Western Union transfer limits [2024] (2024)

Western Union US®¹ lets customers arrange payments by calling into an agent location, online or through the Western Union app. You can send domestic and international payments - with an impressive global reach.

There are also plenty of ways to have your money received including cash collection and bank deposit. But what about the Western Union transfer limits? Read on for all you need to know.

Western Union's transfer limits overview

Western Union offers payments you can make locally and internationally, online, in app and in person.

The limits can vary a lot depending on the type of Western Union account you have and how you’re arranging your transfer. Here’s a quick overview²:

Type	Per transaction
WU unverified account (online or in-app)	3,000 USD
WU unverified account (online or in-app)	50,000 USD
Send from WU location	Variable depending on the agent’s policies and the destination

Western Union international transfer limits

We’ve set out the Western Union transfer limits - which apply for both domestic and international payments - above.

It’s useful to know that some other limits can apply, depending on the details of your payment. This can apply particularly when sending money overseas, as there may be local laws in your destination which limit the amount you’re allowed to send. Additionally, agents may have slightly different limits which can be higher or lower than the online limits which apply.

If you run into a specific Western Union limit online or in-app a message will be shown on screen - in an agent location, the member of service staff can talk you through the options and limits which apply.

If you run into a limit which means you can’t send your payment with Western Union - or if you just want to compare a few options, check out Wise. Wise offers transfers you can make to 160+ countries with just your phone.

Limits are usually high - while fees can be low*. We’ll look at Wise in more detail in a moment - you can also take a look at Wise transfer limits here.

How can you check your Western Union transfer limits?

You may be able to check your Western Union limits within the Western Union app if you use it, or by logging into your digital account online.

You can also call into an agent location to ask about your account status, open an in app or online chat with customer services, or give Western Union a call on 1-800-325-6000³.

How can you increase your transfer limits at Western Union?

To increase your transfer limit with Western Union you’ll need to have your account verified. You can usually choose to either do this online by uploading images of your documents, or by visiting an agent location.

Exactly what you need to verify your account can vary a little, but likely you’ll be asked to provide some or all of the following⁴:

A government issued ID like a passport
Proof of address like a utility bill
Secondary ID document, such as a residence status document

Temporary vs. permanent limit increases

When you verify your Western Union account, the increase in transfer limit should be permanent. However, you may still be asked to provide extra documents for some high value transfers on a one-off basis.

These documents are usually needed to prove the source of the funds is legitimate⁵. Western Union staff will guide you through what’s required in your specific situation through emails or by phone.

If you have any questions about your specific account you’ll need to reach out to Western Union customer service directly online, in-app or by visiting an agent location.

What are your online transfer limits with Western Union?

Western Union unverified accounts can usually send up to 3,000 USD. If you want to send more you must verify your account with some ID - once verified, the upper limit can be 50,000 USD.

What’s the best way to send money internationally?

Banks are certainly one option for sending money internationally, as are services like PayPal. But the problem with banks is they can often be slow, expensive and inconvenient. Luckily, there’s a better alternative out there.

You can send money worldwide with Wise for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It’s easy and quick to set up a payment online, and you’re guaranteed secure transfers even when sending large sums.

Wise is a money service business (MSB) regulated by 12 international financial authorities, and uses sophisticated security features to keep you and your money safe.

Some key features of Wise Business include:
Better visibility and organization of business finances. This is helpful for account reconciliations and audits Major local account details for a simple one-off fee to receive international payments with ease No monthly account fees or minimum balance requirements Receive payments from e-commerce platforms such as Amazon or via Stripe Create invoices using the free Wise invoice generator or invoice templates Accounting integrations, including a QuickBooks Bill Pay connection Batch payment options. Fast payment of up to 1,000 people

What are Western Union's transfer fees and charges?

Western Union’s fees and charges vary depending on the destination you’re sending money to, the currencies involved, how you pay, and the channel you use to arrange your payment.

Usually the cheapest way to send money is online or in-app, paying by bank transfer or with a debit card. In person transfers, and credit card payments, can include extra fees.

Bear in mind that if you’re sending a payment overseas with Western Union, they also make money from currency exchange. This means that there will be a fee added to the exchange rate you’re quoted to convert your dollars to the currency you need for collection or deposit, in addition to any transfer fee charged.

Compare the Western Union rate against the mid-market rate to spot any markup, and take a look at the rates available from alternatives like Wise, to see which works best for you.

Things to keep in mind when transferring high amounts

If you need to send a payment overseas you’ll need to be prepared, to avoid delays or extra hassle.

Here are a few things to consider:
Western Union requires customers to verify their accounts to send over 3,000 USD. This is normal practise for all financial institutions - so have your ID and documents lined up before you try to send money If you’re sending money to a bank account, your recipient may also have receiving limits or receive fees their end - ask them to check so there are no surprises Some high value transfers require additional paperwork for verification, to prove that the source of the funds is legitimate. As this can slow down your payment it may be best to ask Western Union in advance what’s required for your transfer The costs of sending a high value payment overseas with Western Union can be quite high, depending on the exchange rate markup used. This can look pretty small but adds up quickly when you’re sending a high value payment. Compare the exchange rate you’re offered against the mid-market rate to see any fees which are included in the costs here Consider using a third party specialist provider like Wise if you’re sending money overseas. Limits are normally set very high, with low fees and the mid-market rate*

Here are a few things to consider:

Western Union requires customers to verify their accounts to send over 3,000 USD. This is normal practise for all financial institutions - so have your ID and documents lined up before you try to send money
If you’re sending money to a bank account, your recipient may also have receiving limits or receive fees their end - ask them to check so there are no surprises
Some high value transfers require additional paperwork for verification, to prove that the source of the funds is legitimate. As this can slow down your payment it may be best to ask Western Union in advance what’s required for your transfer
The costs of sending a high value payment overseas with Western Union can be quite high, depending on the exchange rate markup used. This can look pretty small but adds up quickly when you’re sending a high value payment. Compare the exchange rate you’re offered against the mid-market rate to see any fees which are included in the costs here
Consider using a third party specialist provider like Wise if you’re sending money overseas. Limits are normally set very high, with low fees and the mid-market rate*

Transfer limits FAQ

What happens if you exceed your Western Union transfer limit?

You’ll be able to increase your Western Union transfer limits by verifying your account. If you still can’t make the payment you’re looking to make, you might need to reach out to Western Union directly for advice.

In some cases, agents may be able to process higher value transfers compared to online, for verified account holders.

Are there any fees associated with exceeding transfer limits or requesting limit increases?

No, there is no fee to verify your Western Union account and to increase your sending limit.

How often do Western Union transfer limits reset?

Usually Western Union limits are reset daily. However, as additional limits might apply depending on the details of your transfer and how you usually use your account, you may need to contact Western Union directly with an in-app chat if you’re struggling to send a payment.

Western Union is one of the best known money transfer services on the planet and has a relatively high limit of 50,000 USD per day for verified account holders.

However, as you may need some extra paperwork for a high value transfer, and some other limits can also apply, it’s worth looking into the details for your specific account before you try to arrange your payment.

Use this guide to get started, and compare your options, fees and rates from Western Union against alternatives like Wise to see which suits you best.

Sources:

Sources checked on 05.23.2024

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.