We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.
Alternatives to Western Union
Need a cheaper alternative for sending cash transfers?
Around for more than 160 years, Western Union is one of the oldest and most recognisable names in money transfers. Available in 200 countries and territories across the globe and with more than 500,000 agent locations worldwide, money pickups are easy and accessible. But for all that, it’s not fantastically competitive on pricing – several transfer specialists founded after Western Union have undercut it and could save you money.
Alternatives to Western Union
A closer look at these services
1. TorFX
TorFX (visit site) is a broker, so it scours popular forex providers to find the best rate it can for your transfer. That means that while Western Union supports transfers to 142 currencies, TorFX can tap into the currency support and distribution network of a whole range of transfer services. Both platforms let you pay by debit card or bank transfer but Western Union additionally supports credit card payment. With Western Union your recipient can pick up cash, so no bank account is needed, but that facility's not available through TorFX. TorFX also offers "forward contracts" (locking in a rate today for a transfer in the future) and "limit orders" (setting a target exchange rate at which your transfer is triggered).
Transfers to a bank account can be a little slower with TorFX but the transfer speed will depend on the country you're sending to.
TorFX is running a special offer – Get a £50 Amazon voucher for each friend you refer who transfers £5,000 or more. T&Cs apply.
2. WorldRemit
Next up, WorldRemit (visit site) supports transfers to 80 fewer currencies than Western Union (notably missing euros). Both apps let you pay by debit/credit card or bank transfer. With both services your recipient can pick up cash, so no bank account is needed. Like Western Union, WorldRemit has an app you can use to arrange and track your international transfers.
Transfers to a bank account can be a little slower with WorldRemit but again, this varies by destination.
WorldRemit is running a special offer – Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
3. Atlantic Money
Newcomer Atlantic Money (visit site) supports transfers to 132 fewer currencies than Western Union (notably missing Indian rupees). With Western Union your recipient can pick up cash, so no bank account is needed, but that facility's not available through Atlantic Money. Like Western Union, Atlantic Money has an app you can use to arrange and track your international transfers, but Atlantic Money's is only available for iPhone.
Transfers to a bank account can be a little slower with Atlantic Money.
Atlantic Money is running a special offer – Pay no fees on your first Atlantic Money transaction with this link.
4. Wise
Wise (visit site) supports transfers to 89 fewer currencies than Western Union, but major remittance currencies including euros, Philippine pesos and Indian and Pakistani rupees are supported. Both apps let you pay by debit/credit card or bank transfer. With Western Union your recipient can pick up cash, so no bank account is needed, but that facility's not available through Wise. Like Western Union, Wise has an app you can use to arrange and track your international transfers or to set up recurring payments.
Transfers to a bank account can be a little slower with Wise.
Wise is running a special offer – Refer 3 friends to receive up to £50 referral bonus.
5. Remitly
Remitly (visit site) supports transfers to 11 fewer currencies than Western Union, but euros, Philippine pesos and Indian and Pakistani rupees are supported. Both platforms let you pay by debit/credit card or bank transfer. With both services your recipient can pick up cash, so no bank account is needed.
Transfers to a bank account can be a little slower with Remitly.
6. Revolut
The multi-purpose banking app Revolut (visit site) supports transfers to 105 fewer currencies than Western Union. Both apps let you pay by debit/credit card or bank transfer. With Western Union your recipient can pick up cash, so no bank account is needed, but that facility's not available through Revolut. Like Western Union, Revolut has an app you can use to arrange and track your international transfers or to set up recurring payments.
Transfers to a bank account can be a little slower with Revolut.
Revolut is running a special offer – Sign up and get 3 months of Revolut Premium for free. T&Cs apply.
7. PassTo
PassTo (visit site) supports transfers to 111 fewer currencies than Western Union, but euros, Philippine pesos and Indian and Pakistani rupees are supported. Both apps let you pay by debit/credit card or bank transfer. With both services your recipient can pick up cash, so no bank account is needed. Like Western Union, PassTo has an app you can use to arrange and track your international transfers.
Transfers to a bank account can be a little slower with PassTo.
PassTo is running a special offer – No fees on your first transfer. Refer 3 friends to PassTo and earn £50 once they each make a transfer of at least £200. They'll earn £5 too. T&Cs apply.
8. Paysend
Finally, Paysend (read review) supports transfers to 25 fewer currencies than Western Union, but euros, Philippine pesos and Indian and Pakistani rupees are supported. Both apps let you pay by debit/credit card or bank transfer. With both services your recipient can pick up cash, so no bank account is needed. Like Western Union, Paysend has an app you can use to arrange and track your international transfers.
Transfers to a bank account take a similar amount of time with Paysend or Western Union.
Still looking for other options?
Table: sorted by promoted deals first
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 - 20 of 20
{"niche":"UKFMT"}
Learn more about Western Union in our review.
More guides on Finder
-
Side hustle statistics for 2023
Almost half of Brits (44%) have a side hustle in 2023. The average income from side hustles is £205.79 per week, or £10,701.24 per year.
-
Get organised with Starling’s new “Split Payment” tool
Starling launches a money management tool to help you divide up your salary and send funds to different accounts automatically.
-
Weekly share tips: This week is Berkshire Hathaway
Why George Sweeney believes Berkshire Hathaway is one to watch. This week’s share tip. Not financial advice or a recommendation.
-
Nationwide customers to get Fairer Share Payment worth £100
Nationwide is planning to give eligible members £100 in June as part of its newly launched Fairer Share scheme.
-
How to buy cryptocurrency
There’s lots to consider when buying cryptocurrency. Here’s your step-by-step guide.
-
How do we rate kids’ bank accounts?
Your kids’ bank account is often where your child starts their financial journey – here’s how we decide our star ratings for them.
-
The best stock trading apps and platforms in the UK
We’ve tested, analysed and scored trading apps to find the 10 best trading platforms in the UK, who they’re best for and the pros and cons.
-
The best stock trading apps and platforms in the UK
We’ve tested, analysed and scored trading apps to find the 10 best trading platforms in the UK, who they’re best for and the pros and cons.
-
The best stock trading apps and platforms in the UK
We’ve tested, analysed and scored trading apps to find the 10 best trading platforms in the UK, who they’re best for and the pros and cons.
-
A step-by-step guide to how card readers work
Our guide explains all you need to know about the card reader payment process.
Ask an Expert