Western Union is an established money transfer company with an impressive history of over 135 years doing business in Mexico. With Western Union you can send money from Mexico in cash, to recipients all over the world. Or you can have other people send you money in Mexico, either direct to your bank account for convenience, or for cash collection at an agent location.
While Western Union is a reliable service, it’s not always the best value out here.
It’s worth knowing that you might save money by using an alternative provider like Wise, if you’re sending money direct to your recipient’s bank account or free online Wise multi-currency account. You’ll also have the added convenience of completing the entire transaction online rather than needing to visit a Western Union store to pay in person.
See if you can save with Wise
Let’s take a look at the costs and options for international transfers available through Western Union Mexico.
Western Union Mexico fees
When you send money from Mexico using Western Union, you’ll need to visit a store or agent location in person. It’s possible to start the transfer online using the Western Union app, but you’ll still have to pay in one of Western Union’s offices.¹
When you set up the transaction either in person or using the app, you’ll be shown the transfer fees and exchange rate which applies.
It’s important to note that the upfront transfer fee is often not the only cost involved in sending a payment overseas. You may well find there’s a markup added to the mid-market exchange rate, which is an extra slice of profit for the provider - and an extra fee for the customer. We’ll look at this in more detail later. In short: the exchange rate may be even more important to consider compared to the
Here are the upfront fees you need to know about when using Western Union Mexico - read on for more on the exchange rates available:²
| Sending amount | Western Union Mexico international fees |
|---|---|
| Up to MXN3,000 | MXN150 |
| MXN3,001 - MXN4,500 | MXN174 |
| MXN4,501 - MXN6,000 | MXN243 |
| MXN6,001 - MXN10,000 | MXN348 |
| MXN10,001 - MXN12,000 | MXN487 |
| MXN12,001 - MXN15,000 | MXN649 |
| MXN15,001 - MXN97,500 | MXN696 |
Sending to Mexico
If you want to send money to someone in Mexico, you’ll need to check out the options available with Western Union in your country. From most locations, you’ll be able to send money in cash from an agent location, or make a payment online using a card or bank transfer. If you’re sending money from the US, you’ll also have the option of sending money over the phone.
Not all services are available from all countries.
Sending from Mexico
From Mexico, you can send money via an agent. That means you need to visit an agent local to you to set up or complete your transfer, even if you start the sending process online or via the WU app.
Exchange rates
Western Union Mexico does not publish information about the exchange rates used online. Instead, you’ll need to open an account online or visit an agent to find out the rate that can be applied to your specific transfer.
When you find the rate you’ll get with Western Union Mexico, you’ll want to check it’s the best available. One good way to do this, is to compare the rate offered with the mid-market exchange rate which you can find online or using a currency converter.
This is worth doing because many banks and currency services add a markup to the exchange rate they offer customers. This is an additional fee, but it can be tricky to see it in the rate that’s been set. That’s not transparent, and it can mean you pay more than you need to for international payments.
You can avoid this issue entirely by choosing a modern international payment provider which uses the mid-market rate, such as Wise. All transfers have a clear, transparent fee, with no charges hidden in an exchange rate markup. You can see the costs for your specific payment - and how much your recipient will get - online.
What transfer and payment methods are available?
Here’s how to use Western Union Mexico.
Payment methods
Western Union works through a series of agent locations in Mexico. That means that payments from within the country are made in person at an agent. You can choose to start the transaction online using the Western Union app if you want to, but you’ll still have to head over to an agent near you to hand over the cash or pay by card if the agent accepts credit and debit cards, and complete the transfer.³ ⁴
How long does my transfer take
Your transfer will be available almost immediately if you choose the Money in Minutes option - or the following working day if you choose a next day service.
Available currencies
Western Union is a global provider of international payments. However, the range of currencies available from Mexico is not published online. Call your local agent - or visit the store in person - to check if your payment is possible.
Western Union Mexico limits
The amount you’re able to send or receive will depend on both Western Union’s policy, and the individual policy of your chosen agent.
Western Union states that the maximum amount you can send is the currency equivalent of USD7,499 per day. However, agents may have different limits which mean you can send less than this.
Using the Western Union app, the following limits apply:
- Sending or receiving with Financiera Realidad - MXN50,000
- Sending or receiving with Calimax - MXN4,999
- Sending or receiving with Order Express - USD500
- Receiving money at OXXO - MXN11,600
- Receiving money at Empeños del Sur SA de CV - MXN60,000
- Receiving money at Te Creemos - USD500
- Receiving money at Tiendas Chedraui SA de CV - MXN20,000
- Receiving money at Fundación Dondé - MXN18,000
Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about using Western Union in Mexico.
