
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 Aug. 22, 2023
After reading others' reviews and complaints in Western Union I’m shocked they are still able to do business. So after using WU for many years to send my mother money I sent her 3500 to get my brother out of jail. She picked up the money fine but when she tried to send me money for my birthday WU had my name blocked from ever using their services again. I called but no answer was given to me. So all I can assume is they thought me sending my mother a large sum of money was suspicious but yet people do it daily. They are a joke and I use Cash App now and I would recommend everyone do the same.
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023
My experience was a headache. When you're sending money online with your debit card if it's declined stop giving out tracking numbers thinking our bank paid it when they didn't. It will stop making people argue about a transaction that was declined. OK thank you.

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2023
I send 5000 to my son to Australia and my son was too sick to go pick up the money. After few months he went to pick up the money with his ID and Password and with the information and confirmation number. They say it's too long. So I was the one to send I still can’t get my 5000 back. And two months ago I made at Walmart a 3 money order. I went back with the money ordered and the receipts. I still haven’t be able to cash back my 2500.00 money order. That’s 5 yrs ago.

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2023
They asked for verification of identification then these third-party companies asking how is that person related to you? That ain’t none of their business and they might as well close business because don’t want you pressing them for their business especially when your business needs our money. These third party take hours before they even understand what we’re are saying. They waste your time.
Reviewed July 10, 2023
My mom is trying to send money from the Philippines to me in the US. The amount was around $3000. Surprisingly, there was no Western Union store in my area which is so disappointing. I live in charlotte, NC and there was no WU store? Instead they have access points inside groceries. What is more painful is that these access points don't dispense money more than $1000. They can accept up to $9,999 but not dispense or release money up to that amount. So ridiculous, right? I tried 7 times collecting the money sent by my mom. I had to call western union 5 times. I have visited 3 access point sites but at the end of all these, I was not able to get the money. I had complete documentation with me and for reasons they don't want to explain, the money could not be released. My mom had to go back to WU in the Philippines and resend the money but now through my bank account. They did not refund the first charge of $40 and instead charged my mom additional $10. I will never ever use western union again.
Reviewed June 27, 2023
First, I need to say, that at 54 years-of-age, I have always been taught that Western Union was the most solid, safe way to send and receive money domestically as well as internationally. NEVER will I recommend this company to a soul again. My original money sent to Mexico was not able to be picked up by the recipient after a 4-day runaround, requiring me to spend the same amount of money through another online company. The original transaction was May 12, 2023. The refund was approved May 16th. Now June 27th and still no refund received after many calls with no results, sending ridiculously detailed bank information, and last communication being told it would be another 15 days!
The only customer service available is a call center or a chat bot. When asked, privacy and security reasons keep them from sending information on my calls and their progress. They certainly had no problem receiving MY sensitive information. So, now review has been left, and I am seeing more very recent issues here, as well as posts on their Facebook page. What recourse does a consumer have to have their money returned? Is Western Union investing it? Robbing Peter to pay Paul? Sincerely, Desperate and aggravated.

Reviewed June 22, 2023
I sent money to Bryan Texas. This was the second time the employee couldn’t work the machine. My ex-wife had the 10 digit number and her Id. This the second time in Bryan. This also happen to me in Virginia. The receiver had the same info but the employee couldn’t follow through. Both of these people were on foot. I’ve used this company close to 15 years. Thousands of dollars. I will never use your service again and I also recommend no one else uses it. They apparently never send any to teach them to use the machines. DO Not USE THIS COMPANY!!!!
Reviewed June 19, 2023
My experience today, was unacceptable I will never use Western Union again. Way too many invasive questions after transaction has been made. Making profiles before allowing recipient to claim sent monies! Unacceptable! NEVER AGAIN! DETAILED QUESTIONS ASKING DID SOMEONE ELSE BESIDES SAID RECIPIENT ASK FOR THIS TRANSFER? Etc.
Reviewed June 15, 2023
I have been using Western Union’s online app to send money to Sierra Leone, West Africa for more than a decade. I recently noticed that Western Union made several unauthorized withdrawals from my debit card account in quick succession that totaled more than $2,600. I immediately called their customer service department about the obvious fraud and spoke to a representative who was both rude and unhelpful. Western Union is still refusing to return these funds. I am extremely disappointed in the company’s conduct. Their online app is not safe to use to conduct transactions.
Reviewed June 12, 2023
Whenever I use the WU website to transfer money, it is always a frustrating experience. I log in and as I continue with my transaction, I get asked to log in again and my input disappears. So I have to re-enter my input after logging in again. Then as I go along and ask for using my reward points, I get asked to log in again. Okay, log in again. Then as I go along things get changed. The dollar amount gets changed to a previous transfer amount, and/or the recipient get changed to a previous person, and/or the reward points are not awarded, etc. It's never easy and phone customer service is usually lacking. Once in a while you get a good customer service agent. So far, no problems with the recipient receiving the money.
Reviewed June 9, 2023
Never trust WU as a source for your money transfer. After being with them for many years, after series of incidents with me and for my friends I'm writing this. Once they have your money they will take ages to transfer. If we question why there is a delay they will say same reason again and again for days and if we question them the same, their counter question is "haven't you read terms and conditions. Not all transfers will be successful".
BIGGG KUDOS for your service. Their communication to the customer is poor. If there is an issue at their end still they don't care to inform to the customer. For them customer is nothing. They just take your money and you have to be back of them to check the status/delay or even for refund. They will deduct the money immediately from bank account after initiating transfer, if we request a refund after all the chaos they created, they will say 5-7 business days. Will they wait 5-7 business days to debit the money. WU if you don't change your way of operations and communicating the customer you will be dead service one day. Mark my words.
Reviewed May 10, 2023
For over a year now I send money to my wife in the Philippines. Suddenly one day I see my transaction did not go through. So I canceled it immediately. I made the mistake Of trying it two more times and canceling it and later the money was withdraw from my account. Even though I canceled it they still took the money and then said 7 to ten days to give it back. Could not get a reason why the money did not go through. Use Remitly, if the bank challenges it for "security" reasons Remitly lets you know unlike WU.
Reviewed May 8, 2023
My daughter lost her wallet and was stuck in a town 3 hours away with no gas. I tried to wire money to her via Western Union but after five phone calls and two in-person visits, the Western Union branch on the other end refused to give her the funds. Even though I followed Western Union's instructions to the letter and even though they said everything was set up correctly, they wouldn't release the funds on the other end. First they said that she needed ID when I specifically set up the transfer with a security question and no ID needed since she lost her wallet. I did it exactly as the phone and desk agent both said. Then they said that my tracking number was not valid, even though I had a receipt and the phone agent told me that everything was good to go.
They wouldn't call the branch themselves to authorize the release. They put the work on us. They told my daughter to call the customer service line and have them talk to the local desk agent, but they still wouldn't release the funds. Western Union refused to do any internal communications to resolve their own error. I eventually requested a refund over the phone since they couldn't do what they literally are in business to do (wire money) but they couldn't do that, either. No joke one of the worst experiences I've ever had dealing with a company and I even paid extra fees for the displeasure. How are they even in business if they can't even wire money, you know, their main line of business???
Reviewed April 13, 2023
This is how W.U. operates. I'm trying to buy something from India. I'm not sure why W.U. is so concerned if a vendor rips me off for 80 bucks but, here's what happened. W.U. consistently rejected the bank information from several Indian vendors BUT they refused to tell me why. Customer Service informed me that they could not discuss why they were blocking payment, blaming W.U. 'corporate policy'. Well, if it's your policy to disclose nothing to the sender even as you block the send, then why bother have a customer service department in the first place. Stupid company.
Reviewed April 11, 2023
They are liars. Customer service reps liars. Supervisors are Liars as well. They took money Friday, limbo through the weekend. But had it Monday. Still won't release until the 4 full days even tho supervisor said avail Tuesday not Wed. Liars. Never use again.

Reviewed March 16, 2023
WARNING !!! ... Sent money twice to my gf in the Philippines, so I go to do another transfer with Western Union. They have me send a card to her with the tracking number so she thinks she's receiving the money. Then I get a phone call that they want additional information and then they declined it. So if you think you're going to get money sent to the Philippines or an overseas country. Think again! Never again will I use Western Union! Never! There's other ways of sending money.
Reviewed March 10, 2023
WU charges higher fees for using debit/credit cards BUT your transfers are instantly processed. If you use your bank account transfer, they tell you 0-4 days, but that actually means M-F business days. They say there are more checks and balances to take the money from your account and even when the funds are deposited into WU's account, they say there are 3 more verification steps. It has now been 7 days, and the transfer says it will take 5 more hours. They drafted the money out of my account 48 hours ago. It is just structured for you to pay more in fees to WU to transfer the funds. Ridiculous. Call the SEC because this is crazy.
Reviewed March 1, 2023
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2023
I sent money through Western Union from their third party participants!!! My money was never received so I called WU to report it. They told me they will research and get back to me but they never did. I called again and their agent told me they sent the money to a different bank rather to the bank I told them to send it!!! I asked for my money back and the manager refused to listen to reason!! I honestly believe that they plan to take people's money fraudulently for their own pockets!!! Why does WU have third party agencies? To collect people's money and channel it into their own pockets!!!!
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2023
This is worst platform ever. Holding my money for more than 10 days now. I sent money to my girlfriend who needed to go for medical checkup and 7 days later they send a message saying error with names and next message is I am being refunded. It’s been 7 business days. I haven’t received my refund or anything. I call. No one picks up. Thieves.
Reviewed Dec. 21, 2022
Sent money to my nephew exactly as I do every month and when he was not able to retrieve it WU told me there had been a mistake on the receiving end and although the money was in the system it was marked as “retrieved”. They gave me the runaround for a couple of days if different information they wanted from me and the receiver. I still haven’t heard back from them and I’ve contacted them by phone over 8 different times and each time they just want more information or tell me something totally different like “We can’t access your account. Call back in 10 minutes.” So unprofessional. I’m assuming my money is gone now.
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2022
I am fed the ** up with this new change with Western Union. I wish they go back to the old payment method. The new system makes something so simple hard! All I’m trying to do is pay my bill and it’s becoming overwhelming and a big ** problem. I been trying to pay my gas bill since last month, Online won’t accept my banking information I try to go to a third party store they keep telling me call Western Union, Western Union keep telling me Southern Connecticut Gas don’t exist what the **. Then when I don’t pay my bill it’s a ** problem. Then they keep asking me what’s the code city??? I ask them to explain to my what is a code city is and they can’t!!!! I asked is it a area code or a zip code they said no so at this point I’m over it big time
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2022
Worst business ever. If you are here looking for reviews do yourself a favor and don’t spend time or money with them. They will take your money and time away. They will not solve problems created by them. I wish I had known first here and never tried and tried dealing with this company.
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2022
I usually transfer to my sister for her cancer treatment, the money in minutes in India is a joke! The WU charges me 13 dollars for a transfer, and the money instead of receiving in minutes, the WU guy in India, they make their own rules and gives a check to my sister, which takes time and stress and frustration to go the next day deposit in the bank and go and get the money after couple of days, so why am I being charged for money in minutes?
My niece is a University student and her MBA program needs money to be paid in installments, so this time the money was late and University charged her 23,000 for late fees which is a lot of money Keeping in mind, the trouble my sister goes through with her cancer(Lymphoma) she has no immunity, the pollution and traffic to reach the bank, stand in a line to deposit the check and then again come back for the next couple of days to cash the check from the bank? She was also told by the WU guy in India if you need cash then you have to pay 2% of the transaction? Why?
So, I called early morning today (Nov. 20, 2022) to officially file a complaint and somebody by the name "Mel" took my call and was never understanding the situation, so I requested a Supervisor, he was busy on a customer call, so he would call me, I was told, I waited 3 hours, and when I got frustrated called again, Sophia picked up the call and Mr. Lester the supervisor came on the phone, and guess what was the result of the situation and frustration?
He wants to give me $6.50 off on my next transaction? I told him "are you kidding me?" All the frustration my sister and the daughter went through to pay their tuition (which was late and University charged them around 23,000 Indian rupees as late fees. You are giving me $6.50 cents, for a person who transfers every month? What kind of supervisor are you? and they kept you for international transfers? You must be joking to give me six dollars and fifty cents off of next transaction, what a shame! I might be contacting an attorney very soon.
Z.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2022
My son moved from Hawaii to Pennsylvania and he had a motorcycle that needed to be sold. A friend in Hawaii took care of selling the bike and decided to send the money Western Union to my son. Thought everything was a done deal only to find out it was flagged for fraudulent transaction which makes no sense as the money is being sent from one WU to another WU. They then decided to cancel transaction and issue a refund but the refund check will take 20-30 days to receive! What a nightmare! Not easy and simple like they portray!
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2022
I do regular transfers overseas and didn’t have any problems until the recent two months. In Aug, the money I transferred on 12/09 didn’t arrive until 14/09. That was not too bad I guess, even though usually it would arrive within hours. But then for my last transfer, money came out of my account on 20/09, but it didn’t arrive until 30/09. During this period I have been told by Western Union they didn’t receive any money from me even though they sent me a confirmation email saying they have. I had to make phone calls almost every day for a week as their advisors keep telling me wrong info about when they would call me for updates.
I didn’t receive any callbacks of course. I raised a complaint for this horrific customer service I received and again didn’t receive any email until 11/10 telling me they are sorry but they can not do anything else apart from offering me 50% discount for transferring money next time when there is no transfer fee involved! How ridiculous is this. All they do is to repeat the fact they are wrong but they are not prepared to do anything about it for the time I wasted, the calls I made and the stress caused by their incompetence! Won’t use it recommend Western Union to anybody!
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2022
Funds could not be received. We had to call customer service multiple times and were told by the Rep to go to another location who told us the funds were not available and to return within 24 hours. Why have this service, fees stating funds can be received within minutes. Be honest with your customers. The funds were much needed. Western Union needs to do better or change your advertisement from "receive within minutes to up to 24 hours".
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2022
First time ever using the service. Heard a lot of bad things but took a chance in spite of what people were saying. I sent money in to my husband in Nigeria. Some approved or not, Questioned why? I felt they discriminate against me and my family. I would never use their service again. Good people should not be mistreated.
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2022
Unable to resolve my issue. Have been sending thousand of dollars for 15 years. My name was flagged by their automatic system and recently no transactions were made. My husband was able to use the same credit card under his name to send money. So how come it did not work for me? Unfortunately it left me no choice but to end my relationship with WU. They declined all my recent transactions. They failed to exercise executive decision to look into my account and assist. Transaction is being banned for something that is a result of auto system. When auto system dictates policy, it means there is no regard to customer's feelings and situations. This shows that WU doesn't care about customers. Nonetheless, it's over. I am no longer a customer of Western Union. One star is not even deserving for the time wasted and stress they have caused.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2022
Used the application for iPhone for bill pay using my debit card for the transaction, charged $92. Found out by going to a retailer it would have cost $13.00 for the same service!! Also noted that the company that the bill was for didn’t post the funds until 2 days later. I could have saved all fees by sending a payment thru bill pay by my bank. I didn’t expect this is also a domestic transaction, This whole experience is very upsetting and I will never use this service again!!!
