the many attempts. I informed him that the many recent transaction attempt resulted from reps telling me to attempt to use the card. He refused to transfer the call stating that he is the last line of supervision and that I should wait 24-48 hrs because there is nothing that can be done. I told him that my bill is not waiting and was due yesterday. The money was partially for my utility so that my lights do not shut off. All of the representatives said that they understand my frustration. I received conflicting information. I still don’t have access to the $1860 even though I have verified myself and attempted transactions. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!! Horrible card. I just want my money back so I can pay my bills.
Reviewed May 19, 2026
I recently sent money to my country, MONEY IN MINUTES!! That never happened. I send it on Saturday. 4 days later customer service told me call tomorrow. If the transaction is NOT completed WESTERN Union shouldn’t take the money from your bank account. SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE MAKING MONEY WITH YOUR OWN MONEY.
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Reviewed May 9, 2026
I did sended some money to my country, the person show up at 2 different banks they said there's no money available, did call Western Union they said that there's no problem with transactions, the person returned to the bank and same thing no money available, I did asked for my refund, yes but you have to wait 7 business days, I still waiting I will make another review, Wester Union should work for faster refund,.
Reviewed May 3, 2026
The statements about Western Union being reliable are absolutely false. This statement by Tammy ** needs to be looked at closer and redone. I flew from Europe to Thailand to buy a gem, a very rare gem, so rare you won't ever find one in a jewellery store in an average size city and most Jewellers don't know what it is. I design jewellery as a high-end hobby. I was in Bangkok for 24 hours to make the final payment and receive the gem. I had tried to send it to my home through DHL, but the European customs officials seized it and did not know what it was or what is worth.
After six weeks it was finally returned to the sender. So, I decided to go pick it up myself. I flew 18 hours all together and had taxi expenses and a hotel to stay 24 hours in Bangkok to get my gem. I did not want to travel with a large sum of money and my bank stated it would only cost me $14 US Dollars to wire the money to myself. Okay, sounds good. That would not have included the exchange rate to Baht but what I see online at Western Union was fair.
When I got Bangkok, before I even checked in at my hotel, I went to two Western Union locations. Both told me the same thing. We have no money to give you. They don't have any US Dollars, what the merchant wanted, and they had no local Thai Baht either, they have no money at all. Isn't that what Western Union does? Send and give out money? And this is 100 Percent NOT the employees' fault.
I returned the next afternoon. I was told they still had no money. This is in no way reliable. I got to hold my gem in my hand, but I left without it since I could not pay them. Who is going to reimburse my airfare, hotel, and taxi rides to airports? I made this trip based on the reviews saying they were reliable and I could pick up my money without any problem. This is utterly untrue. I got no money and my bank says Western Union doesn't have to return it either. I might just have lost a few thousand dollars in addition to all my expensive.
Reviewed April 23, 2026
I accidentally sent $1500 to an older dormant account of the receiver. Receiver never received the money. I opened up the case with Western Union. Called them a few weeks later. They asked me for this long case number, which I fortunately wrote down. With case #, they said, they'll investigate. I called them today again (4/23/2026 around 6:20 PM Central Time). Operator said he could not find the case number. I told him I was feeling upset. He put me on hold (I think), as I stopped hearing him. I am on hold for last 25 minutes now. No sound.
I don't have any information on return of my $1500. They don't follow up, and when you call they put you on hold without any feedback. They can't find the case you open with them. Very disappointed by their service. I'll try calling again and go through their annoying voice system that does not take you to operator easily. I hope they are willing to help if they read this review and have any dignity. MTC **. Case #**.
Reviewed April 21, 2026
WU is not responsible and shady. They withheld my money for over 3 months after my family member was refused the money transfer. The clerk put in the system that the money was transferred correctly even though it did not. They said they did investigation and they were bogus. No communication was made to me for months and only until I filed a complaint with BBB that they respond to me. They finally admit their fault but offer no compensation only an apology! They treat their clients like trash.