What kind of customer support does Western Union offer?
If you have a question, you can call Western Union on 01-800-719-891, 7 days a week.⁵ You can also use the contact form on the website if you’d rather get in touch online.
What is My WU?
My WU has recently launched in Mexico, and is a loyalty scheme which allows frequent customers to collect virtual stamps every time they send or receive an international payment. Once you have 6 virtual stamps, you can trade them for a reward - such as vouchers for Starbucks or money off Spotify.⁶
How many locations does Western Union have in Mexico?
Western Union has over 26,000 agent locations in Mexico, covering every single state.⁷ Find an agent location near you, using the Western Union agent locator tool.⁸
How can I track my transfer?
When you send a transfer with Western Union, you’ll be given a Money Transfer Control Number - MTCN. You can use this unique reference number to track your transfer online or by calling the customer service number.
Western Union is a useful tool if you need to send cash quickly for a recipient to pick it up in person somewhere else in the world. However, you’ll often find that you pay extra for the option of cash collection - either through relatively high fees or a marked up exchange rate.
If your recipient has a bank account or can open a free Wise multi-currency account online, you may find you can send a cheaper - more convenient - payment that way. Wise payments use the mid-market exchange rate with no markup and no hidden fees. You just pay a low, transparent fee for each transaction, which can work out cheaper than alternative services and traditional banks. See if you can save with Wise.
Sources:
- Western Union Mexico
- WU Mexico - FAQ
- WU Mexico - App
- WU Mexico - Send money
- WU Mexico - Contact Us
- WU Mexico - My WU
- WU Mexico - About page
- WU Mexico - Find an agent
All sources checked on 29 July 2020
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
FAQs
Western Union Mexico international transfer: An overview? ›
Government-issued ID to confirm your identity. Cash, credit or debit card to pay for the total – including any transfer fees and currency exchange rates. Your receiver's full name (as on their ID), country and address (where requested)
What details do I need for Western Union international transfer? ›Government-issued ID to confirm your identity. Cash, credit or debit card to pay for the total – including any transfer fees and currency exchange rates. Your receiver's full name (as on their ID), country and address (where requested)
What information do I need to send Western Union to Mexico? ›You'll need a U.S. driver's license, passport or government-issued ID to register with us online. To send money to Mexico, you'll also require the recipient's bank account number or CLABE, plus their address, city, state and phone number. How do I send money to Mexico from a Western Union agent location?
How much does it cost to send $1000 to Mexico through Western Union? ›For an $8 fee*, send $200, $600, or up to $1,000 to loved ones in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia and the majority of South America† from an agent location nearby.
Is there a limit on Western Union money transfer to Mexico? ›There is no legal limit on the amount of money you can send to Mexico. Different money transfer providers will impose their own limits when sending to Mexico from the US, for example: Western Union's sending limit to Mexico is $7,499.
How much money can you transfer internationally without being reported? ›How much money can you wire without being reported? Financial institutions and money transfer providers are obligated to report international transfers that exceed $10,000. You can learn more about the Bank Secrecy Act from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
What information do I need to provide to receive money through Western Union? ›What do I need to pick up money at an agent location? Bring a valid government-issued ID (such as a US driver's license or passport) and the tracking number (MTCN) for the money transfer. You also need to provide the sender's complete name and state the expected amount.
How to transfer money from USA to Mexico? ›- OFX: Cheapest for bank deposits.
- Remitly: Cheapest for cash pickup.
- MoneyGram: Fastest (tie) and biggest network.
- Xoom: Fastest (tie)
- Western Union: Runner-up for biggest network.
When sending an international bank wire, you will need to provide the recipient's name, address, banks SWIFT BIC, and bank account number, plus the International Payments System Routing Code, for certain countries (you will be prompted for this).
How much does Western Union charge to send $100? ›To send $100 from your bank account to their bank account still carries a significant fee of $14.00. Sending the same amount from your credit card as a cash pickup will cost you $20.50.
Can I send $5000 through Western Union to Mexico? ›
To send more than 3,000 USD from the United States, you will need to verify your identity1. Once verified, you can send up to 50,000 USD. You can verify your identity online or at an agent location.
What is the cheapest way to send money to someone in Mexico? ›Finding the Cheapest Way to Send Money to Mexico
The cheapest way to send money to Mexico is to make an international bank transfer to a local bank account in Mexico via a specialist money transfer provider, which you can pay by debit card or local bank transfer.
