Review: Western Union Philippines international money transfers

Western Union exchange rates and fees

Western Union’s exchange rates fluctuate frequently in line with the mid-market rate. The rate you get for your transaction will include a margin added on by Western Union, so there could be a difference of up to 5% (or even higher in some cases) depending on the currency you send.

Fees also apply to Western Union transfers. As of January 2020, the minimum transfer fee is pegged at PHP400. The amount you’ll be charged will vary depending on how much money you send, the country you send it to, how you pay for your transaction and how your beneficiary will receive the money.

Available currencies

Western Union offers transfers to 200 countries and territories around the world, so you can send funds in a wide range of currencies including:

You can check out the full list of supported currencies above.

What types of transfers can you make with Western Union?

There are two different ways to send a transfer with Western Union in the Philippines:

• Start your transfer online through the Western Union website, then pay cash in-store
• Submit a transfer in person at your nearest Western Union branch

There are also two types of transfers you can send:

• Cash pick-up transfers. When you send this type of transfer, your recipient can collect the cash you send from one of Western Union’s 550,000 agent locations around the world.
• Bank account transfers. The second option is to transfer money directly to your recipient’s overseas bank account. This option is not yet available through the Western Union website, so you will need to submit your transfer in person at an agent location. Moreover, this service is only available when sending money to select countries.

What payment methods does Western Union accept?

At this time, Western Union in the Philippines only accepts cash payments in-store for transfers made in person or initiated through the website.

Is Western Union safe to use?

As a global money transfer company, Western Union must comply with all the relevant laws and regulations in the countries in which it operates. As it’s based in the US, it is primarily regulated by FinCEN, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. It is regulated in the Philippines by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Western Union is a globally recognised name in the remittance business and has been offering money transfer services for more than 145 years. It also claims to use SSL technology and a variety of other techniques to protect customer information.

• Where is Western Union regulated?

  Country	Regulated by
  United States of America	Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
  Australia	Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)
  Philippines	Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

How does Western Union make money?

Western Union makes money by charging transaction fees and by adding a margin on top of the mid-market exchange rate. The mid-market rate is the “real” exchange rate – use Google to check the current mid-market rate for your chosen currency pair.

How to register for an account

If you want to send an online transfer with Western Union, you’ll need to register for a free online account first. You can do so by completing the following steps.

• Step 1: Visit the Western Union website

  Navigate to the Western Union homepage and click “Register”.

• Step 2: Register with your phone number

  The first step will ask for your phone number. Western Union will send a verification code to your number before activating your account.

  

• Step 3: Provide personal details

  You will then provide your name, date of birth and email address, and create a password for your account. You’ll also need to enter your residential address and phone number, as well as select your occupation and country of birth.

How do I start an online money transfer with Western Union?

To initiate a transfer online, complete the following steps:

1. Log into your Western Union account using your phone number.
2. Choose your transfer destination and the amount you want to send.
3. Review the total cost of your transaction and submit your transfer.
4. Go the nearest Western Union agent location within 24 hours and bring a photo ID, phone number, and cash to pay for your transfer.
5. After paying for your transfer, you’ll be emailed a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) which you can use to track the progress of your transaction.
6. Your beneficiary will receive the cash at an agent location.

How to send money from a Western Union agent location in the Philippines

1. Search for a Western Union agent located near you.
2. Fill out the Send Money form. You will need to provide your residential address.
3. Present the completed form to the agent, along with a valid ID, money you wish to send, and the transfer fee.
4. Once your transfer has been completed, keep the receipt and take note of the tracking number issued.
5. Notify your recipient of the tracking number and amount transferred.
6. Track your transfer online. Though funds availability can be affected by factors such as agent location hours, funds are typically available for your recipient to pick up within minutes.

Maximum transfer amounts when sending money from an agent location

If you wish to transfer more, you can visit an agent location where you will be asked to fill out a Large Principal Money Transfer (LPMT) form which will be subject to approval.

What is Western Union?

Western Union is the world’s largest money transfer service. Founded in the United States in 1851 as a telegraph company, Western Union now has over 550,000 locations in 200 countries and territories around the world. Its headquarters are located in Meridian, Colorado.

How does Western Union compare to other providers?

Input your transaction details into the calculator below to compare the exchange rates and fees offered by a range of money transfer services.

Frequently asked questions

• What is My WU?

  My WU is Western Union’s rewards program and entitles frequent customers to cheaper fees, access to online courses and other privileges.

• How many locations does Western Union have in the Philippines?

  Western Union has more than 12,000 agent locations around the Philippines. You can find your nearest agent by visiting the Western Union website.

• How can I track my transfer?

  You can do this by clicking the “Track Transfer” link on the Western Union website and entering the sender’s name and transaction tracking number.

• Is there a customer service hotline in the Philippines?

  Yes, you can reach them at:

  • 02-888-1200 (for calls within Metro Manila)
  • 1-800-1-888-1200 (toll-free nationwide calls via PLDT)
  • 1-800-9-888-1200 (toll-free nationwide calls via Globe)
  • +632-888-1200 (for calls from overseas)

• Can I cancel my transfer

  This may be possible if the funds have not yet been picked up by the recipient.

• What is a Digital Location and how do I use it?

  
  A Digital Location is Western Union’s way of bringing agent location services to the digital world. This service is first launching in a few markets, but Western Union has plans to expand the program.

  Where can I use a Digital Location?

  The launch of the program includes support for only a handful of countries:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Oman

  What can I do at a Western Union Digital Location?

  Users connecting to a Digital Location can expect the same level of customer service they’d get from a regular agent location, but digitally. Customers can expect:

  • Multiple language support.
  • Video or phone chat with a Western Union money transfer personal-service assistant.
  • All the perks of visiting a Western Union agent location without having to leave your home.

  How do I use a Western Union Digital Location?

  For customers located in one of the supported countries, visit the Western Union website on your phone or computer and follow the onscreen prompts. For customers who aren’t in one of the supported countries and want to send money digitally, be sure to compare your options to save money on your next transfer.