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2022
Extremely Bad experience !!!! with worst escalation department who extremely rude. I tried sending $2800 real time using premium service using a Debit Card and money has not been sent, waiting to get money back for 2 days and they have refused to give any details. Beware of this fraudulent company.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2022
I was trying to send the money from Saudi Arabia using WU. BIG MISTAKE. They seized 5000$ of mine. They don't answer my emails. They don't answer my calls. The customer service in KSA does not exist. I am planning to hire a lawyer. Otherwise the money will be lost. This situation is extremely frustrating. I will never ever use this scammers again!
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2022
They entice people with a competitive exchange rate and quick transfer. Once you start money transfer they need all the documents in the world to verify the sender's and receiver's identity. I asked them to return my money because I am no longer interested in sending this money via WU. They said write us a letter explaining why do you want us to return your money and we will analyze the letter and let you know. This is ridiculous. I would highly recommend not using this service.
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2022
I have spent a lot of money on international calls as well as many many hours talking to people at Western Union about my account which I have been unable to use. I was told so many times things would be fixed and even talked to Muhammed **, a top executive at Western Union stating my account would be fixed. $83 in international phone bills and there has been nothing but empty promises. There is no way to describe the company other than incompetent. If a company cannot serve its customers, who are they serving?
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2022
My mom that’s quite old sends me about 850 pounds from South America to UK. They have charged her 46 pounds of fees, but on top of that have take another 150 pounds almost and this from the difference of price that they applying on the currency rate, at this time it was 0.75. They just charged me 0.89 which at the end I received 601 pounds. So from someone sending you £846 “to be precise” then received £601, I called them and in a shameful way make me understand that they can apply the rate that they want as they want, I honestly I felt like if they was in front of me I couldn’t keep it calm because they really know what they are doing and they know that is bad.
They are now the biggest ripoff that you can find about money transfer. They really have to stop operating, they are just harming people that do not need to be harmed more than proposing a solution to a existing demand. On top of that even in 2022 they still keep working closely with all type scammers as it looks like they share the same values. Horrible company who needs to stop operating. Who is going to pay almost £200 for a transfer of £850. My old mom don’t get all of the policy behind she thought it will be only 46 of fee as written on their paper without paying attention to the nasty conversion rate that they applied on her. Disgusting company.
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2022
I use Western Union to send money to a Ministry outside of USA. When I started, they did not charge for bank-to-bank transfer. Then immediately they started charging to deliver in 8 business days .99 cents three business days $2.99. The very same day they show the transaction timeline saying money is sent to the receiver's bank which is a big lie. Because receiver never gets the money in promised and changed to deliver in 3 days.
I called to inquire about these transactions. This time 3 people including a supervisor they all gave 3 different lies. One said money is already in the other bank. Supervisor said it's gone today. so, the timeline they showed me became a lie. This means under Regulation Z and Regulation E customer is protected for this company to do its job they promised. If not customer has the right to revoke this payment until Western Union learn to be honest and truthful. My final say is do not use western union until they learn to be honest and truthful.
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2022
A few days ago I got an email for multiple transactions that were not approved by me. Someone went into my account and started sending themselves money. Most of the transactions were canceled but w went through. I called them and the customer representative was not even the slightest bit sympathetic. They filed a claim but I don't understand why their security is that bad when they are supposed to be a larger company. The customer service is useless. Trying to tell me I need to file a police report when the hackers were not even from this country. I'm still waiting for my money. Never using them again and I will encourage people to use another company to send money.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2022
I would like to discourage everyone from using Western Union. During the Pandemic, I began using Western Union to transfer money for our Church Ministry in the Republic of Ecuador. I used the service successfully until June 2022, when I sent money, and the money never got to the hands of our people. I submitted complaints that the money was stolen. According to the information given to me by WU workers, somebody picked up the money in a location almost 2 hours away from the people I was sending money to Ecuador. I informed WU that the money was never delivered to the original intended person's hands. WU decided to dismiss my complaints.
On top of that, someone internally tries to steal directly from my Checking Account. Thankfully, I saw the dirty move, and I contacted my Bank to put a STOP. In both instances, this company did absolutely nothing. Instead, they told me I had to file a police report for them to investigate. I encourage everyone to use an alternative method of wiring money, such as PayPal, Zoom, etc. Do not use a company that refuses to care for their customers as they should. I firmly believe this was an internal dirty job, and they refuse to hold their people accountable.
Reviewed July 13, 2022
Updated on 7/17/2022: Well it seems that if the security team decided to cancel your transaction, they do it without giving you a REASON! How can you know what is wrong after successfully doing a money transfer online. You are told to just go to a WU location if cancelled! That’s after entering your CC INFO, DEBIT CARD INFO, ANOTHER CC, BUT website will not allow you to proceed but again no reason given? Trying to DELETE MY WHOLE ACCOUNT NOW. Wait was two hours but arrived next day with a short window to reply. I reply, get into website, hit send, declined.
Original review: Each agent has a different story as to why or how your money was cancelled. After thorough research with both credit card companies, I was advised my cards were good. Each has a 10k limit but I could not complete a $200 transfer. Supervisor gave conflicting advice, one agent offered to input my cc info by voice as online website is full of clutches. DO NOT USE WESTERN UNION. They are very UNPROFESSIONAL in my opinion. Good luck.
Reviewed July 9, 2022
I sent my wife a transaction from my bank to the Philippines. Instead of taking 1 transaction of 2999$ they took 2 transactions of almost 6000$. I called them and they said they will refund one of them back to my bank account. This happened on June 17, 2022 and I did not see my money really put on my bank account until July 8, 2022. During this window of time I called them at least 35 times and every time I hear different stories why my money is still not on my bank account in the state. I repeated to them the same question they have asked over and over for 21 days. I finally called their ERD (Executive Resolutions Department) screen shots of everything to prove to them that money they overtook from my bank account still not in yet. I had to wait with their customer service on the phone 50 minutes at one time and was transferred to 6 different people without getting a concrete answer about my money that they were still holding.
I got so frustrated until finally the same day I went to my own bank and they told me to fill up a special form that they can retrieve my money from Western Union. Exactly the same day I filled up that form in my bank Western Union put the money that they were holding it in my bank account after 21 days. It was the worst experience I ever had with them. I just hope somebody with big balls from Western Union read this and show those people sitting behind their desk to do their job right and provide the customer service they are supposed to provide. HOW DO THEY FEEL IF IT WAS THEIR MONEY HELD FOR 21 DAYS?? I know if I had to chance to talk to somebody who is local in the USA this very experience will never happen. If anybody from western union wants to contact me to provide files strictly to them I will do so. I will not post my personal information here.
Reviewed June 2, 2022
Tried to send money to my son using the online app. The confirmation said 0-4 days. When my son called, they told him 7 days. I called customer service and was answer by a foreigner. I received no answer as to why the money would take so long. I then canceled the transfer. The agent asked me to hold and I obliged. Then the agent asked again. I gave the same answer. Another 9 times this went on and at this point I am using profanity and yelling to put me on hold and cancel the transaction.
A minute or two turned into 25 minutes. Finally I spoke to a supervisor and got corporate contact information. I go back into my app to check that the transaction was canceled and saw that there were multiple transactions made by the app. They all say they are canceled but I will see tomorrow. There are much easier and cheaper ways to send money. I used the CashApp. My son got his money in less than 10 minutes. Do not use Western Union.
Reviewed May 31, 2022
After introducing all needed data and confirming to send the money from my bank (introduced login, password and used 2-step security), the webpage showed me an error message. I tried to log in and fix it but the webpage didn´t work correctly, I tried with different web browsers and also downloaded the app on my iPhone, but this was worse: I couldn´t even login under the app. In short, WU online is complete crap. By the way, it will take 5 to 7 to get my money back to my bank account. So take this into consideration when using WU online. I would give zero stars, but one is the minimum.
Reviewed May 25, 2022
My family send money using this service money in minutes. I went to different WU Agents here in Winnipeg, Money Mart, Cash Money and Walmart and they told me they can’t provide a payout telling me they don’t have this amount for payout, telling me they are not sure on when they will have this amount. They told me to call first but it is not guaranteed that they will have this fund and will take a few days. The amount is only $4500. In the first place, why they accept it when sending it and using money in minutes if they can’t provide a payout for this amount. You paid transfer fee for money in minutes but they can’t provide the service that is why is is a fraud.
I contacted WU and they said they can’t do anything about it. I lost my patience because their services are **. I drove to different locations to get money and didn’t get anything that is why their services is **. As a customer using ang paying their services they should provide a good service and they should evaluate their Western Union Agents if this agent can provide better services to their customers.
Reviewed May 17, 2022
I keep running in a circle, seems to me all political matters whenever a Middle East person send money to family members. It happened to me, my brother and three of my friends, should be no room for discrimination…
Reviewed May 17, 2022
I was trying to send money to UK urgently. Transaction was put on hold. A rep from WU called from some other country and asked some questions and then I got email that it was declined. I wasted over 1 hour with no valid reason for the decline. All the reps are non-americans and have no answers. They are unable to give valid answers and just waste your time. Their service is horrible. They would decline transaction without any reasonable justification. You get an email that your transaction was declined due to business decision! You just wasted your time. I called my bank first and requested them not to decline my transaction and they gave me OK so it wasn't an issue from my bank. Simply put.... This company is a fraud and waste of time. I would use remitly or Ria instead.
Reviewed May 14, 2022
Had to send some money to Ukraine. It's war over there. Western Union advertises "no fees" transfer. So - I sent $200.00. No fee - they charge $22.00 for fast delivery. No option of regular delivery. Plus - they discounted conversion rate. Basically - "no Fee" equals to about 23% of the transfer amount. Liars and ripoffs.
Reviewed April 27, 2022
I used their website to send $100 to a friend. It appeared the transaction waiting for me to click on the Confirm button so I clicked it twice. It provided a message indicating I had already sent a duplicate amount to this person and told me to review my History page and if it wasn't reflected there to restart the transaction. I didn't see the transaction on my History page so I restarted the transaction.
I got to the same point only before restarting the transaction a third time I decided to look at my bank account and noticed it had charged me twice. I then went to the History page and it showed two separate transactions. I called customer support because both transactions showed pending. I explained the situation to three different people who barely spoke English and each time was told I was being transferred to their billing department so they could process a refund. After thirty minutes of trying to get someone from their Billing Department I was told that they were sorry but both transactions had already gone through. They complain of fraud and scams when it seems clear that they are the ones committing both!!
Reviewed April 21, 2022
I started a transfer online and I chose that the receiver pick up the money in USD. They had me go finish the transaction on the store, for some reason. They changed it to a different currency without asking me, and when I called to complain they would not correct their mistake. I ended up losing a lot of money due to their exchange rate that is a big to off.
Reviewed April 8, 2022
I sent money transfers to UAE. They held my remittance as they needed identity verification which they approved after submitting the documents they required from me and interviewing me on the phone. They informed me that the other transfer was canceled, which was fine, but I specifically told them that I needed the other transfer to go through as the money was for legal fees and needed to be paid on a Thursday as Friday is a day off in UAE. I was sent an email informing me that the urgent and vital tracking number was ready for pick up by the receiver which I relied on.
My niece went to pick up the money and she was informed that the money was received and picked up by ME. How can I picked up a money in UAE when I live in Australia? I called up the customer service and I was given a run-around from 12:30 midnight of Friday and was awake the whole as I was assured that the KYC department will call me immediately. I waited for nothing because no calls were made. Because of this bungled management of Western Union, my case is jeopardised. I continue to receive emails with the same content and they continue to call my number, which I have emailed them several times that my number is not accepting their calls as their number is reported "SUSPECTED SPAM CALLS".
Now conveniently they marked my money transfers as "CANCELLED" and the refunds will take forever after they bungled up my money transfers and my legal case. I pay all the fees that Western Union charge when you are sending money through them, but the kind of customer service is not even a quarter of the 100% satisfaction, because the customer service is insensitive, arrogant, void of compassion and understanding and knowledge that Western Union is making a lot of money from the fees and charges from customers who regularly use their service. Customers do not deserve to be maltreated and ignored, and phone calls to be hanged up and abandoned because the customers are hysterical for the reasons Western Union and employees caused.
There are many money transfers and most of them are reliable and knowledgeable of what they do and why there are in that business. Do yourselves a favour - "Do not use western union", they will not return the money on time, after they bungled up your transactions. How can you resend that money when western union is still holding captive in their account the money you sent through the money transfer they cancelled. Yes, they can cancel, but not after you explained the urgency and importance of the money transfer and assuring the customer that the money transfer will not be cancelled. They cancelled my money transfer after they assured me that the money transfer will go through. They have caused me so much stress, and anxieties to the point of me breaking down. I cannot forgive you western union. You are the worst!
Reviewed April 3, 2022
This was the worst experience I had for money transfer. The website said 0-3 business days even with the bank transfer and it took 6 business days, the staff was not helpful and suggested no options to support me. Plus when my dad went to pick the money, they wouldn't accept his government sponsored Driver's license. I will not be using this service again.
Reviewed April 2, 2022
I had a problem sending money and called customer service two times. People from customer service sent me two times to "robot" answering phones. it was very hard to hear, the agent's voice was interrupted all the time. Western Union Customer Service absolutely useless. I tried different solutions and solved this problem myself.
Reviewed March 25, 2022
I purchased three money orders in the amounts of 300, 300 and 205. Ultimately the m.o. did not make it to their destination, I'm assuming due to our postal service. Nevertheless, Western Union was able to issue refund checks for each m.o. for a fee of 15.00 each. Once I received the checks I was unable to deposit them into my bank account because they would not accept that "type of check". I then went to three different check cashing agencies in my area and was unable to cash them because they are apparently "starter checks". This is when my nightmare really began. Long story short, all western union could do was reissue the same check that no one will cash. I was hung up on literally eight times. I asked for a supervisor on four separate times and was placed on indefinite holds. On my last call I was placed on hold until customer service closed. Called the next day (3/25/22) and got the same "reissue check" script. NEVER AGAIN.