Remitly is a US-based digital remittance app that's very often the fastest and cheapest money transfer app on Monito. Like Western Union, Remitly offers various pay-in and pay-out options and supports currency transfers to over 85 countries worldwide, but unlike Western Union, it's often 2 to 5 times cheaper!
Can a U.S. citizen pick up money in Mexico? ›What kinds of ID are acceptable for a cash pickup in Mexico? A valid photo ID is normally required to pick up cash in Mexico.
How to send money from Mexico to USA Western Union? ›- Start by finding a Western Union agent location near you.
- Go to the counter with your ID, phone number and receiver details3.
- Pay with cash.
- Get your Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) and share it with your receiver.
- Your transfer should appear in less than one banking day.
By law, banks report all cash transactions that exceed $10,000 — the international money transfer reporting limit set by the IRS. In addition, a bank may report any transaction of any amount that alerts its suspicions.
What happens if you transfer more than $10000? ›Generally, any person in a trade or business who receives more than $10,000 in cash in a single transaction or in related transactions must file a Form 8300. By law, a "person" is an individual, company, corporation, partnership, association, trust or estate.
How much money can you receive without getting flagged? ›Does a Bank Report Large Cash Deposits? Depositing a big amount of cash that is $10,000 or more means your bank or credit union will report it to the federal government. The $10,000 threshold was created as part of the Bank Secrecy Act, passed by Congress in 1970, and adjusted with the Patriot Act in 2002.
How much money can you send internationally through Western Union? ›| Transfer limits | Methods of payment | |
|---|---|---|
| Western Union | Up to $3,000 1 without additional ID verification Up to $50,000 1 upon verification | Credit or debit card, cash, and bank account |
| MoneyGram | Up to $10,000 2 every 30 calendar days for most countries | Credit or debit card, cash, and bank account |
You will be able to receive up to 7500 USD (or its local currency equivalent) per transfer.
Why would Western Union block me from sending money? ›
Occasionally, money transfers may be declined. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as WU being unable to confirm your identity. WU is required to comply with regulatory standards and internal policies. If these are not met, your money transfer may be declined.
How long does Western Union take internationally? ›Generally, an international wire transfer takes between one and five days for the money to arrive in your receiver's account. Some might take longer. Setting up an international wire transfer can be simple and take a few minutes.
What is the best way to send money to someone in Mexico? ›A reliable and secure method of transferring funds to Mexico is through bank transfers. To complete the transfer, you'll need to get details such as the recipient's full name and address, bank account number, bank location, and BIC/SWIFT code.
Can you use Zelle in Mexico? ›No, Zelle® can only be used to send funds to someone who has a bank account in the United States.
What is the best rate to transfer money to Mexico? ›$1 = $ 17.61 (USD to MXN) is the best current exchange rate to transfer money from USA to MEXICO (US Dollar to Mexican Peso)
Does IRS monitor international wire transfers? ›The IRS does monitor international wire transfers, and that there's an overseas money transfer limit of $10,000¹ before your transfer will be reported to the IRS.
What is the difference between wire and international wire transfer? ›Wire transfers are mostly used to send money overseas. Domestic wire transfers take a day. International wire transfers may take up to five days or even more.
Do you need SWIFT code and routing number for international wire transfer? ›You will need to provide your account number and wire transfer routing number. For incoming international wires, you will also need to provide the appropriate SWIFT Code.
How much is Western Union fee per transaction? ›Often Western Union will offer no transaction fee on transfers. The second fee is an exchange rate fee. This is tucked away in the exchange rate that you get with Western Union. It has a markup which makes the exchange rate more expensive than the mid-market rate you see on Google.
How much does Western Union charge for transactions? ›| Receive Method | Pay Method | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cash at WU location | Bank account | $4.99 |
| Cash at WU location | Debit card | $6.99 |
| Cash at WU location | Credit card | $33.99 |
| Bank account | Bank account | $1.99 |
Does Western Union have hidden fees? ›
Western Union or MoneyGram
These money transfer services don't generally offer a very competitive exchange rate, which results in a hidden charge if you transfer money internationally.
While the general rule is that wire transfers over $10,000 must be reported to the IRS, there are some exceptions to this requirement. These include: Transactions that are conducted by financial institutions on behalf of the US government. Transactions that are conducted between financial institutions.
How much money can I take to Mexico? ›Bringing Cash to Mexico
Travelers are permitted to carry up to $10,000 USD in cash to Mexico, without the need to declare it. The traveler may also transport sums greater than ten thousand dollars, but they are required to advise customs if they are doing this.
