What is it, and how does it work?

At H&T, we offer a wide variety of financial services — including travel money for when you're making planned trips abroad. But did you know you can also find a full range of Western Union services in our branches?

Western Union is used by millions across the globe to transfer money internationally, including people who are sending cash gifts to loved ones, and those who need to make payments overseas.

Sending and receiving money from country to country can often seem complicated, but with Western Union, it can be very straightforward — and quick, too! You can even send physical cash from one country to another in a matter of minutes, without needing a bank account.

In this guide, we'll explain everything there is to know about Western Union, including what it is, how it works, and how much it can cost. We'll cover:

• What is Western Union?
  • Western Union key statistics
• How does Western Union work?
• How to use Western Union: a step-by-step guide
  • How to send money through Western Union
  • How to receive money from Western Union
• How much does Western Union cost?
  • From the UK to India
  • From the UK to Pakistan
  • From the UK to the USA
  • From the UK to China
  • From the UK to Nigeria
  • From the UK to the Philippines
• Western Union FAQs
  • Which countries can I send money to with Western Union?
  • Do I need a bank account to send or receive money with Western Union?
  • How much can I send with Western Union?
  • How long does Western Union take?
  • How long does Western Union hold your money for?
  • What happens if Western Union money is not collected?
  • Where is my nearest Western Union?

What is Western Union?

Western Union is best known as an international money transfer service. The company was founded in Massachusetts in 1851, as a communications company that sent transcontinental telegrams between North America and Europe. It has since gone on to become a leading name in global financial services.

Practically anyone can send and receive money quickly using Western Union money transfers in a variety of convenient ways to suit all kinds of circumstances. It's particularly popular among people who need to make or receive payments while travelling or staying in another country, or people who are supporting friends and family overseas who may not have access to a bank account. And, as Western Union's services are quick and easy to use, it's a popular option for sending and receiving emergency cash too.

Western Union makes use of other businesses to offer these services on its behalf, known as 'Western Union agent locations'. To access Western Union services, for example to make international cash transfers in person, you can look up Western Union agent locations near you, or simply pop into your local H&T branch. You’ll find us in over 250 locations nationwide and all our stores offer the full and complete range of Western Union money transfer services.