To send money through Western Union, you need a government-issued photo ID, the recipient’s full legal name, and your payment method. The exact details depend on whether you’re sending in person or online, sending to a cash pickup location or a bank account, and how much you’re transferring. Here’s what to have ready for each scenario.
What Senders Need for In-Person Transfers
When you walk into a Western Union agent location (a grocery store, check-cashing shop, or other retail partner), you’ll need to provide a few things. First, a valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, resident alien card, or a Matricula Consular card. Western Union requires at least one photo ID and may ask for a second non-photo document as well, depending on the transaction amount and destination.
Beyond your ID, you’ll need to know your recipient’s full legal name exactly as it appears on their ID. This is critical because mismatched names can delay or block a pickup. You’ll also provide the destination country and city, the amount you want to send, and your payment (cash or debit card at most locations). For larger transfers, you may be asked for your address, your Social Security number or tax ID, and the purpose of the transfer. In some cases, Western Union may request a phone interview or additional documentation.
What You Need to Send Online
Sending through the Western Union website or app requires a registered account. During registration, you’ll provide your first and last name, mobile number, a password, your ID type, and your ID number. You’ll also need to verify your identity by uploading clear photos of both sides of your government-issued ID and taking a selfie so Western Union can match your face to the document.
Once your account is set up, each transfer requires the recipient’s full name, the destination country, the send amount, and a funding source such as a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Keep in mind that verifying your identity online does not carry over to in-person transactions. If you later visit an agent location, you’ll need to show your ID again because the requirements are handled separately.
Recipient Details for Cash Pickup
If your recipient plans to collect the money in cash at an agent location, the information you need to provide about them is straightforward: their full legal name and the country and city where they’ll pick up the funds. You don’t need their bank details, address, or phone number.
Once the transfer is processed, you’ll receive a tracking number called an MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number). Share this number with your recipient. They’ll need it at the pickup counter, along with their own government-issued photo ID, your full name as the sender, and the expected transfer amount. Some locations also require the sender’s country or state.
Recipient Details for Bank Account Transfers
Sending money directly to someone’s bank account requires more information. At a minimum, you’ll need the recipient’s full name and address as registered with their bank, the bank’s name and address, the bank account number (or IBAN for countries that use that format), and the bank’s SWIFT or BIC code.
Many countries have additional requirements on top of that baseline. Common extras include a branch name or branch code, a national tax ID number, the recipient’s mobile number or email, the purpose of the transfer, and sometimes the account type (savings vs. checking). For example, transfers to countries in Latin America frequently require the recipient’s national tax ID, while transfers to countries in South Asia often require a branch name, an IFSC or similar routing code, and a stated purpose for the money. Before you start a transfer, check the destination country’s specific fields on Western Union’s site so you can gather everything in advance.
What Recipients Need to Pick Up Money
If someone is sending money to you and you’re picking it up in person, bring the following to the agent location:
- MTCN tracking number: The sender should share this with you after completing the transfer.
- Government-issued photo ID: A driver’s license, passport, state ID, military ID, or resident alien card all work.
- Sender’s full name: You need to know exactly how the sender’s name appears on the transaction.
- Expected amount: The agent will ask you to confirm how much was sent.
- Sender’s country: Some locations also ask for the sender’s state, city, or province.
If any detail doesn’t match what the sender entered, the agent may not release the funds. Double-check the spelling of names and the MTCN before you go.
When Western Union Asks for Extra Information
Federal regulations require money transfer companies to collect additional data on larger transactions. If you send or receive $1,000 or more, expect to provide your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. Transactions of $3,000 and above typically trigger more detailed identity verification, and any single cash transaction over $10,000 must be reported to the government, which means even more documentation.
Western Union may also flag transactions for additional review based on the destination country, the frequency of your transfers, or other risk factors. If that happens, you could be asked to provide proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement), explain the purpose of the transfer, or participate in a brief phone interview. These steps can add time, so plan ahead if you’re sending a large amount or transferring to a destination with stricter compliance rules.