Reviewed March 18, 2022
This isn't the only time I've had problems with these guys. I accidentally sent money to a scammer and now I can't even send money to my wife because I need an "evaluation". Such discrimination but these pukes will let's scammers use it all day long
Reviewed March 16, 2022
It's a rip off. They give rip off exchange rates. Like now March 16/2022, in the market USD to CAD is 1.27. They are giving 1.18 only. They are ripping almost 10% of the money. I do not advise any body to use them. I will advise my people never to use their service.
Reviewed March 10, 2022
The worst service what ever had. Sent money to help people in Ukraine. Tried 2 times but they never got it. Tried to call service for the 3 days, was told that somebody from the head office will contact me within 48 hours but nobody even bother to do this. Called again, was on a phone for 2 hours, they transferred me to 6 different agents, and nobody was able to help. Everything what I heard - I am so sorry!!! I did not get an answer why transaction was cancelled, I could not to take my money back!! If you don't want to go through a huge stress, avoid this service at any cost!
Reviewed March 1, 2022
Trying to send money to my wife but this useless WesternUnion doesn’t allow me to send, asking 100s of questions and ID etc but still not trusting use this service for past 10 years. Every time I try to send they have given me hard time. No more WesternUnion
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2022
It was a bit of a hassle sending money through the app. They didn't receive the money right away like it was supposed to. The agent cannot help you over the phone which I believe was from the call center in the Philippines and the supervisor I spoke with was rude and not customer friendly. I hope they do better next time. I’ve never had a problem with Remitly online and would recommend it to anyone.
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2022
If your transfer goes through, the service is fine. If not, watch out as you will be plunged into a customer service nightmare. The initial interaction will be with a representative who seems intent on spending the least amount of time with you and will not listen to your actual problem. If it involves a transfer from the US to another country, they are even worse, "we only work on US" they will answer and will not give you any answer how to get the help you need. Or they may say your transfer cannot go through because of "corporate policy." Can I ask what that means? It means it is the company policy they will answer. But what was it about the transfer you ask? They will answer, "it is corporate policy."
If you push they will give you a case number and maybe an email to send information to. Then that comes back with "it is corporate policy" and if you need more information, "please get in touch with our customer service." It seems their customer service experience is intended to serve as a taste of what being condemned to purgatory or h*ll might be like. Suggestion - avoid Western Union when possible. I have switched to MoneyGram for the transfers I can and it has been much better.
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2022
I attempted to transfer money to a friend in need who is in a different state. Everything seemed fine until she attempted to pick up the money. The store told her to download an app and create an account which she did. Then she proceeded to get an error code. I called customer service three times and each time they said everything was fine even though it obviously was not. I then had to contact them two times by chat with no additional help in solving the issue. After trying for two days to go and pick up and being denied the money, I cancelled it and am waiting for a refund. The only advice the customer service offered was to go to a different location which my friend did. Then customer service said it was because she was in a different state. But there was nothing in the print saying the different state would be an issue.
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2022
Bad. Not recommended for anyone. Fat-bellies just do a little. Stunned they have little houses and cars. I DO NOT RECOMMEND TO TRY IT. There are new apps like Wise, Ria, and many others are cheaper in 100% new.
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2022
12Jan2022: BEWARE.... I visited 7 dealers more than 11 times and was not paid because Western Union software has been down in past 2 weeks. I contacted WU customer service 4 times now. They refuse to acknowledge the issue and have no resolution for me, although charged me $58 fees for the money transfer! Will file formal complaint with local Ombudsman but want to warn the general public.
Reviewed Jan. 10, 2022
I sent money to Ukraine a couple of times before via WU. Tried yesterday and for some reason, my transaction was canceled. When I called customer service they couldn't find the reasons why it was canceled. WU has very high fees and the exchange rate is terrible. I only was using it because I thought maybe it's more reliable.
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2022
I was receiving money from my mom but when I tried to get the money Western Union put it on hold to prevent fraud and after asking her many questions they send her a text saying they were putting the money on hold for 5 days. The manager at the store commented that they were having many problems with Western Union. The money that I was receiving was very important for me. When people send money thru Western Union and pay the high fee it's usually because people need the money fast and many times its an emergency. It's great that Western Union wants to prevent fraud by stopping payments that are suspicious of fraud, but by putting the payment in hold for 5 days even when they asked 15 min of questions they are failing to do their job, what if I had an emergency?
Western Union doesn't have a clear policy of when to stop payments their website just says they need to verify the sender's identity but the questions they were asking were intrusive and the decision to keep the payment on hold was made by someone based on his or her own assumption that the money transfer was a scam. I felt like we were being punished for something we didn't do and they basically said they thought my mom had lied to them in order to protect the would be scammers? It's ridiculous and who's going to use a 5 day money transfer anyway? Why Western Union didn't give us a warning? Why they took the money, gave us a code and later cancel the transaction?
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2022
Yesterday I transferred money internationally yesterday to be received in minutes like I've normally done but for some reason they reversed the money and cancelled my transaction. When I asked them what happened they claimed my bank declined which I knew was a lie. But when I called my bank they said WU reversed the money for. Whatever reason and then I called them back and they finally admitted their system had a technical issue so they asked me to try making the transfer again later which I did and after it went through I received another email from them stating the money will be received in two days which was crazy and unheard of since I selected the minutes transfer transaction to M-Pesa.
I just spoke to their supervisor Chris who tried to tell me it's the receiver's fault. That the receiver's bank is delaying which again is a lie. This is not the first time I am sending money in minutes but it's the first time Western Union has treated me like am an idiot and like I don't understand ** when I see it. This company I think wants to now sit on our money because it is going broke so it's making its Loyal customers suffer. Please look for other means to send your money because western Union is dying a slow death.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2021
I was in one the Western Union store in Toronto (7053 Yonge St.) to send the money to out of country. one the staff explained to me everything about the app and also helped me to download the app on my phone to send a money with lower fee when you use the app. She was very friendly and helpful and I strongly recommend to everybody to go to same store to use their services.
Reviewed Dec. 24, 2021
I had used this company for transfers recently and although had some issues was able to use the service. Just recently I tried to send a small $100 transfer and was denied. I called and after being on hold for an eternity I got someone with a thick accent that was very hard to understand that started to ask me several very personal questions. I told them it was none of their business and they promptly told me my transfer is denied. I tried again later to make the transaction, this time being more cooperative with their outlandish and discriminatory questions and was again denied. I ask why, they cannot tell me. I ask what are your policies and they said they cannot tell me. I asked for their supervisor, and the supervisor said I was denied and can't give me any additional information. I emailed their corporate complaint department and got the same run around with no explanation and that I was denied.
These people charge a considerable fee for their service, which is understood they can't do it for free, but then they gouge you on the exchange rate like a typical Shylock, so they are double dipping on their profits. I will never, ever use Western Union again. Stay away and use the many other companies that can transfer your money for you. They are age and race discriminating transactions.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2021
I sent someone just $100 overseas for a donation. Western Union started asking many questions about the transaction, numerous chat messages and phone calls (all went to offshore call center) and they can't help at all. This is dreadful. I think, everyone should avoid this company. They promise transfer in minutes then stuck for days without any resolution. Going to escalate this issue with state attorney general.
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2021
I sent money to my sister and somehow they refused to deliver it, (annoyed I was). I was refunded. In an attempt to still send the funds for my sister I sent the money to my nephew, again they refused to deliver, and they advised me of a refund. My biggest issue is the attitude of the rep on the call line. They need training and empathy to deal with the public. Western Union advertises a remittance service, and they failed to deliver for me and then the employee they hired had the gall to be not only rude but abrasive. I am without a doubt extremely disappointed and will work on avoiding their company moving forward.
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2021
I tried numerous times to make a transfer to the Philippines to an individual that was related to my fiance and was declined because of fraud in the area. It's like they were accusing me of being fraudulent with all the security measures in place in today's world. I think that they're unprepared to do business in this world economy.
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2021
I've been using WU for sending money to my families in Asia. I never had any issues before, until recently I can no longer send money. I started a small home-based business while we are in the middle of pandemic, and I am using WU to pay my supplier. Western Union doesn't allow me to send money anymore, they requested me to provide information about my past transactions with them. Also requested me to fill out the form of a questionnaire, and even requested for my proof of income, IDs, business permit and other documents. I answered all the questions truthfully and submitted all the required information. I waited a week for their response and unfortunately, they told me that I can no longer send or receive money using WU. They don't have any consideration, as if I am doing something bad or laundering money.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2021
I sent funds through Western Union a couple of days ago. The recipient went to retrieve the funds, and, surprisingly, she was not able to get the money because she did not have proof of COVID vaccination. She informed me immediately. I wanted to get a refund from WU. For the last two days, after calling Western Union about 8 times and getting different addresses where I could get the refund, I have not been able to get the money back $568.00 (US). They sent me to different locations. However, they either did not have the money or the person that could give the refund was not available.
After so many phone calls and contacting 3 supervisors, Western Union told me they could send me a check by regular mail or I could give them my bank information so they could deposit the money in my personal account. The money would be available in about 2 business days. I cannot trust any Western Union process, why would I trust a long distance teller with my bank information when Western Union is holding Funds from me for that long? They have the ability to withdraw from your account in minutes, but they hold refunds for days.
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2021
First experience with Western Union. Signed up for an account. Then I made an 2 online transfers on Monday. Today is Friday. I have in total contacted them 5 times. Just 5 hours ago they said it’s ready to collect which was second time I was told this. Just now on the phone I’ve been told the transfer has been put on hold. That western union would like to see my bank statements and have attempted to email me??!! I’ve received multiple emails in regards to verifying my ID confirming my id has been verified. Customer service emails that I’ve been writing back and forth to but no one contacting me to say we require additional information.
Usually I would think people using western union. The amount transferred isn’t a small amount. Instead of emailing pick up the damn phone and reach out to the customer. Not only been given the wrong information the last few days but delayed the process and now the transactions cancelled by the compliance team costing me my admin fee for the transfer. This is probably how they make money. Scam people to pay the admin fee.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2021
If I could give 0 stars, I would! They lie to you about getting the "exact exchange rate" after you pay the transaction fee. But then they charged 25% on top of the fee....which is 16% over the actual exchange rate! When I questioned it they told me the exchange rate can change in 10min.... Turns out Western Union set their own exchange rates and change them frequently. I rang customer service and requested my family get the exact money they sent back. Western union said they could send the money back to them for another fee and another lot of currency exchange. I told them I wasn't informed about the changing exchange rate or that WU set their own exchange rate. WU they simply said "buyer beware". I told them I was lied to by the customer representative at the store.... They said I can't prove that.... Western union is a business that thrives of taking advantage of the despite....and they are very comfortable with that!!!
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2021
Everything completely correct on my side here in the US as the sender (acknowledged by their customer service representative on the 800 number) - Website represents that cash can be received in minutes even internationally - NOT TRUE. If the cash is NOT available for the receiver to pick up then technically the transfer did not go through in minutes. Researched carefully where my friend in Puerto Vallarta Mexico could go to pick up the money I needed to send him. Website list dozens of places as Western Union "Agents". Friend went to 4 different locations that would not give him the money and could not give him a reason why.
I finally called Western Union to find out if there was a legitimate Western Union location in Puerto Vallarta. I was given the phone number 01 800 719 8911 for MEXICO WESTERN UNION CUSTOMER SERVICE and was told to give it to the receiver. My friend proceeded to call the number and was told that the problem was that the locations he went did not have enough cash and to go to a large grocery/department store and he would be able to get his cash. NOT TRUE - THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THEY WOULD NOT GIVE HIM THE CASH. He called the 800 number back and was told that I, the sender, needed to call them. I called the number twice and both times was offered a free promotion for a medical alert system! THEY REFUSED TO PUT ME THROUGH TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE.
So I call the US 800 number - a complete and total waste of time since this was an "international" transaction - absolutely no help. Offered to cancel the transaction and refund my money - HOWEVER THEY INFORMED ME IT WOULD TAKE 7 DAYS! Keep in mind that they instantly debited my checking account via my debit card. Keep in mind that I still have a friend in Mexico in need of cash!! Total misrepresentation and false advertising.
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2021
Very terrible experiences lately in the name of protecting fraud as they claim. WU is being very unintelligent and unreasonable. Been subjected to some humiliating interrogations after sending monies to family members I have sent money to over a decade. They leave you feeling like a criminal or terrorist. Asking some very personal questions and ridiculous questions repetitively and in different ways. All this trouble for sending even a small amount like $60? After sending money to my sick uncle for his medications they ask me why I didn't send it to my mother instead, really?? I am going to Worldremit and thanks to cryptocurrency growing I won't need this garbage company anymore and enjoy much lower remittance fees and no drama.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2021
I have used Western Union for the past 10 years to remit to family, however, the past 2 years dealing western has been a nightmare. This year is was a struggle to get my transaction history for taxes (it took me 3 months go back and forth with western union). This week on Oct 4 I sent money for my son's school fees only to find out western union has cancelled the transaction without notifying me. On Oct 6 I sent the money again via western union only to be told by my relative this morning the transaction did not exist and when I checked my western union account, the transaction had been cancelled yet again (with no notice).
I called the western office only to be told my transactions were cancelled due to financial regulations that no one reached out to be about. Mind you I sent $185 the first time and $450 second time. As it stands, western is holding my $625 hostage even after cancelling the transactions and I have been told it will take up to 7 days to have the money back. Regulations are there for a reason and if you need to enforce them that is fine, however, you owe your customers a responsibility of keeping them informed. This is insane western team, you ought to do better than this. Please refund my $, I need it for my son's school fees.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2021
I have used this service in the past and it was no trouble if I have to transfer any money anytime soon. I would go back with this service. Western Union is the only money transfer I ever use because it is so easy and it takes very little paper work.

Reviewed Sept. 22, 2021
Their rates keep going up making it costly to transfer larger amounts. I had a problem on line and called customer service just to be told I had to go to a physical location. The first place couldn’t figure it out so I had to go to another store. I have quit using them.
Reviewed Sept. 13, 2021
Western Union blocked me after asking me where I was sending my money. I sent it to my son's aunt in Spain to give to him and after a few questions, customer service determined this was a scam! I asked to be reconsidered. Western Union sent me a questionnaire asking my income and paystubs! Really???? I am a customer! You are not doing me a favor. I pay for this service!!!. Outrageous.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2021
Fortunately I was able to keep one of my money orders from my rent and let’s just say it might just be a wasted $500. I can’t believe the roller coaster I have been put on. No one cashes them not even the merchant I got it from. Walmart and Wells Fargo says it’s deposit only. I’m highly disappointed and I understand the fraud guidelines and precautions but this is really disheartening. And no I don’t have a bank. It’s prepaid.