The costs of sending an international money transfer to Mexico varies widely depending on the type of payment you're making. To send money to Mexico using an international money transfer provider, the fees range from 45.32 USD to 280.50 USD, but if you plan to send with a traditional bank you could pay more overall.
Is it safe to send money through Western Union? ›Send money with confidence
Western Union takes safety seriously. As one of the most reliable and oldest financial services and communications companies in the world, we provide a wide variety of money transfer options to more than 200 countries.
- Go to a bank and make a wire transfer;
- Transfer money using an international bank; or.
- Find an online international money transfer service.
Given its clear pricing structure, you'll definitely save with Walmart2Walmart. But you're limited to in-person store-to-store transfers of $2,500 or less. With Western Union, you'll pay more — though how much more depends on many factors, but you can send money online and worldwide.
Which is better wire transfer or Western Union? ›Domestic wire transfers are usually faster – often arriving on the same day. However, transferring money between different banks can slow the process down. With Western Union, you can transfer for collection at agent locations all over the world – and your money could arrive in minutes3.
Which is more expensive MoneyGram or Western Union? ›Keep an eye on money transfer fees to maximize payout. That said, you would want to look at fees, where MoneyGram tends to be less cost effective than Western Union. This is important as the payout the receiver gets is calculated using the amount you send, exchange rate offered and associated fees applicable.
How does Western Union work in Mexico? ›Search online for your nearest agent location. Take a valid government-issued ID, My WU® number or phone number to the counter, plus the bank and account details of the person you're sending money to in Mexico. Use a U.S. bank-issued debit card or cash to pay for your money transfer to Mexico.
Should I bring American money to Mexico? ›
The national currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). However the US Dollar is widely accepted across Mexico especially in the more touristic places like Playa del Carmen. In fact most tour companies, restaurants, and even some shops will have their prices in both pesos and dollars.
Should I bring US cash to Mexico? ›Since most major tourist attractions accept both U.S. dollars and pesos, you should bring a little of both. However, don't bring too much. Even though Mexico is generally safe, it's not a good idea to carry around large wads of cash in your wallet or pockets.
What information do I need to send money through Western Union? ›- Login information.
- Credit or debit card details.
- Receiver's first and last name – the same as their government-issued ID.
- Receiver's country – sometimes you need their full address.
How to send money. With MoneyGram, you can send your money to México, United States, Colombia, Central America and over 200 countries. Your money arrives within minutes.
What is the best way to transfer money from Mexico to USA? ›Using an online international money transfer service is the fastest and cheapest way to transfer money from Mexico to the US. There are several top online transfer platforms that offer MXN to USD transfers, including: Wise. Paysend.
Do I have to pay tax on money transferred from overseas to us? ›Americans who receive financial gifts from foreign loved ones won't have to pay taxes on the transfer. However, if you yourself sent funds to an American while abroad, you might. Recipients of foreign inheritances typically don't have a tax liability in the United States.
How much money can you legally wire transfer internationally? ›International money transfer regulations: The takeaway
Good news is, there are no legal limits to international wire transfers. However, banks and financial institutions are required by law to report any transaction or multiple related transactions exceeding $10,000.
- Choose a location. Visit a Western Union® agent location near you.
- Show your ID. Provide the agent with transaction details and show your valid ID.
- Pay with cash. Pay for the transfer (including transfer fee)
- Send with confidence.
You will require: Their Bank Identifier Code (BIC), SWIFT code or national bank code. Their bank account number or International Bank Account Number (IBAN). Their full name.
What info is needed to receive a wire transfer? ›- Your full account number.
- The name on your account as it appears on your statement.
- Receiving bank information such as name of bank, address of bank, and identifying numbers such as wire routing transit number and SWIFT codes.
How to send money internationally? ›
- Wise — Best for Low Fees.
- PayPal — Best for Peer-to-peer Money Transfers.
- Western Union — Best for Availability.
- MoneyGram — Best for Cash Transfers.
- OFX — Best for Large Amounts of Money.
- WorldRemit — Best Mobile Option.
- XE — Best for Business Transfers.
To send $100 from your bank account to their bank account still carries a significant fee of $14.00. Sending the same amount from your credit card as a cash pickup will cost you $20.50.
How much can you send through Western Union International? ›To send more than 3,000 USD from the United States, you will need to verify your identity1. Once verified, you can send up to 50,000 USD. You can verify your identity online or at an agent location.
How much does it cost to send money overseas with Western Union? ›Up to $30 per transfer for domestic transfers. Varies for international transfers. Up to $16.00 per transfer. Before initiating a transfer, use a bank or transfer service's online calculator (if available) to estimate your money transfer fees and international money transfer fees.