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Western Union fees explained

How much does Western Union charge to send money internationally?

Offering quick and secure transfers, with over 500,000 branches around the world, Western Union lets you send funds in person, online and over the phone. Our guide to Western Union fees shows the relatively low charges you should expect to pay.

Western Union international money transfer fees

Western Union charges different fees according to how you’re sending the money, where you’re sending it to and how you want your recipient to receive it.

Here’s a breakdown of Western Union’s fees for sending CAD$250 and CAD$990 from Canada for cash pickup to different countries as of August 19, 2021. When we checked, costs can rise if you pay by debit or credit, while paying by cash or bank transfer usually comes with a more flat and predictable fee structure.

$250 via bank transfer$250 via debit/credit$250 via cash (in store)$990 via bank transfer$990 via debit/credit$990 via cash (in store)
Philippines (PHP)$7.00$4.99$7.00$8.00$4.99$7.00
USA (USD)$7.00$4.99$7.00$8.00$4.99$7.00
Australia (AUD)$7.00$7.50$7.00$8.00$24.80$7.00
India (INR)$7.00$6.00$7.00$8.00$10.00$7.00
China (CNY)$7.00$7.50$7.00$8.00$24.80$7.00
France (EUR)$7.00$7.50$7.00$8.00$24.80$7.00
Jamaica (JMD)$7.00$7.50$7.00$8.00$24.80$7.00
Kenya (KES)$7.00$7.50$7.00$8.00$24.80$7.00

How can I avoid Western Union fees?

The cheapest way to send money abroad with Western Union is a bank transfer directly to the recipient’s bank account or by paying for your transfer with cash. However, there appears to be especially low rates for debit/credit transfers to particularly popular destinations countries like the Philippines, US and India.

Check if there are any Western Union promo codes available

How about any hidden fees?

On top of any upfront fees, Western Union also adds a margin on top of the mid-market exchange rate. The size of this margin varies depending on the currency you want to transfer.

For example, if you want to send $1,000 to China from Canada, Western Union adds a margin of 2.35%:

  • Mid-market rate: 1 CAD = 5.0638 CNY
  • Western Union rate (payment via Alipay to your recipient’s bank account): 1 CAD = 4.9446 CNY

While to send $1,000 to India, Western Union adds a margin of 0.81%:

  • Mid-market rate: 1 CAD = 58.0290 INR
  • Western Union rate (payment by credit/debit for cash pickup): 1 CAD = 57.5605 INR

Compare Western Union with other international money transfer services

Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
1 - 10 of 10
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise (TransferWise) - Under 10k
24 hours
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Simplii Financial
Within minutes
$0
Up to $300 off your first Global Money Transfer with our code GMTEVENT depending on the amount you send. For cash pickups instead, earn $50 using code CASH. Limits and regulations apply.
Send money without fees and at competitive exchange rates to 130+ countries.
Simplii Financial
Within minutes
$0
Up to $300 off your first Global Money Transfer with our code GMTEVENT depending on the amount you send. For cash pickups instead, earn $50 using code CASH. Limits and regulations apply.
Send money without fees and at competitive exchange rates to 130+ countries.
Remitly
Finder Award
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Africhange
Within minutes
From $0
Send money in CAD to Africa on this blockchain and P2P powered provider.
Instarem
Within minutes
From $0
Use code FINDER to get CAD 20 off on first two transfers on a min transfer of CAD 250
Instarem offers zero transfer fees on all transfers.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX
24 hours
$0
Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX
24 hours
$0
Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
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