Reviewed Sept. 4, 2021
I'd ask everybody not to send money by WU. Even for a small amount of money, they ask you so much private information! It's like taking off the underwear and showing naked body to a stranger organization like WU. We never give copy of passport and lots of the other different information as they requested online. The whole process takes so much time and finally, you will be rejected for 'security purposes'. Shameful organization. I thought I just click the button and my money goes to my niece in Asia. So, WU does not give a green light to those countries. Shameful organization. It lives in the stone age with its technology. I am not doing laundering money. I am an ordinary citizen living on a paycheck. I spend so much time with the transfer and eventually for NO REASON I was rejected!
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2021
If I could use a horse and pay that person in cash It would take less time. They literally add nothing new to the market. I would avoid them at all costs. Their customer support is rude and incompetent. They should be out of business.
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2021
To get Historical Transaction data for WU, I need to wait 21 days and need to lodge case either manually or through Customer service team. Am I living in 2021 or 1990s. Most importantly I lodged one case (forgot the case number) last month over phone but have not got any feedback yet. I lodged again (**). Redeem rewards point is a kind of joke. The redeem option and link does not work. Need to lodge case either manually or through Customer service team. I was trying to redeem 100 points to get 25AUD card but it was not working. I called customer service yesterday and got reply today. The redeem option is now working for 1 time. But the redemption link which has been sent to my email is not working. It is a kind of joke that I am experiencing from WU. Seems like they do not care about customer. They just care about Money. WU does not care about customer.

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021
I sent a Western Union money order to Dept of Education in Virginia for a transcript. They couldn’t find it so they sent the money order back. I took it to Food Lion where I purchased it. I was told to take it to my bank and they tried cashing it twice. I incurred two $20 return fees. The bank refunded one of them. I called WU and was told to send original money order which I do not have because bank sent me back a photocopy of the money order. Original is gone. Western Union should be able to trace their money orders and issue a refund. They want you to fill out paperwork and send it. After a 30 day review they will send you a letter. Thank God I’m only out $10.00. Post Office money orders are always best. They stand by their products. CAVEAT EMPTOR - BUYER BEWARE. Steer clear of Western Union Money Orders.
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021
The exchange rate are incorrect in the mobile app. Make sure the exchange rate when they receive it is correct and they are not stealing extra money that’s why you pay a transaction fee and the under paying the exchange rate.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2021
I’ve been sending money to my family for the past few years thru Western Union with no issues. It was easy, simple, reliable and convenient. However, the past few months have been horrible. It kept cancelling and holding my transfers. I had to be on hold to speak to a customer service who is all the way in India and not to mention the refunds take up to 7 business days.
I was told by one of the agents that it was due to an increase frauds regarding money transfer and I completely understand that they are trying to be safe by asking me various questions. But one of the questions they were asking me was “how’s your uncle going to spend the money you are sending him”? WHAT?! I don’t know how my uncle is going to spend the money that I’m gonna send him. He can do whatever the heck he wants with the money. I don’t care. Because my answer wasn’t sufficient they canceled my transfer. Anyhow, I’ll be downloading MoneyGram app to send any of my future transfers. If anyone else is having the same issue with WU, get MoneyGram because it’s so much easier and cheaper than WU to send money.
Reviewed July 30, 2021
They are happy to receive your money. But they always find an excuse to stop the payment to the receiver. Find another TRUSTED company spokesman vs this scammers. They retained my money for 3 weeks then I call them, they always think with and excuse will resolve the problem. Finally they gave me a tracking number to go and get a refund. Scammers. Do you know if they retained millions of dollars from people money’s (how much interest the bank will pay them in one month?).
Reviewed July 28, 2021
Worst website. Once you go to another tab the system logs you out. I am trying to pick up cash online and it does not work. They said go into a location. What a waste of time...what is the point of online service. Hire a webmaster already!
Reviewed July 25, 2021
There are far better money sending services that I would prefer to use than WU. So it started with me sending $2.5k dollars to India in mid June 2021. I went for in store transfer in Fred Meyer as the website was not allowing me to schedule an amount of $2.5k online. For some reason, they said that they could not allow so much for cash pick up and told me that I would get a refund and it would take around 14 days to issue.
After 14 days I called them as I could not see the refund, and they told me that they had not acknowledged the transfer, so my bank would have to issue a refund. So I called my bank and they told me to file a dispute and they will investigate it. I did that and after one month, the bank came back and told me that they could not issue me the credit as I had my money already debited.
So I contacted WU again and they told me that the money was ready for the receiver to pick up. And I told them that I had already sent the receiver through some other means and immediately requested to issue me a refund. Since the money was not picked up by the receiver (which is so dangerous, as if the money would have already been picked, I would have lost all the money), they issued me a refund and gave me a new MTCN number which I can take to the store and collect the money. THIS IS SO HORRIBLE, that after assuring me a refund they still went ahead and processed my original request and made money available to the receiver but the story doesn't end here
So I went to the store with my new MTCN number and they told me that they cannot give cash to the tune of $2.5k. So I went to another WU store and they told me the same thing. Then I called the customer service again and the person called Kabir, spoke very rudely with me but still managed to give me the new store address which would be able to process my request. Then I went to that store and they gave me the same reply that they could not arrange for so much money.
Luckily it was a Safeway location and they had the money, so the nice lady did told that they can honor my request. But guess what, when she tried to take the money, WU website showed that I was being serviced at some other terminal. Now this is because the previous 2 stores that I inquired, some idiot WU employee there forgot to log me out and it was another 20 minutes call with their customer service. The safeway store employees then called the WU office from their store and they managed to shut the other location access and give me the refund finally!
To see my own money, I had to go through so many loops which is unacceptable. The entire way in which they run their business is SHADY at best and there are so many loopholes where the customer can easily lose their money. If the money would have been picked up by the receiver (whom I had already sent them money before through other means because WU initially told me they could not honor the request) had picked up the money, I would have lost it. If the store employee would have hit the serviced button, I would have lost it. There are just too many loopholes in their process and I advice everyone not to use WU as you could easily lose your money. At best BEWARE!!
Reviewed July 9, 2021
I typed in the WhatsApp phone number for my friend and WU says it was received, but it is not. The chat feature timed me out as I was typing. The other rep said my friend should check his browser and clear cookies. What?!? Horrible customer service as they didn't read my chat messages, repeated the same things and overall, just didn't care. I got a refund, good thing I did it on my credit card, or who knows what would have happened. My friend lives in a third world country and needed this money to feed his family. The rep responded by saying, "Sometimes these things happen."
Reviewed June 23, 2021
I usually use money gram for money transfers and have never had a problem. But yesterday I tried Western Union. They took my money but declined to transfer my transaction. I spent 40 minutes on the phone trying to find out why. I was never given an answer. I will never use western union. I would recommend to others to never use western union. I went today and sent my money via money gram and the transaction and money transfer was complete in 5 minutes. Lesson learned for me. NEVER use WESTERN UNION. In all fairness I was refunded my money but never given a proper explanation as to why they would not make my money transfer. Don't know how they are staying in business.
Reviewed June 19, 2021
Western Union canceled my money transfer and will not give me a reason. My refund will take up to 7 business days. So I can't resend and my recipient is without the money that was urgently needed. I will never do business with Western Union again.
Reviewed June 17, 2021
I live in CA and have friends from Nigeria and Ghana, those I used to visit before Covid-19 and those on the Continent. Covid-19 really negatively impacted my friends but I seemed to have really benefited financially from it and wanted to start sending money while helping my friends here as well. Friends here suggested Western Union. My first couple of transactions were bumpy but ok, then they took my money. I finally called since my friend didn't receive and they asked me lots of questions and accused me of scamming. Then they canceled my transfer and told me I would get my money back in my account in about 7 business days.
I told them what I am here to say, I have had enough of RACIST companies like this. I have a Masters degree and all my friends are here in school or have degrees and so are the people I was trying to help. The amounts I sent were well below policy and no other WU policies were broken. DON'T USE WU Services. Corrupt companies like this will soon go bankrupt, go out of business. WU will collapse and END. It is time for them to END so don't do business with them to speed their END along.
Reviewed June 3, 2021
I sent money using WU app to Russia. There is an option to transfer money straight to the bank account. I paid an extra fee so my receiver will have funds the next day. Transfer was done on 05.16.21, and today is 06.03.21. It's been 17 days and funds were never received. Called customer service on 05.18.21, they asked to allow 48 hours. Called again on 05.25.21, they opened an investigation case. Called 06.03.21, they did nothing and asked me to contact my receiver, so he will send them his bank statement. I don't know why they kept me waiting, why they opened the case if there was NOTHING done. Absolutely nothing. They just kept my money for two weeks, and still don't want to make a refund. I don't if it's the other way of making money for WU. It's frustrating to keep calling my receiver and keep calling WU customer service. With no luck for 17 days.

Reviewed May 20, 2021
I transferred funds and the incorrect person picked up the funds and Western Union solution was for me to contact the local authorities! It was my understanding that folks need to provide ID when picking up funds but Western Union would not answer any questions regarding why the funds went to the incorrect person? Their customer service is the worst and the most irritating portion was they made no attempt to resolve the issue!
Reviewed May 14, 2021
Transfer was cancelled without any notification. Went to pick up money only to find out it's not there. No reason for why it was cancelled. Money has not been refunded to my account. No one is helping me resolve this. I am just keep being told by bank call Western Union and western union keeps telling me to call my bank! It very frustrating and not getting any answers.
Reviewed May 14, 2021
I will never use Western Union again, they totally decimated both ends of the transaction. They were so interested in protecting me that they totally ransacked the transaction. I gave them the transaction number, but they not only wanted to know who I was, but insisted on information from me that I had no intention of sharing. Finally, I gave in and I had to provide them with not only my name, address, phone, email, but also my social security number, driver's license number, who I was sending money to and why was I sending it, what state was I in, and what state was I sending money to. They wouldn't explain to me why they had put a hold on the transaction in the first place and then they wanted to know why I wanted to know.
Then they asked, "how did I know it was my daughter I was sending $ to; what was her phone number, did I recognize her voice, and how much was the financial transaction for." They just kept telling me they were protecting me and my money. "From whom," I asked, "from my daughter?" They wouldn't explain to me why they had put a hold on the transaction in the first place and when I asked to speak to a supervisor they wanted to know why. When I said, "It's none of your business," they told me a supervisor would have to call me. I haven't heard from them and I will never use Western Union again. I'm all for protecting the elderly, but are we all suspect of being demented, unable to handle our own financial affairs, of of even being capable of knowing if we know who we are talking to when we are talking to our own children on the phone.
Reviewed March 23, 2021
Recently, I transferred money to a recipient in Brazil. Western Union sent me a receipt with the exact dollar amount my parents were supposed to receive. Two weeks later, my parents received about $150 less than the amount shown on my receipt. After numerous attempts to call, email, send information to western union, they simply ignore my request. Many excuses were given to me, like taxes were taken out, different money conversion rates were used, errors in paperwork. However, no real attempt to understand what happened was made. To this day, I lost $150 and have no idea if I will ever get it back, needless to say, be careful with western union.
Reviewed March 22, 2021
Money was sent to me to help with my dad's funeral expenses and my mom's hospitalization due to Covid. They have the funds for days and no one reached out to me. Finally called them to follow up and they have the funds and even though I have a copy of the receipts from my uncle and it was sent to me, they will not speak to me without authorization from the sender. Money was sent to my name. Don't trust them.
Reviewed March 17, 2021
This is by far the worst means of sending transactions. I have had success with Boxypay, Remitly, and World Remit. Today, I was interrogated three times by some incompetent customer service staff who kept me on hold and posed ignorant questions like, "how can we be sure your recipient will use the money as you intend, can you tell me what the nature of the medical condition you are sending money for is?" I am aware that international transfers are subject to scrutiny to avoid fraud, but to be candid, frustrating people with bottlenecks that others are safely forestalling through multi-step confirmations is by far the lowest of Western Union.
I proceeded to ask the lady if the same discriminatory compliance procedures against sending money to Nigeria were ubiquitous. She stayed mute. Fortunately, I was able to make hitch-free transactions via Remitly. Save yourself the hassle, take your money elsewhere. Western Union will deduct money from your account, issue you a receipt and then place your transaction on some fictitious "hold". Don't waste your time and hard-earned money. I insisted I was done, asked them to close out my account, which had prior records of international transfers. I asked to REMAIN on the line until the money they withdrew was FULLY refunded to me. Until Western Union eliminates its discriminatory practices, I will be conducting business elsewhere.
Reviewed March 5, 2021
Brazilian living in the US and sending Money through Western Union, be aware. I just got the full report of my last online transaction which you have to request. I saw that the Western Union exchange rate for the total dollar amount I sent was at 4.9 Brazilian Real to a dollar, different from the one that they had estimated, 5.28 Brazilian Real to a dollar. However, the exchange rate was averaging 5.46 on Feb 13, 2021, the date the transaction was completed. I was okay with the 5.28 Brazilian Real but very upset that they went down even more and it was not clear at first in their estimate. They never gave me an estimate of 4.9 Brazilian Real to a dollar.
They have a disclaimer that the receiver may receive less due to the receiver's country's government taxes and local banks rule but it does not say Western Union will exchange at a lower rate than they had estimated after the transaction is completed. Very deceiving. The worse is that the money gets exchange again in Brazil, the local Bank again exchanged the Money once again even at a lower rate, 3.7 Brazilian Real to a dollar which does not make any sense. Big loss for me and they are also losing a long-standing customer!
Reviewed March 3, 2021
Western Union is the worst, most unreliable money transfer service I have ever used. They will hold your transactions for months without any reason. Avoid this service at all cost! It's not worth the hassle.
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2021
I was denied a transfer of funds due to fraudulent activity in the area I wanted to send money to. I understand that fraud happens but it's MY money to send where I WANT to. It would be my loss not anyone else's. They also took my money out of my account and send an email stating the money was available to the receiver. Then they made me call for a review. Denied my transfer and I won't get my money back for 7 days. I won't be recommending Western Union to anyone.
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2021
I tried to make a transfer on 01/31, the amount was deducted from my (sender's) bank account within 30 minutes, however, the receiver did not receive the amount as of today 02/22/21. As of today, I have called WU customer care 3 times (average 40 min call time). I was told that yes the dispute case has been filed, and that, "You will receive your money within 24 hours." I have been hearing this assurance for about a week now, still NO REFUND. FAKE ASSURANCES ARE GIVEN. NO VALUE FOR CUSTOMER'S TIME AND MONEY.
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2021
STOP USING WESTERN UNION. THEY ARE A RIPOFF. Sent $1000 express to Brazil on Feb 8, 2021. The exchange rate that day was between the low of 5.31 and high of 5.36 reais to the dollar. Western Union showed the exchange rate that they were paying to be 5.28 reais per dollar. When the money hit the account they only paid 4.95 reais per dollar. What a ripoff. I called to question this and they opened up a case #** and told me they would tell me their findings in 24 to 48 hrs.
