Personal Finance Tips

Western Union app in the UK: how to use it?

Gert Svaiko

28.06.23 (updated more than 1 year ago)

Read time 3 minutes

Want to send money abroad from the UK using just your phone? A money transfer app could be just what you need.

In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the money transfer app from Western Union, the popular US-based transfer specialist. We’ll show you how it works, how to get it and how to use it. And is the Western Union app safe? Read on to find out.

We’ll also throw an alternative into the mix - the Wise money transfer app. You can use it to send money worldwide in just a few taps, with low fees and fair exchange rates.

Learn more about Wise money transfer app

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Can you use the Western Union app on mobile to send and receive money?

Yes, you can use the Western Union app in the UK to send money 24/7. It’s primarily set up for sending, where you can enter the details of your transfer and start a transfer in a few easy steps. But there’s also a function for tracking a transfer sent to your bank account or card.

It’s worth noting though that it isn’t a mobile wallet. So you can’t use the Western Union app to receive money directly or hold a balance.

Which countries can use the Western Union app?

Western Union doesn’t state exactly which countries can and can’t use the Western Union app. However, we’ve checked and it’s definitely available for customers in the UK.

If you live outside the UK, you can head to the Western Union website to check whether the app is available for your country.

Is it safe to send and receive money through Western Union app?

The Western Union app has a number of security features to help keep your money, details and transfers safe. These include:¹

Encrypted transfers
Biometric (fingerprint) login to prevent unauthorised access
Data security protection (Western Union is PCI DSS compliant)
Transfer tracking and notifications.

In addition, Western Union is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and also has a dedicated anti-fraud hotline.

How to use the Western Union app on your phone?

To make a transfer on the Western Union app, you’ll first need to download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Then you’ll need to create an account, and you’ll be ready to start sending money worldwide.

How to send money on the Western Union app

Follow these steps to send money using the WU app:¹

Login to the app using your fingerprint or PIN
Enter a destination and the amount you’d like to send
Choose a payout method - such as bank transfer, cash pickup or mobile wallet (if available in your recipient’s country)
Check the fee and exchange rate
If you’re happy, pay for your transfer using your bank account or debit/credit card
Confirm the transfer
A tracking number (MTCN) will be created, which you can share with the receiver so that they can track the payment and collect the money (if you’ve chosen cash pickup).

And that’s it!

What else can you do with the Western Union app?

You can also use the app to:¹

Track transfers
Set up preferred exchange rate alerts
Import contacts from your phone
Set up transfers in the app and pay for them at a physical Western Union agent location
Scan your debit or credit card - this can make it quicker to pay and avoid the risk of entering details incorrectly.

Where and how to get the Western Union app?

The Western Union app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, so most mobile devices should be covered.

It’s quick and easy to download the app, and creating an account should be pretty straightforward too.

And there you have it - your at-a-glance guide to the Western Union app in the UK.

We’ve looked at how to get it, what you can do with it and how to set up your first transfer. So you should be all set to download the app, sign up and start sending.

Just remember to compare alternatives before hitting ‘send’, as there could be a better deal out there.

This includes Wise, which lets you send money in multiple currencies for low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. You can send and track transfers easily in the user-friendly Wise app, along with checking exchange rates and fees upfront.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

Western Union - Money transfer app

Sources last checked on date: 31-May-2023

*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.