Western Union transfer limits [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:

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.

Open a Wise account, and you can send, spend and convert between 40+ currencies whenever you need to. You can even receive money from all over the world using your own local account details.

As if all that wasn’t enough, there’s a Wise debit card too. For a one-time fee of just $9, you can spend in over 150 countries in the local currency. Your USD is automatically converted at the mid-market rate, for just a small conversion fee*.

Open a Wise account today

💡 Need to make a business payment? With the Wise Business account, you can send up to 1,000,000 USD per transfer from licensed states.

Discover the difference between Wise Business vs Personal

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.

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.