Called back 3 days later and they told me that they did not have the amount that was received and needed it to investigate. I had provided that the first time I called. Now they told me would take another 24 to 48 hrs. Called again today (2 days later) and got the song and dance that there was a Brazilian govt tax and that the exchange rate that day was 4.95 reais. I ended up losing the $2.99 fee plus $62 with the lowball exchange rate. I strongly recommend not to use Western Union.
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2021
I bought a money order and sent it as a gift. It was misplaced during the holiday season. This was 12/12/20. The business that sold it to me cancelled it so that the wrong person did not cash it. I started a claim to retrieve my $$$. I was told that it had been cashed. Lie. Eventually the money order was found and returned to me. I was told not to send the $15 processing fee to begin the process to retrieve my funds. Held up AGAIN. I have sent the $15 processing fee. They said if the money order was NOT cashed again to check back on February 24, 2021. This will soon be 3 months of red tape. Never again. You can go to your local post office and keep your receipt and after 30 days, they refund your money if you have a problem with a money order.
Reviewed Jan. 31, 2021
Even selecting one star for them is too bad.. They are filled with fraud people. Me and my husband are trying to track a transaction with these guys from past 6 months now but there is no action from their side. They have fraud department just for the sake of it which is of no use. So we saw an email that a transaction happened from our account which we didn't do, so we called them and told about it, all they said, "It's not paid off yet but it's locked and we cannot see this so please call us next day," we called them next day and they said, "You are too late to call and we cannot do anything, other than reporting it to our fraud department." So this fraud department came to picture where all the illiterate people are sitting and doing nothing. So they said, "Ok let us report the case and you contact your local sheriff." That it, nothing else.
Now we asked question since the id address itself is not matching how this transaction happened, so this guy from fraud department said, "We don't match address or didnt need any id. All we need is name." :P So any one can go and use some random name and collect the money. So guys let's go and get the money from this bank.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2021
When doing a bank transfer they are now not only asking question to identify you and the receiver but are asking what the money is being used for. This isn't ok. None of Western Union's business and if you don't answer it they cancel/refund the transaction. Customer service or complaints don't do anything. They literally say their is nothing they can do.... Could you imagine your bank asking you what you were using it for and being able to deny you your funds? This is outrageous!
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2020
On March 2020, I went to Western Union inside the store to pay my property taxes as required by my bank. Let it be known that I sent just under $1k for my taxes. Unfortunately it was sent to the wrong address/bank by the person handling my transaction. The following day I contacted western union and since then I have been calling every week requesting for my money. They utilize the same phone verbiage of either, “it has been escalated and a representative will call you within 24-72 hours.” Or “A check has been sent and will take 30 days to receive.” If a check has been sent then why are they still making me wait 24-72 hours to find out what the status is? This is pathetic and ridiculous.
It has been 9 months that I have been waiting for my reimbursement. I just called and again same verbiage, "You called two days ago. Give it another day two.” It’s the same every week. Why is it so hard for the company to reimburse me my money when I have provided the tracking number, case number and check number they sent to the wrong bank. They should be reimbursing me with interest for taking this long.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2020
Western Union takes my money gladly, but treats me like I need them and not like I am a customer. They say money is ready for pickup and then when you arrive it is magically now on hold. Call their customer service to confirm both parties are involved in the transfer and it is my money. Customer service treats you like a fraud suspect and not like a customer. They want to know exactly what you are using your money for. Are they giving me a loan?! It was my money to begin with! Customer service is very rude and will put you on hold if you don't answer your entire life story. They will tell you they can refund your money if you don't like it, but doesn't that mean you know who I am? So am I not verified providing you will all my information? Will never use again.
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2020
I was to receive $200 sent on November 13, 2020. Today is December 8, and I still haven't been able to retrieve the funds. I've gone to 4 different locations on at least 3 occasions to collect the funds. Each time I am told, I could not receive funds only send funds. I chat with a representative with the online help link, but they are unable to resolve the issue. Representative told me I must call the customer service number. I called customer service and spoke with a representative for 13 minutes.
The rep should have done an electronic transfer to my account, but he had to speak with management. He asked me to hold on for a moment, but he disconnected the line. On a 4th attempt to collect the money at a store, I put in the requested information at a kiosk only to receive a message stating the sender's information is incorrect. While in the store, I confirmed with the sender that her name is correct. I clicked the chat link to be told, the sender must contact Western Union. This has been the worst experience ever to receive money from any transfer service.
Reviewed Dec. 2, 2020
Do NOT use Western Union in Mexico! A pigeon would have been faster and more reliable. Tried for 10 days and 5 different occasions to get my money and multiple locations refused to give me the funds. Western Union makes promises and their local offices refuse to honor them. Super frustrating waste of time and never got my money. Sender had to cancel the transfer and they still kept $15US.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2020
This review would be 0 stars if possible. Apparently WU recently instituted a new policy which constitutes harassment and intrusion into personal affairs. A money transfer to my family in China which was repeated over a year was suddenly rejected. I spent 2 hours getting to compliance dept. which finally told me they were just checking for possible fraud and there was no issue nor new info required. My money was tied up for 10+ days and they finally returned it. I had been assured by the first contact that I should not have this problem again.
The second time, after 4 days I saw the transfer had not gone through and I had to call. The rep started asking personal questions about how long I knew the transferee (my wife) and even how we contacted each other, when last seen etc. Utter arrogance! This despite the record of probably 20 transfers in their system. I finally gave up answering their personally intrusive questions and told them to cancel and return my money. This will be another 10 day wait for me to send my money (using Xoom) to my wife for family expenses.
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2020
Despite being a customer for many years and using Western Union to transfer money frequently to the same party, lately this service has begun freezing my transfers, keeping them in pending status for too many days.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2020
I called customer service to complete a transaction and I had the displeasure of working with Nick ** (if that even is his real name), reference # **. He was very unprofessional, useless and a disgrace for customer service. Because of people like him, I will not recommend the company to anyone.
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2020
I wanted to send $550 to my lady in Ghana. She is preparing to come for an extended visit here in the States. Ghana is a poor country and she is leaving her business partner to see me. They need a little cash. This is no scam. Western Union humiliated me and denied the transaction. They accused me of being part of a international money scam. Hey, I make $250,000 a year, if I want to send my girlfriend $550 it is none of their business. I will never do business with Western Union.
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2020
It's practically foolproof, safe, reliable and dependable, making sure it's delivered to the correct recipient. The recipient must have a valid and reliable ID or password. In between the transfer, if you feel uncomfortable, I want to change your mind. It's very easily to stop transaction.
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2020
Attempted a transfer online...they declined 3 forms of payment. When I did the transfer over the phone they accepted the payment but charged a higher fee. When I explained the issue I had online, they still charged the MUCH higher fee! I will never use this service again.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020
I was able to send money to my son in another state on a weekend when the banks were closed. He was able to pick up the funds within a couple of hours. I did feel that the cost was high, but when you factor in the cost of labor and security, I can understand the reason.
Reviewed Nov. 5, 2020
Worked well, unless the machine was broken. Which was more often than not. Always had to go to Walmart or Walgreens to send money. Other than that, everything was fine.
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2020
The worst money transfer experience in life. First of all, they charge you a huge amount of service fees. Then they won't transfer your money. They queue for an hour and a half on the waiting line and in the end they won't let you transfer any money. Completely pointless service provider. Not recommended to anyone!
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2020
Sending small-ish amounts regularly to Vietnam, I thought WU was safe and easy. It turns out not to be either. I was able to make debit card transfers and thought the speed was great. Then I tried a bank to bank transfer.... bad idea. The recipient bank refused the transfer for no reason. WU called me with "compliance" questions that were delivered with the friendly edge of a middle-eastern interrogator. Today, my WU account was hacked with 2 debit card transactions and one bank account fraudulent transaction. I was advised to close my WU account and continue the transaction by opening a new one with the same information. Sounded simple, but WU had blocked my debit card and refused other forms of funds. So, it seems as though WU isn't up to the task of secure services. Thank goodness we have options.

Reviewed Oct. 22, 2020
The agent that I talked to was impolite and don't know how to handle customer's concern. I was just asking about the progress of my money transfer as their website keeps on saying invalid tracking even though that is the one given to me from my transaction and that's why I called them. He keeps on interrupting me while I'm still talking and he wouldn't let me finish everything that I am saying. Fix your app so we don't have to deal with your ** customer reps!
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2020
I have been sending money to a federal prisoner (a relative) for nearly 1 1/2 yrs, same credit card. In early Oct. 2020, WU refused to transfer any more money that I send to this relative regardless of how I wish to send money, online or in person. I completed a special WU form and answered a number of questions that WU said it needed to verify I am who I say I am. Why all of the sudden? Even with all the info I sent WU, it still will not let me use online email and has even blocked me from sending cash in person at WU agents. Instead, try MoneyGram or better yet write your congressional representative and senators and let them know that most families struggle to send a few dollars a week to help their loved one's life a little better but paying outrageous rates for simple money transfers. Moreover, look at the rapacious charges for money transfers. About 10% or greater just to electronically transmit funds. Don't use WU.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2020
WU stole my money. They took my transfer with the added fee of sending it via their "Money in Minutes" They asked me a bunch of dumb questions and said it was for reasons of fraud. When they finally released the money after being on hold with their customer service, they refused to give me back the extra fee for sending it via their "Money in Minutes". They also informed me that this is their policy and their right, and they can do whatever they want. After reading all the negative reviews I'll never use this company ever again. I hope they go bankrupt.
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2020
This company has the worst service. Called five times to talk to a supervisor. All five time the Representative hung up on me. I'll never send money again with this Company. Again they are not helpful at all to issues. Really need customer service training.
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2020
As before I sent money to my family in law in DRC. This time however, the transfer was blocked for "safety and fraud" reasons. After answering several questions and pointing to the fact that this was customary for the last decade, several times a year, I got a call back the transfer was canceled and a refund issued. Asked for the reason, it just seems there is no logic or consistency in the judging of a transfer, so WU is technically not trustworthy nor reliable for transfers. No wonder WU is getting routed out in Europe, as it acts typically the American way, not thinking critically or logically. We found a better and less expensive service in Europe that will do the job.

Reviewed Oct. 9, 2020
The money nannies at WU denied my $2,000 transfer to my fiance in Ukraine based on the fact they think we're committing fraud. I tried initially via the website which is what I've always done, and it denied the transaction (and no reason was given). I was forced to go to a bank, withdraw the money, then drive to the nearest WU location 30 miles away, because the locations WU lists on their websites are out-of-date/incorrect. Then when I found out my fiance could not get the money I had to call their customer service, where I spoke with some Hispanic woman with an irritating voice that kept saying she couldn't understand me. I had to answer 10 annoying questions about the purity of my motives in sending the money. Finally, after being on hold another 10 minutes, they denied the transaction.
They have no right to cancel transactions for valid members/senders and make anyone answer questions they have no right to ask, and it's not their place to save people from themselves. If you can't protect yourself from fraud and depend on others to do it for you, you deserve what you get. This isn't 1950, and Western Union isn't a division of the U.S. government, no matter how much they'd like to pretend to be. There are other, better services now to use, and with lower fees.
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2020
We have been using WU for at least a year now to pay rent. My landlord informed me in July that his wife misplaced the money order and if we could get a refund and try again. We went to their website, tracked down the process on how to start the refund process. They have two options, mail in a form with a money order $15 for processing or wait for the $15 to be taken out of the amount you need refunded.
The other refund process is filling out the form and emailing it in. So that is what we did. 7/20/20 is when we sent the first email. We called to see if they received it and told us to wait 5 days and call back. Waited 5 days called back and someone else said 8 business days. So we waited and waited and finally gave them a call back. Was told they hadn’t received it via email and we should send it again. Sent a second email 8/7 and a third 9/8. Still saying they haven’t received it. I called today and now it’s being escalated. This is simply unacceptable. I refuse to just let this go.
Reviewed Sept. 2, 2020
on July 16, 2020 I was trying to make a purchase online to get a laptop and camera. I was inform from the merchant to send the money to Western Union. I did and I never received my item so I can't get my money but after I explained that it's apparent that I was fraud out of my money. I call Western Union and explained everything to them and they told me that they will not refund my money even after I gave them all the information regarding what happened. My bank will not refund the money either because they said that Western Union must refund the money.
I have done business through Western Union before and never had any issues but the one time things didn't work out they act like they can't refund your money. How is it that when you send money the person on the other end receiving must show their ID so if there is a dispute Western Union should be able to contact the party to help the sender but unfortunately Western Union refused to do that so I'm now out if 1000 dollars. If a company cannot help or give you insurance that these things will not happen to you then don't do business with them.
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2020
I pay expedited fee and still almost 95% of my transitions are held for unlimited period of time despite me calling the customer service, sometime as long as couple of weeks. Money from my account is however taken immediately. WU should stop this hold off practice to enlarge their current reserves that most likely are invested somewhere to make profit. Also if a transaction is HELD then they should refund the extra fee they charge for "money in minutes" if WM corporate continues this fishy practice.
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2020
I've always used Western Union to sent money to the Philippines. When I sent it's always $ so when get the money it be dollars. Western union in Dumaguete Philippines when it's time for my sister to get the money they say they don't have dollars or they are out of it. What is this western union games playing about. I don't have issues like this before? I am hoping western union can explain this to their customers. I paid to send the money and western union in Philippines charged them to take the money.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2020
WU has no transparency. No practices to be honest with their customers. I tried to send money. It’s my 4th time and it’s just pure torture. They confirm money is ready to be picked up by recipient and then refuse to release because of “some limits“. I’m sure any financial organizations knows about “limits” but they just take money. Hold it for 2-3 weeks And then send a refund with no obvious explanation. Borrowing money without interest is good idea. I did another transfer and they decided to hold and refund it after hold back to my bank. I spent countless hours on the phone with customer service trying to get any answers. Useless. 10 people from different departments give different answers or refuse any answer at all. They discriminate against certain countries more than the others.
I tried to pay cash at the agent store and it’s also an issue and they wouldn’t release funds again. I again spent hours on the phone for any explanation and then hours to get refund. If WU doesn’t want some people to be their customers just be honest of not wanting hour business. WU Always treats people like they are fraud, participants in illegal activities or thieves.
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020
I went to transfer $250 in cash to a friend in Tanzania in financial hardship. My wife did it for $5. I downloaded Western Union’s app - $34.95 for the same debit card to cash transfer. I then went on the Internet directly, it showed the $5 amount. I went to send it $7 showed in the - “confirmation page.” Then it charged me $14.95. Boycott Western Union, find a legitimate company!