Reviewed April 19, 2026
My experience with Western Union has been average at best. While it is a well known and widely available service, the actual experience can be quite inconsistent. On the positive side, sending money is fairly simple and the platform is easy to use. It is convenient that you can transfer money to many countries, and in some cases the transfer does go through quickly. That level of accessibility is definitely useful. However, the problems start when things do not go as expected. Transfers can be delayed without clear reasons, and the estimated delivery times are not always accurate. This can be stressful, especially when the money is needed urgently.
Customer support is another weak area. Getting proper assistance can take time, and the responses are often generic. It does not always feel like your issue is being properly addressed, which adds to the frustration. Fees and exchange rates are also not the most competitive. While the upfront fee might seem reasonable, the exchange rate often makes the transfer more expensive than expected. This lack of transparency can be disappointing. Overall, Western Union is convenient and widely available, but the delays, average customer service, and higher costs make it less reliable than it should be. It works in some situations, but there are better alternatives for a smoother and more predictable experience.
Reviewed April 13, 2026
They are the worst. I sent the money two months ago and they gave the money to the wrong person and wrong state. Now, I opened a case with them and it's now two months that they haven't responded me.
Reviewed April 9, 2026
Western Union offers a quick cash transfer service to Mexico from the US. On April 8th I sent a transfer from my US BofA bank account to a store in Loreto, Mexico, to pick up. The website gave my MCT number and said the transfer was in progress and will be available on April 13th!!! I went to the store to pick up the cash and they said it wasn't ready. The only Customer Service available is a recorded message that says it is in progress. There is NO WAY to speak to ANYONE. This is terrible service. The cash left my BofA account already and if I ask to cancel it will take a week to get it back.
Reviewed April 6, 2026
I'm disappointed that in Joliet IL the money orders that I buy for many years for 0.99 was not available in Walmart and both Jewels. It's been causing me stress and I got a feeling that they will charge more once the supposed GLITCH is over.
Western Union author review by Tammy Burns
Western Union (WU) was founded in 1851 as an American telegraph company, and it began offering money transfer services in 1871. Now, Western Union is one of the world’s largest and most well-known money transfer companies. In 2015, it facilitated the transfer of more than $150 billion. It offers consumers and businesses options for sending and receiving money both domestically and internationally.
Fee tool: Consumers can use the fee estimator on WU’s website to see how much it will cost to send money to someone else online, in person, over the telephone or through the WU app. The tool will also show consumers how long it will take for the funds to be available to the recipient.
App: The Western Union Money Transfer app, available for both iOS and Android devices, allows consumers to send money directly from their mobile phones. Money can be sent to other individuals or be used to pay bills at select businesses.
Rewards: The My WU rewards program lets customers earn points for money spent on transfer fees. Rewards points can be used to make free transfers, enroll in select Udemy online courses or make matched donations to the Western Union Foundation.
NGOs: Western Union partners with the Clinton Global Initiative to help non-governmental organizations (NGOs) get money to individuals around the globe who do not have access to traditional financial institutions. In some locations, funds can be sent to users’ mobile wallets.
Refer-a-Friend: The Refer-a-Friend promotional program rewards customers who invite others to use Western Union. The first time the invitee sends money, both the original customer and the new customer receive a $20 Amazon gift card.
A former finance phobe, Tammy now devotes her career to ensuring that people don’t make the same money mistakes she once did. Her work has appeared in Fortune, the Toronto Star, Advisor’s Edge, Greedy Rates, and Money Under 30. She joined ConsumerAffairs in 2023. Tammy studied magazine publishing at Toronto Metropolitan University and has a BA in psychology from York University, and her earlier journalism took her from editing law books to writing restaurant reviews to reporting live from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland. A part-time digital nomad, Tammy calls Toronto home but has also lived in Chiang Mai, Prague, Glasgow and rural Crete.
Western Union Company Information
- Company Name:
- Western Union
- Website:
- www.westernunion.com