Western Union Review: Is It Still One of the Best?

What is Western Union?

Western Union is a money transfer service that lets you send money from Canada to 200+ countries and territories. It’s best known for its cash transfer service, which allows you to send money to a global network of 500,000+ agent locations (including thousands in Canada).

Western Union also allows you to transfer money to an overseas bank account or mobile wallet. You can transfer money online, via a mobile app or by visiting a Western Union location.

Is Western Union legitimate in Canada?

Yes, Western Union is a legitimate and regulated money transfer provider in Canada. It’s been around since 1851 and is registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).

A closer look at the pros and cons

Testing the Western Union app to see how much it really charges

To see how Western Union compares to the 18 other money transfer services we tested, we ran test transfers from Canada to India and Ukraine. We compared Western Union’s quoted exchange rates against the mid-market rate at the time and factored in any transfer fees to calculate the true total cost markup.

For a $200 transfer to India, Western Union’s lowest total cost markup of 1.47% was more competitive than Ria’s at 1.75% and Remitbee’s at 1.97%, but still more expensive than providers like Pesa at 0.53% and Instarem at 0.70%.

Western Union became much more competitive for larger transfers. For a $1,000 transfer to India, its total cost markup fell to just 0.48%, making it the cheapest provider we tested, ahead of Remitbee at 0.76%, Ria at 1.01%, Instarem at 0.63% and Pesa at 0.53%.

However, we found that Western Union’s pricing varies significantly by destination country. While transfer costs to popular remittance corridors like India were highly competitive, less common destinations were much more expensive. For example, a $200 transfer to Ukraine carried a total cost markup of 4.00%, compared to 2.57% with Wise and 2.58% with Remitbee.

What are Western Union’s transfer fees?

Western Union’s fees, like those of the other money transfer services we tested, vary depending on the destination, payment method, delivery method, and transfer amount. You can see the exact fee before initiating a transfer, though, using the calculator on the Western Union website or app.

Some corridors, payment and delivery methods are free, though. For example, we noticed that non-cash transfers of any amount to Pakistan were free (unless funded by credit card),

But to give you a clearer picture of how much Western Union really charges, here are the fees charged for sending money to the Philippines using different funding methods, delivery options and transfer amounts:

As you can see, credit card payments are typically the most expensive option as Western Union charges a 3% credit card fee.

Calculating Western Union’s cost markup for money transfers

As we mentioned, Western Union’s fees and exchange rate markup vary greatly depending on the destination, payment method and delivery method. To assess its total cost, we calculated its markups on 10 transfers funded by Interac e-Transfer and delivered via bank deposit unless otherwise noted.

As of June 26, 2026.

Western Union transfer limits

One thing we found confusing about Western Union is its transfer limits. Its frequently asked questions state these transfer limits:

• Cash: No limit
• Credit or debit card: $5,000
• Bank transfer: $5,000
• Payment at agent locations for transfers started online: $7,500

However, when we initiated a transfer funded by debit card to countries like the United States and the Philippines, we were able to send up to $65,000 CAD to a recipient’s bank account. So, if you want to send more than the stated limits, higher amounts may be available.

How long does an international Western Union money transfer take?

Western Union is known for its fast transfer speeds, but these speeds vary depending on the destination, payment method and delivery method.

Using the Philippines as an example again, here’s how long you can expect a transfer to take:

• Interac e-Transfer: Minutes
• Debit card: Minutes
• Bank account via Plaid: 3 to 5 business days
• Credit card: Minutes
• Mobile wallet: Minutes
• Cash: Minutes

What it’s like to use the Western Union app?

Western Union’s app is one of the most comprehensive money transfer apps we’ve tried. Even without logging in, you can view transfer fees, estimated delivery times, transfer limits and exchange rates. You can also track your transfer with your 10-digit tracking number, browse available rewards and deals and find nearby agent locations.

After logging in, you’ll have access to a range of additional features, including the ability to send and receive money, manage payment and receiving methods, view your transfer history and add new recipients. Overall, we found the app easy to navigate and appreciated how much information was available before committing to a transfer.

Western Union ratings

As of June 26, 2026

What do Western Union reviews say?

Customer reviews for Western Union are generally positive. Happy users who commented on factors such as Western Union’s ease of use, safe transfer service and fast processing. Those who left negative reviews complained about factors like high credit card fees, cancelled transactions and customer service problems.

Preview of the Western Union app

How to send money with Western Union

1. Create an account. Register on Western Union’s website or mobile app by entering your email address or mobile number and a password. Then, verify your mobile number and input your name and address.
2. Start your transfer. Log in and select Send money now on the website or Start transfer on the mobile app.
3. Enter the transfer amount. Choose the destination country, then input the amount you want to send in Canadian dollars or your recipient’s local currency.
4. Choose a delivery and payment method. You can typically fund a transfer with a debit card, bank transfer, Interac e-Transfer, credit card, mobile wallet or cash in-store and deliver it to a recipient’s bank account, mobile wallet or cash pickup location.
5. Add a recipient. Enter your recipient’s name, then financial details, like their bank account number or mobile number, depending on the delivery method you chose.
6. Review your transfer. Double-check the details of your transfer, then send it. You and your recipient can track its progress without even logging in. Just enter the 10-digit tracking number and sender’s name on Western Union’s website or app.

Bottom line

Western Union is well worth considering if you’re searching for a safe, quick and easy way to send a money transfer. It offers a huge global transfer network along with a wide range of payment and delivery methods. But you’ll need to compare Western Union’s exchange rates with those of other providers to make sure you’re getting a good deal. And if you need to send a large amount, you may have to look elsewhere.