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2020
If you have an urgent need to send “money-in-minutes”, this is NOT the service to use. Emails to Customer service is useless because they can’t tell you what the hold up is. They want you to make a phone call to customer service. The last time I was on hold for 1 hour and 45 minutes then got cut off. Last few times it’s taken about 5-6 days. If I had a choice, I wouldn’t use WU.
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2020
We tried to send money to a company in Taiwan for products our company ordered through the online application. It asked for online credentials of our bank account - username, secret question answers, and password which were provided and the application never could verify the bank account only saying it failed. So we then entered the back account information manually as there was an opportunity to do that. Then we put in all of the details to send the money, the application took it, even provided a receipt.
The next day we checked to see if it went through and get a MTCN code for the receiver to get the money. We went through all of the applications online including trying to contact them for help to no avail. Finally just called their telephone number from Google information and after getting to a representative about the issue and explaining what was happening, the representative just hung up on me. So tried again to put in bank information to verify to no avail and then called my bank, US Bank who informed me they will not do international transfers online. Do you think Western Union could have provided that information on any of their online pages or by their representative either by chat (yes tried that too) or by telephone - NO! Terrible company, terrible customer service - recommend to never use them, they suck!
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2020
Do not use them! Do not use them! I repeat do not use this company! This is the second time in a row that they put my money on hold due to their security. The first time it took them 5 days to release the funds to my family. After so many days of waiting I called them to see why was it taking so long. The person that answer asked me if I have send a copy of my driver license. I explain I did not receive any email stating they needed it and his response was, "Well I am letting you know now." After that they transfer me to someone that would approve my transfer after 2 hours on hold they answer.
The guy apologize to me and promise this will never happen again because I went through this process already. Here I am and trusted them and now they have the money on hold and I am hold for someone to help. This company is horrible and their employees are rude. Do not use them. I tried to give them a second chance and this was my last time. They charge me a fee of 11 dollars for money to be available right away but it's a scam.
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2020
Imagine I’m a hardworking guy trying to support family overseas during Covid. WU blocked me for no reason at all. Shame on you WU. Is it because my family is African???? You know what I’m saying wright! Horrible.
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2020
I used Western Union for the first time to send a wire transfer across seas during an international crisis. My friend went to pick up the transfer and was told they did Not have enough money to give to them. Western Union sent me a notification that the receiver had received the funds in total which did not happen. I contacted WU and they told me an investigation could be started and that I would hear back from them that day. I never heard from them, so I contacted them the next day. I was told that no investigation had been started.
I spoke to “Joe” a supervisor that basically told me an investigation could be started again, but when I asked if I had any recourse regarding the money I sent them, he said it would take 21 DAYS and that I had no other choices... could not retract the transfer etc. The customer service I received was awful! My advice... NEVER USE WESTERN UNION UNLESS YOU LIKE TO LOSE YOUR MONEY!! My friends still sit waiting to receive money they desperately needed during a crisis! Western Union can NOT be trusted.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020
If I could I would give zero stars. Had a transaction from Europe to Canada. Western Union affiliates were not able to pay out the amount. Called Western Union and was for 45 min in a crazy automated questionnaire. Finally got someone on the phone and the so-called customer service was unable to help. We pay for service that is not existent. Absolute fraud and very disappointing. I will never again use Western Union, especially for bigger amounts. Even if they advertise to do up to 50k, it's a lie. Western Union is just a incapable wanna be.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020
On 08/10/2020 at 9:45 I have Western Union app, I sent $60 by today 08/12/2020 Western Union didn't send the money to my sister, they charge you a fee to send money in minutes, so a paid the fee, and after the transaction the system sent me an email saying that it will take up to 2 Hours reviewing my transactions, by today 48 hours later they still reviewing my transactions. I asked to cancel the transaction and they told me that I can not cancel it, and now it will take 96 hours because they are too busy.
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2020
I have used many money transfer services but Western Union is the worst I have ever used. Their claim to transfer money in minutes is false. It can take you more than a week to transfer money. The status of transaction is also wrong. It says, it will take 2 hours to process your transaction but it can last to many many days. You will regret once you used it. Never never never will use it again.
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020
Peace/blessings! I have a very serious problem with Western Union. Frequently I send money and frequently they put a HOLD, via security precautions. This hold takes sometimes days to remove. As of this writing a hold has been on my account for six days. I emailed the proper department, with no response. Why the frequent holds if I have a track record of constantly sending money... BOOO WU!
Reviewed July 28, 2020
I was a Western Union customer since 2018. They blocked me, and they asked me that I need to send specific information for validation of my information. I submitted my paystubs, bank statements, and my driver license. After I submitted all my personal documents, they blocked me anyway. They required to comply with industry legal and regulatory standards in the countries they do business, and they allege that I am not complying. I asked them what the reasons to blocked me; they answered that they couldn’t be disclosed since it is a private policy of them. They never give me a real reason for what I did wrong.
Reviewed July 27, 2020
I stopped using WU in 2017 when they started blocking individuals I was sending/receiving funds from. These were international transfers to/from Jamaica & suddenly they were either blocked or cancelled. A friend in Jamaica lost her job due to COVID & I sent $85 on 7/3/2020 anyway after explaining my reservations. She tried retrieving the funds 3 different times & each time was told the tracking # was inaccurate.
When I called WU they claimed there were "compliance and regulatory concerns" so the funds were blocked. It's been almost a month. I've talked to at least 7 reps & still waiting for the refund that was supposed to take an entire 7-10 business days. I'm on hold as I type this and it's been 2 hours & I'm getting the runaround even after talking to the supervisor in the "compliance" department. The initial rep directed me to my bank claiming the refund was issued but my bank hasn't released the funds but then telling me that my account is still in "investigation". Which one is it? Yes I called my bank & it was obvious that they would credit the account automatically if WU had indeed refunded it! I should've read the most recent consumer reviews before using WU. Be very wary as they're fraudulent & this is unacceptable!
Reviewed July 25, 2020
I have been a Western Union customer for the past four years and in the beginning, the process was very efficient. I was transferring money to another country and all I had to do was call WU through an agent location and then receive a temporary number and give it to the cashier. Three years in, the experience has gotten soooo poor. I had to call several times just to fix my name, my receiver's name, address, etc. EACH TIME I want to send a transfer. I felt like they do not listen at all over the phone and just want to hurry the process.
First of all, I use WU because one of their agent locations are nearby and since I was used to their process. Not to mention the agent location I go to has awful customer service, they refuse to work with WU to help me send my transfer through. Previously I've been having difficulties using their agent telephone machine and especially they kept misspelling my information and force me to wait about 10 minutes each time I call (LITERALLY).
Last night I thought maybe I could make my life easier by doing a transfer through their website. I took my time creating an account and using my information, blah blah blah. Thus the website said my transfer is almost complete and all I need to do is walk in and provide my phone number, easy peasy right? NOPE. When I walked in letting them know I already started the transfer process online, I was told to call them. So I did - WU representative held me on the phone for 15 minutes then hung up on me. Just so all of you guys know, WU charges more in person than if you start a process through their website. But even doing business with them you have to go through so many hurdles. Here's my recommendation to Western Union:
- Help your agent locations with issues like this, be available to help them because every time I have questions or try to let store representatives know why my experience was so horrible, they basically said it is out of their control. WU get your business together.
- Technology has advanced. Try improving with technology instead of relying on those telephone machines. Super outdated and personally has caused me more issues than it should have.
- If I use your website to process a transfer, I would expect it to work. Why bother having a website and creating an account if that doesn't make it easier for me? I ended having to call again to send a transfer and wait another 20 minutes. Seriously, make everyone's lives better by focusing on the online processes and making sure those processes are connected to the agent locations.
Reviewed July 25, 2020
Attempted to help my family in The Philippines over this COVID related period, when even having enough money for food was difficult. Prior to passing them all the details, they emailed me saying that they had reviewed all details. Pure lies, when they had nothing. Finally detailed every transaction, down to the specific use of the fund, only to have them suspend me from using their services into the future indefinitely. Utterly disgusting. This is what you get for trying to help your family. I would recommend if you need to send funds, don't use Western Union, look for an alternative. They are NOT a professional ethical company. If they were, they would not target private people trying to help those they love.
Reviewed July 22, 2020
Western Union can't even provide the proof of the recipient's signature to close my case and fraudsters my money as consumers. The Indonesia Western Union staff said by the company rules and policies stated if the receiver name is different Western Union won't release the money. Because it stated: No Last Name beside after his first name. He can't received the money from the Western Union because it stated: No Last Name beside after his first name.
The Indonesia Western Union staff kept lying to my younger brother as a receiver and Procrastinate our time saying the money still with Western Union hasn't been withdrawn yet from the date of 22 May until 13 July 2020 and the Indonesia Western Union staff stolen the money from the different location on the date of 22 May 2020.
Don't you think it's suspicious? The money was taken by Indonesia Western Union staff and the same Indonesia Western Union staff kept telling the recipient the money was still inside. Until the date of 13 July 2020. The Western Union company rules and policies stated after the receiver receives the money the receiver must sign the signature on the Western Union receipt. So please show me the proof & evidence of the receiver signature? Your Western Union is a scams companies and fraudsters consumer money.
What the hell in this world where got people with the last name call no last name? Western Union kept repeating giving us a complaint number for further investigation to Procrastinate our time without refunding my money. Western Union can't even provide the proof of the recipient's signature to close my case and fraudsters my money as consumers. Instead of protecting the customer right, but they chose to protect their staff that stolen my money.
Reviewed July 21, 2020
After you complete the money transfer and pay all the fees etc the agent tells that "all of a sudden" your transaction is suspended and you need to call the Company rep and explain why you are sending the money and who you are sending the money to... which is ridiculous enough. The problem is that this is the fourth time I'm calling the number provided by the agent. Every time I was on the line for at least 30 minutes and nobody answered my call. Here I am with 1434 dollars somewhere in limbo and nobody answering my call. I WILL NEVER EVER AGAIN use their services. Stay away from these crooks.
Reviewed July 20, 2020
I am so through with these people. I feel like they are such scammers. I will be finding another way to send my people money. This is such bull crap!!!

Reviewed July 17, 2020
We have been buying Western Union money orders for sometime now because we were always lead to believe it was safer than cash but boy did we find out differently!!!! My husband bought a money order from them, filled it out leaving no room for anything to be able to wrote on it other than what he already wrote, took it directly to our post office where it was stolen from in less than 24 hrs. The thief took it straight to a bank where it was allowed to be cashed. We talked to Western Union's executive representative who not only informed me that their money orders are the same as cash, she also informed me they knew the name of the bank but they refuse to give us that information until we pay their fee and fill out their forms to get that information and even then we would only get our money back IF the bank admitted they were wrong by cashing it and they returned our money themselves.
When I asked them if they should be sharing this information with the post office, since this person clearly was involved with this crime, they said no the post office has its own investigators. Before I could even finish this redictulas process this executive representative just started ignoring me completely!!! I have tried to speak to their corporate office but they make sure you can't reach them. DO NOT TRUST THIS COMPANY WITH YOUR MONEY!!!
Reviewed July 15, 2020
Had so very bad experience with Western Union. I transferred money to my daughter and it took us more than 6 days to get the money. On the day that she’s supposed to get the money, she went to Western Union location twice and was told twice that she cannot get the money because I need to confirmed it’s on my end which I did already. Since my daughter can’t even get the money I decided to cancel the transaction. When I spoke to customer service I was told that I can get full the refund. I did follow up after few days and even spoke to their manager but was told that I was not eligible to refund the transaction fee which is so disappointing. It’s a waste of time and money using Western Union.
Reviewed July 12, 2020
I tried to send some money ($520) to my family in So. America which I cancelled immediately. WU took my money from my bank and now after 2 months they still refuse to give me my money back, I called every day and they only say I would get that refund, they even gave me a confirmation number. These people are in the business of "stealing" your money, and they wouldn't give you a reason. Two months fighting for my refund and nothing happens. Do yourself a favor, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY, at least not for international transfers, they do that to everybody after a while, when they get your trust or confidence. I still have to send money to my family so I changed to Remitly and I am super happy with this company. You can find any company for your transfers, avoid using WU. Worst company in the world, and worst customer service.
Reviewed July 11, 2020
I used WU services a lot during Covid 19 lock down in Malaysia. However due to the extended period of the Movement Control Order my visitor pass expired. Malaysian Government recognizes the extraordinary circumstance and allowed visitor to stay in the country without any penalty provided the individual leaves the country within 14 days after the MCO is lifted. However WU will not honor expired visitor pass/visa as ID to receive money contrary to local government's advice. My passport is valid and should be recognized as legit ID document. WU will not help at all by temporary relaxing the ID policy. They have higher fees and low exchange rates. Now with their unwillingness to help when I needed the service most is just my last straw. I will use other money transfer service from now on.
Reviewed July 8, 2020
My second time used Western Union and it’s my last time to used this company. They took money from my bank account and hold it. My family came to western union office 3 time. They said is the tracking number is correct but ask to wait 4 days and refuse to give money to my family. I called customer service and the guy said it’s the new way Western do the business. My family have to wait even though western union already took money out of my bank account. Trk# **.
Phillip
Reviewed July 1, 2020
I am a first-time customer of Western Union. I have never experienced such terrible service with a business. I was trying to send money to an individual and despite providing the adequate information, they refused the transaction twice for an invalid reason and failed to provide the tracking number to receive my refund. The agent on the phone named JL (**) was extremely rude, made me feel incriminated, and he was especially determined to ensure that my transaction was unsuccessful. I am extremely disappointed and I will never do business with Western Union again. I advise anyone who wishes to use their services to reconsider and avoid the displeasure of disappointment.
Reviewed July 1, 2020
It is 1 Jul 2020, I sent funds via Western Union on-line via my U.S. debit card to my wife's Philippine BPI account on Sunday, 28 Jun 2020. It is still in progress. Done this many times before with fast service 1-2 hours. Now starting my 4th day. What it is now, seems WU has financial issues and is slowing down processing times to float funds to keep in business. First they said 1 day service, then 2 day service, now 7 day service. Their nose is getting longer and longer. My warning for you at this present time.
Reviewed June 24, 2020
Since June 16th I have being going through the worse days with WU because of an employee misinforming me. To make the story short I am still getting it resolved today. I was able to speak with a supervisor who was actually handling my concern like a professional but overall the experience was terrible, from being misinformed, to having my bank account charged twice and becoming negative, and lastly getting emails that would freak anyone out during work.
Reviewed May 27, 2020
I made a transfer on March 23rd, unfortunately I misspelled the last name of the receiver and had to cancel the transfer to make another for the following day. When checked my bank account, WU had withdrew the funds from my bank account twice. Based on the site, it would take 48 hrs to refund my money. A few weeks later I called WU asking for the refund again, they gave me a reference number and information stating that the refund should arrive in 48 hr. One week later, the funds were still not transferred back.
Today May 27th, I called WU I was told that the transfer happened on March 27th and I need to send the a copy of my bank statement to prove that the funds were not transferred! The audacity of this company to ask for a copy of my bank statement. This is absolutely ILLEGAL! To that I responded that they should send me a copy of the confirmation that the funds were indeed transferred to my account. I was put on hold for an eternity, the guy came back on the phone and hung up!
Reviewed May 27, 2020
Over a year ago I sent money to this person. They claimed they didn't get it, Western Union froze my acct. saying I could no longer send online.... but going into agent was ok???? It would be sent up the chain and they promised someone would get back to me???? This has been a year and no one.... I'm done with these CROOKS. I won't be using them anymore.
Reviewed May 24, 2020
Do not send payment via Western Union. Very bad customer services and very bad payment transfer system! Payment sending date 22/May/2020. Today is 25th May and still not deposit payment in my Acc! 4 days and payment still in progress! Be aware! Scam western union. Do not send payment to this company!
Reviewed May 24, 2020
I send the through my debit bank account online to you, the money has been hold, I don't know why? I cancelled the transaction same day after 7/8 hours but I did not get the money back yet, I complained 2 times over phone. After waiting one and a half hours and 2 times online through e-mail, they took my ID, I requested them you will refund the money to my debit account not to me by cash, the way I gave you, you will give back same way, it is easy, I am waiting till now. It is on Sunday May 24, no news at all.
Reviewed May 21, 2020
I had visited WesternUnion recently as I-am a registered member and have use their service over the years and found that it was a good service at that time. Recently I wanted to send money abroad but was asked, "Do I know the person?" I said No with honesty but I replied that I have known this person over 2 years and made communication including Skype.Then I was told, "You cannot send money," unless I have known the person In person or face to face. Reason for this outcome was based on being told about money laundering and scams as I’m well aware of this.
A week had passed by so I went back to the store and asked specific details of proof I would need if I have meet the person face to face abroad. I was told to bring evidence of proof such As my passport and evidence on where I went to meet this person including I quote photos of myself including this person I have had contact with. This information that was required from me was a insult as if I was criminalise how I was feeling. To ask for Such photo to prove that I know this person. This is uncalled for. They told me they were following WesternUnion policy. What about my privacy. I have rights as well. Where do I stand with this. It wrong to ask for my personal life to prove to WesternUnion that very private.
Reviewed May 21, 2020
Creates problems even the given information is clear, Poor customer service. Save yourself and try to find other resources to send your money to your love ones. Otherwise they will never get it and you have to keep asking for your own money.
Reviewed May 19, 2020
After initiating the fund transfer on 9th of May, WU pulled money from my bank account immediately. After 5 days they put the transfer on hold. After 10 days they send me an email asking for 3 things: Sender's front & back of valid ID, address and city born. Question is why do they need this information 10 days after pulling money from my account? Also, asking this information is downright dishonest because they have my address in the registration of my account with them. If valid ID is required, that should have been requested at the time of registration. Extremely dishonest people. AVOID them like the plague. Worse than COVID-19.
Reviewed May 16, 2020
I drove around to 3 different machines and none of them worked. Customer service are terrible. They was no help at all. What is someone suppose to do, drive around to six machines to find one that works?
Reviewed May 15, 2020
Was trying to send money and was giving code ** and asked to call WU office. I called and they ask me to email. I did and a week later the answer was they have the right to refuse service to anyone???? So I'm using bank transfer now. More safe and respectful. Bad company to do business with. Hopefully they will go out of business soon.
Reviewed May 15, 2020
Have the worst experience with Western Union today. Was trying to send money to Russia. Somehow my transaction was put on hold. Spent over 2 hr over the phone. Went through more than 5 different agents. Nobody could help. What a waste of time. I did use Western Union multiple times before without any problem. I don’t know why they decided to give me hard time today.
Reviewed May 14, 2020
My wife is in the Philippines. We are in the process of bringing her over to the US. It could be about a year. We were engaged for 2 years. She was working in Saudi Arabia as the salary she could earn there was far better than she could find In the Philippines. Her being in Saudi wasn't going to work as the strict laws there made it impossible to visit her. So we decided she would go home. She supports her mother and father by herself, despite being 1 of 5 children. We, also adopted her niece. So it became necessary to send her a monthly allowance as the job she ended up getting once back paid a salary of about $170/mo. For 2 years we used MoneyGram, because she was familiar with it, and there was an agent close to her house in Bulacan.
Right off the bat, MoneyGram blacklisted my email account after setting up an online account. Never actually made so much as 1 transfer, only logged in to my account 2 times, once during setup, and another to check the rates. The 3rd time I attempted to log in, I couldn't. Although they had no problem with me physically going to an agent to make a transfer, I was blocked online. I of course challenged it. Months later I was told information didn't match (match to what I'm not sure), that my transfer was flagged suspicious (I never made any transactions online, not a single one), and that I apparently tried to log in one time and didn't enter the right information which locked my account.
Then after they reviewed it they sent me a letter saying I was banned for making suspicious transfers. Odd since I never made a single online transfer. And of course in person at an agent was never an issue. Even though my phone number was linked and they knew it was me. After looking into it I found out that MoneyGram online is a separate entity from actual MoneyGram. Hmmm.. okay.
A year later it occured to me I have 3 different email addresses, so I tried opening an online account with a different email, and it worked. Same name, same phone number, just a different email... and they didn't say a word. Then the corona lockdowns came, and my wife was waiting 6 to 7 hours in line to get her allowance, I only to be told they ran out of cash. But we found out MoneyGram partnered with Gcash and she could accept to a mobile wallet. So we tried it. Out of 8 times, 2 were without issue, 6 were nothing but issues. Including 2 where I had to wait 15 days for a refund.
That being said, this is a review for Western Union, not moneygrab... I mean MoneyGram. So why am I now a loyal Western Union customer? Well, for one... Western Union works with Paymaya. So anyone reading this and sending remittances to the Pinas, have them get a paymaya and send Western Union. I used to send in person because I can elect to have them receive US dollars, and she can exchange when the rate goes up. The only way to select USD to be received is in person pick up. Paymaya only does pesos. I think. I'm not looking to test that theory.
The exchange rate is comparable to moneygram or PayPal, which is usually 1 or 2 pesos below the actual rate. That's normal. As far as I can tell, Western Union doesn't charge a separate fee for the exchange, neither does MoneyGram. However both make money on the conversion of currency and neither make it clear how much they are making. If you compare the rate Google says, and the rate Western Union quotes, it's about 1 pesos per dollar. MoneyGram is about half a peso per dollar.
Fees: With MoneyGram, about every 4 times I earn a 40% discount. Unfortunately you can't choose when to use it though. So if you are sending a small amount and it happens to be when you've earned a discount, there is no way to save the discount for another time when you're sending a bigger amount. Western Union uses a points system. So you can use your rewards when you want to use them, like when you're sending bigger amounts.
Also, I've had it happen where for some reason, MoneyGram changed the confirmation number. I don't know why. I just received an email a few times saying it had been changed and telling me the new confirmation number. No explanation. I've had one problem so far when sending Western Union. My internet was slow and the network was congested, as everyone here was under a "shelter in place" order from the quarantine. So everyone was online. So I had issue with the online website. Finally it went through. But my wife couldn't receive it. Finally I got an email asking to contact customer service. I was worried because that particular time I sent an unusually large amount so my wife could buy new phones for her and our niece.
What had happened was they flagged the transaction because the slow connection caused me to hit the send button several times, and the back button, and the refresh button... Because the internet kept freezing. Apparently the website took it as several separate transfers in various stages of completion, including several completed. So when they saw 4 transfers for the same amount sent within 10 minutes of each other, they flagged them. So I called, straightened the matter up, and ultimately had it canceled.
Unlike with moneygram, Western Union placed a hold on the funds, but didn't actually withdraw them from my account yet. So they just released the hold which took only 1 day, the same day actually. I talked to them at 930am, and the funds were available in my account by around 11pm that evening.
When I called, yes they asked many questions. I see many people complaining about the questions they ask to verify your identity. Do you really want to trust $1000 to a company content to just ask you your name or phone number to verify your identity? The 3 things easily found on the internet? Your name and phone number. Remember when they used to send everyone a big book with everyone's name and phone number in it? A phone book? Yeah...they still do that. It's online also.
Fees, are varied. With moneygram it's basically a flat rate based on the amount you're sending. Not necessarily so with Western Union. While it does make a difference based on the amount, it also depends how you are sending it and how they are receiving it. As a flat rate, Western Union is more expensive. About 30 to 50 percent more expensive. But actually we're talking about $5 to $8 more. But that depends. The most I've ever spent to send one transaction with Western Union was $14.99. With money gram, $12.99.
Oddly enough online with both was generally more than in person. But you can MoneyGram at Walmart for $9 if over $50. At a check cashing place near my home, it cost $12.99. Western Union seems to be the same price in person no matter where you go. And over $500 online was more expensive than in person. But depending how you set up your send options you can cut the fee. For instance there is a difference if you use a bank transfer, an online bank account, a credit card, or a debt card.
With me sending using a debt card, and her receiving with a paymaya digital wallet, I'd say it's costing me 20% more. However that 20% premium is more than worth it. My wife doesn't have to go anywhere or wait in any lines. With only a few exceptions the money was available within 30 minutes, 80% of the time it's available immediately. A couple of times it was delayed for review for about 30 minutes.
Although after the one issue I had where I had to call customer service, when I cancelled it, And sent a new one...it was held for review. So I called them immediately, explained what had just happened and why I was sending this time, and that I needed to to go through as my wife was waiting to go grocery shopping. They found my account, seen I had just spoken to customer service, and immediately forwarded the call to the agent who was reviewing my transaction! The actual person!
The guy was cool as cucumbers. I explained my situation, he asked a few questions, and in less than 3 minutes my wife was able to receive funds. I also haven't had any issue since. The guy asked how I used my online account, and I explained I sent my wife an allowance every 2 weeks until she gets her visa to come here. He noted it in my account. I actually asked his name or operator number, and had him forward me to his supervisor so I could report him for providing excellent customer service, and I did the same for the lady who helped me cancel the first one. The fact that moneygram and MoneyGram online are separate entities, but are connected enough that they both have an up to date account on you, that they both have a current record of every transfer you've made, but can separately decide whether or not you can use their services is suspicious.
The fact that in person, they are happy to send money to my wife, but online they think I might be some international mastermind looking to achieve world domination....by sending $200 to a woman in the Philippines with the same last name as me who's "allegedly" my wife....but thanks to moneygram online my plan was thwarted and my $200 never made it to woman I was paying to complete my death ray...well, except it did because I just sent in person...but still, if it hadn't been for MoneyGram online noticing I spelled my first name with a 5 instead of a T because I was using my mobile with it's tiny keyboard when logging in..they might not have frozen my account and I might have destroyed the world...with $200..
Western Union on the other hand, went out if their way to note on my account I send an allowance regularly to my wife. That makes a big difference to me. Well worth the 20% premium. Also, now that I've earned points, I'm starting to get discounts, so the 20% will eventually decrease a little. So....when I do take over the world, Western Union will be spared.....whaaa haa has haa..
Reviewed May 13, 2020
After taking some initial information I was asked for my email address. I said I’d like my receipt to be sent to my home address. I was then told I still needed an email address. I was sure that couldn’t be the case as I’ve made many transactions before and was given options. When I asked for a supervisor who identified themselves as Carla **, she confirms what the rep told be. She could not tell me where I could find that rule, just that it was the rule. I think this is not true and if so it discriminates against a whole group of people who don’t use the internet. I plan to file a complaint starting with Consumer Affairs.
Reviewed May 10, 2020
Service is horrible, I sent money on May 7 and was given a number to give to recipient. Recipient went 3 days in a row to try to pick up money, recipient called me on 3rd day to say there is a issue. I called Western Union, they said it's being reviewed, this is May 10. No one called emailed me to say they have an issue. I called them yesterday and they said they need more personal info like my drivers license etc??
They took the money out of my account on May 7 but wont release or speak to me or recipient??? When you track number on their site it showed yesterday that it will take two hours, here we are almost 24 hours later even though I sent Drivers license (dont know why I needed to, no explanation) and still same message on tracking. On call 3X times today, they cut you off, one person said because of Covid things are slower, THEN DONT TAKE MY MONEY AND PRETEND YOU ARE GOING TO SEND IT BUT DONT!!!! CROOKED COMPANY. I still have no answer or access to my money and neither does the recipient.
Reviewed May 7, 2020
Updated on 05/12/2020: I have been sending money to Mexico for 11 months, on the 1st every month. It's my disability check and it is extremely important to support my family. Western Union canceled my transaction on the 1st and I was told not to worry, it would be refunded after 7 business days, which would be the 12th today. I've been chatting with customer service since they opened and all they will say is it will be refunded, but now they are unable to give me a date. I am enclosing pictures of the chat so you can see for yourself. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY TO SEND MONEY TO MEXICO.
Original Review: WU cancelled my transfer on May 1st. I've contacted customer service by phone and messaging. The only response I receive is that it will be back in my checking account on the 12th. Bill collectors Don't want to hear excuses. Reading the other complaints, it seems they are using the pandemic to pad their pockets. The Corona hustle.
Reviewed May 7, 2020
Be careful when you use this website to send money to Mexico. The website states that the Delivery time from money transferred from USA Bank to Mexico Bank is about 0-1 Days. I used it for the 1st time to send money urgently which had to get there no later than 2 days. I sent money, they withdrew money from my account seconds after I sent money and 2 days later no money in other bank.
Website shows transaction COMPLETE on website but when I go onto Track Wire, it states Money IN PROGRESS. I called Western Union and they now tell me that Banks have to review deposits sent via Western Union and they have no idea how long that will take. Had I known this in the beginning, I would have not used this site to send money, I was trying to save fee for Money Wire Transfer Fee from Bank to Bank, but found out the hard way that it is best to use your Bank for Money Wire Transfer which will get deposited into your family's account within 24 hours.
Again, this site states 0-1 days Delivery Time for International Money Transfer from your bank to Mexico Bank, this is NOT TRUE. It will take much more longer than that and for your family to receive funds. I cancelled my Transfer on the 2nd day after I sent it and now my refund will supposedly take 5-7 days, what a waste a time. I will not be using this dishonest site again. They need to give real Delivery times especially for family that are expecting this money urgently.
Reviewed May 4, 2020
I have created an account with all my details and correct information. At this moment of financial crisis it’s my duty to support those in need financially like my charitable organizations. I called customer service and they told me to register and do that procedure. It keeps declining. I called again. Now they mention I need email them. Almost 5 emails back and forth still they are telling me they will look into it. It’s disappointing and not trustworthy company when it’s time to get support. I have been sending money through PayPal and Western Union, but never encountered such issue with PayPal. I strongly recommend people to be careful who they trust to send money through considering Western Union is not very keen in resolving your issue and will make you waste your time in emailing back and forth.
Reviewed April 30, 2020
Terrible customer service. They actually charge you to hold your money! You have to jump through hoops just to get the money transferred. I will never use them again. I will stick to Paypal! I would advise you to do the same. I must have spent a total of two hours on the phone with t
Reviewed April 29, 2020
I wired money and the money was not able to be picked up, they didn't give an explanation. When I contacted customer service for a refund they are saying that they will contact me back in 24 hours. It is very hard to get customer support or service, I previously bought a money order and was not able to get a refund. Again they make it very hard to get customer support.
Reviewed April 25, 2020
Used WU for years w/ no issue. Virus hits and I needed to send more money to families I help, & they blocked my account. So much personal information demanded that they shouldn’t need and still denied.
Reviewed April 21, 2020
DO NOT SEND MONEY THROUGH THIS COMPANY!!! Has been nothing but stress, anxiety attack and a migraine headache. Money sent was never received. Opened up numerous of cases for 2 months. Still nothing! RUN.
Reviewed April 20, 2020
I can't believe this company has the nerve to place simple transaction on hold for review even with all the evidence to support the transaction is of the stimulus check being sent to my wife in Mexico so that I may have access to that money since I am currently stuck in Mexico because of the coronavirus quarantine. The money was transferred through the mobile app. I've been using their service for over 4 years to send money to my wife and daughter in Mexico and just because the recent transaction where larger than normal due to sending my tax return and the coronavirus stimulus check they flagged it for review and had not notified us of such review the first days having us run around the whole city trying to find for three days straight a location to collect the money.
We went to every agent location spent time gas and all during this coronavirus issues putting ourselves at risk and our daughter. We then find out on Friday that it's flagged by this department and fill out the questionnaire and send the documents needed, they said in 48 hours it would be completed. They also asked for an email with the information and still after sending everything on Saturday today they say it's under review by a now different department and it will take an additional 5-7 business days to be ready. This is irresponsible and frankly shows how little Western Union cares about its loyal customers during hard times.
From here on out I will never again use their service and I recommend that no one ever does. They have the worst customer service with customer support agents that were rude and hanging up on me after the long wait times of over 20 minutes on hold. When I ask to speak to a supervisor they put me on hold then hang up the phone. Or they ignore what I am saying to them on the phone, place me on hold while I'm talking and then I'm done talking I wait in silence asking if anyone is on the line and they remove the hold after a few minutes later making it obvious that they were never listening in the first place.
This company doesn't care that you and your family is having to take all your belongings to the pawnshop or having to find a way to keep your bills up float they don't care about anything and in the end they just say if you'd like to cancel the transaction you could at any time but the funds won't be back into your account for another 5-7 business days. I am tired of having to deal with their bogus departments aimed at making your life a living hell when a bank statement and everything has been sent to prove identity and to prove where the money comes from. Instead of wasting my time and money reviewing my transaction they should teach them how to review actual fraudulent money transfers and illicit transfer and recognize quickly those that are lawful and need not be place on hold.
Reviewed April 16, 2020
On April 1, 2020 I sent money internationally to a person who needed to get tested for Coronavirus. The person was unable to retrieve the funds, and today the company DENIED my request to change the receiver name!! I spoke to a customer service rep, and then asked to speak with a supervisor. I was informed by both individuals that the “system” was denying the name change of the money transfer to another person. I asked for their help given the reason for the transfer, but was told that there was nothing the company could do. My option was to cancel the transfer, and now wait 7 days for the reimbursement!! People who are sick don’t 7 days to wait!! I’m very disappointed at this company for how they are handling emergency requests like these. Shame on them!
Reviewed April 13, 2020
They cancelled my transaction twice with no reason or explanation. Wasted time communicating with them via phone and chat on their web site. Customer service was not helpful at all. Don't recommend that company.
Reviewed April 12, 2020
The wait time is horrible and trying to get anyone to help you that speaks fluent English is not happening. If you have a problem with a transaction they send you to several locations when Western Union could process a refund themselves. Would not recommend to anyone.
Reviewed April 11, 2020
Western Union has and continues to be one of the best providers giving me the option to transfer cash when it is most needed. My family and I are so fortunate to have this service available to us. Thank you again and keep up the great work!!! Sebastian **.
Reviewed April 9, 2020
They stole my money! I was sent emergency funds for my grandfather's medicine, I went to pick up the funds and was told my code is invalid, I then received a message saying that the money has been picked up, I went back to the store and was told that it is a system error and need to call Western Union, I call western union and was told to go back to the store and file a complaint. Neither side will help and I file a complaint but have to wait 21 days for an investigation. This is complete **. And I know it's western union's fault because the same thing happened to other people at the store.
Reviewed April 8, 2020
Lost my money for two weeks. Due to the virus, some WU were closed to picking up money, open only to send. After going to three that refused to dispense money, I called, and was told to go to a fourth, that the Rep had checked and they were still dispensing money. Of course they were not, and had not been for a week. I called again the next day. After getting another run around, I was told I could get it online into a debit card. I hung up and tried. It did not have that capability. No Walgreens are paying out, leaving other stores that are not doing it right now. DO NOT USE THEM!! They kept me on hold for 30 minutes each time, and did not help me, and acted like they were surprised I had a problem, when I know many many people have the same issue.
Reviewed April 7, 2020
I have used Western Union to transfer money to Mexico for around 4 yrs. In my recent transaction, my receiver could not get the money and when I would call customer service I kept getting the run around about different situations, they kept saying it was my bank's fault. I finally got a straight answer that my receiver had to provide a LOT of private information such as paycheck stub to pick up the money I am sending. No one could give me a straight answer as to why they needed such information. Let's just say I was floored by the whole situation. I won't be using them anymore.
Reviewed April 6, 2020
When I send money, it puts the transfer "in review" and sends a message that it will not take longer than 30 minutes. It does take longer than 30 minutes, and honestly, what should be almost instant is taking far too long these days. I will be using PayPal in the future, when they say instant, they mean instant.
Reviewed April 1, 2020
During COVID-19, we saw that Western Union (WU) had an on-line money transfer service, so I registered to send some money to my niece in the Philippines. After completing the registration, I sent USD500 with my debit card. Cost of transfer from debit USD7.00. A competitive price. When I clicked SEND, WU's website populated the tracking document, which has the tracking number, and delivery date. The delivery date was 7 days from the date I hit the SEND tile. Another notification popped up on the screen saying that the sender was not yet verified (although WU had tested by debit card, and my bank had approved them). The WU pop-up said it could take up to 30 minutes before I (the sender) could be verified.
3 hours later I received a call from WU's 800-325-6000 number. Someone, I could barely hear, said she was from WU and needed to verify me. She started asking me very strange questions. The full name of the recipient, my niece, which immediately annoyed me (her full name was submitted to them on my request), and then the WU rep asked "Why are you sending money to her?". I was further annoyed, because that has nothing to do with my identification. Then the WU asked what my relationship to my daughter (WU apparently used a fly-by-night people finder service that lists a person's relatives) was and what her (my daughter) present age is. I told the WU rep that I would contact WU online, and hung up.
As soon as I hung up, I received an email saying my money transfer had been completed, and subsequently my niece received the remittance without any further negative experience. There are much better ways to treat people than the way WU was attempting to verify my credentials. I strongly felt that their questions were irrelevant and the implications, totally inappropriate.
Reviewed March 29, 2020
I was trying to send money to family members for an emergency. I have used WU onlone for years with mixed results. I go on line and try to send money. On the confirmation page I get an error saying my payment method did not work...not was declined, but "did not work" and to make the transfer at a WU location. I am in Thailand and they are closed. I called the bank, no problems with the card or balance. I tried 2 phone, 2 laptops, 2 different browsers and even a VPN. I call WU and spoke with a Indian lady that told me I should try another device. I told her everything I did and needed to see if she could help me send the money over phone. She said only if I was in the US sending to the US. She said she did not what was wrong and I should go to a local WU shop. I explained they are closed. She said to wait and try again later....that's it...try later. Two days now and no help or answers.
Reviewed March 23, 2020
Western Union staff in Panganiban Branch in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines is using her smartphone while customers are waiting. Second, their staff are not familiar enough in Western Union products. Third, they are rude.
Reviewed March 18, 2020
Horrible experience with Western Union. I was able to make my first transfer to India. After the first transfer, I am not able to perform any more transfers. All transfers denied at the review page. Called support, sent mails. Every time they say they have escalated and I will get a response. But nothing yet. I am still sending follow up mails. I believe WU has an unnecessary hype. There are other providers whose customer support is far better. Since WU was having issues, I tried Remitly, Instagram. Apart from WU you have many other good providers. Not sure why people say WU is better. I dont see a single reason. Pathetic and slow service. 1 star is also more.
Reviewed March 17, 2020
First time I used Western Union. I can't believe this, my fiance was told he needs another account number or something to pick up the money and was declined! I called them to try and change the first name so someone else can pick it up, 1st guy was super nice and 2nd time I call when it didn't work the representative tells me the money has been picked up and I tell him no, he says he will call back. I wait for 30 minutes. No callback! So I called them back. The last person doesn't understand that I wanna change the first name and I ask her why my fiance can't pick up the money! She keeps saying things I don't understand and no listening at all! Finally I tell her that this is my 3rd call. No one is helping me. She just says ok cause she doesn't understand! So I cancel the order. Now she says the money will come back in 5 to 7 business days!! Great! I am never using you guys ever again! Such a hassle to get your own damn money!!
Reviewed March 17, 2020
Western Union is the worst company to work with. Their people cant speak English, Spanish, Italian. Their training of workers is so bad and their system so impossible to use. They make lots of mistake and must pay their Indian South American workers 50 cent an hour. They waste your time and hang up on you, this company was better off when they had stage coaches.
Reviewed March 13, 2020
I canceled a money transfer (initiated using a debit card). Even though my money went out of my account immediately, W.U. said it will take 7 business days to refund my money! 1 hour a 2 phone calls later, I got nowhere (including 20 minutes on hold with no one picking up). They even tried to tell me that it is my bank's fault that it takes so long (?). So the person I tried to send the money to AND I do not have the money...Western Union has it for the next 7 business days. I will Never use them again!
Reviewed March 12, 2020
Tried sending money to a friend in need. Western Union blocked my transfer and told me it was fraud AFTER I answered all the questions they asked. I would never use this company. This place is trash!!! I recommend finding another option like Money Gram!!
Reviewed March 9, 2020
This is what was sent to WU by me.. Although WU had no trouble taking the money from my bank account and confirming that the money was available for pick up... you refused to let my wife have the money telling her that too much money had been given to her over a period of time and they would not give to her the money that had already been taken from my account. We live paycheck to paycheck and this was my entire paycheck $400. Over the past 2 years I have sent a total of $3800 only when absolutely necessary for urgent funds needed for food or bills. I have no savings or other funds to live off of for the next 3 to 5 business days awaiting the return of my $400.
This is the second time that WU has failed me in this manner. Like a fool I misjudged the first time as some sort of clerical error and although also a very unpleasant experience I chose to use WU for a $400 transfer of money. There is no apology or resolution for WU lack of service and at this point my family is eating from borrowed money. This my fault because I should have never given WU the opportunity to handle money in a time of need a second time.
Reviewed March 5, 2020
Western Union essentially stole money from my family. I say it is a theft because I paid money and received neither a product or service, nor and customer support from the company. Let me explain. Western Union will also be able to see all my case details under Case ID **. Which has apparently been resolved to THEIR satisfaction.
On February 14 2020 I placed a money transfer from their agent location to family members in Europe. The next day I was informed by those family members that the MTCN was not valid. Upon investigation at the agent location we found out that the MTCN simply didn't exist in WU systems. Remember that at this point I had been charged, and an MTCN provided on the receipt. WU Customer Service (after an hour of the agent location arguing with them) gave me the information to open a case ID for investigation. They said this process lasts between 2 and 4 hours.
So I opened a Case ID and sent an email with all relevant receipts, bank statement screenshots, etc. In the meantime, I don't have the money to replace what was lost so our family on the other end is suffering. There was no sense of urgency from WU. 24 hours later, I called them. They needed another 24 or 48 hours, I let a couple days pass by and tried again. They needed another 24 hours. I called back the next day, they needed 4 more days. I waited 4 days, they needed another 24 hours.
They called me and asked me to get my bank to initiate a chargeback. My bank could do nothing since I paid the agent location and not WU directly. I called WU back, again they need 24 more hours to investigate. I called back the next day (today), and they told me there was a resolution to the Case ID. They did not receive the money so they cannot refund. What?
So to be clear here, I paid money for a transfer, was given all receipts including an MTCN tracking number, the agent location could do nothing since an MTCN was issued; and my bank could do nothing since I paid the agent location and no WU, and WU won't do anything because they did not receive the money. So, the money is just gone I guess. And both the customer service agent and the on duty Supervisor that was working Wed March 4 2020 at around 4pm MST could care less about that.
This is by far the absolute worst customer service I have received from any company, regardless of the type of service they provide. It is no way to conduct business. If I could give less than one star for the time, energy, and grief they have caused me in the last three weeks I would. It is now my personal mission to make sure as many people as possible know how they choose to do business, and by doing that I hope to make the company lose much more money than they stole from me and my family.

Reviewed March 2, 2020
I was instructed to pay my mortgage to Specialize Loan Servicing through Western Union. Recently I was told that I have 14 payments missing. I requested a report of monies paid from 2016 to present. I received a report from August 2017 to part of 2019. In addition I received notices stating that monies was not collected. I ignored and destroyed them because I did not send money to anyone. I did keep the last 3 to look into, only to find out it was money not collected by my mortgage company. Almost all my receipts from WU have faded. I sent in two additional request for information to WU and have not heard back from them. If you pay your Bills through WU, please photo copy them, because 5 years later you may be told you did not pay your bill.
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2020
I been a customer of Western Union since some time. Since past 1-2 years I do not use it because they cancel your transaction after 5 minutes and will hold the money for 7 business days. They will not answer your questions properly... They put all the blame on the recipient's bank. This is how they make money... Stay away from Western Union money transfer.
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2020
Invested in bitcoin by the company promised that profits will be remitted by Western Union. Western Union services was abused by a third party but Western Union is not serious to help me and help their company while their image was tarnished and damages done.
Western Union Company Information
- Company Name:
- Western Union
- Website:
- www.westernunion.com
