Using a Credit Card to Send Money Through Western Union

Western Union accepts credit cards, but with limits and extra costs

Yes, you can use a credit card to send money through Western Union, but it works differently than using a debit card or bank account. When you pay with a credit card, Western Union treats it as a cash advance rather than a regular purchase. This means you'll pay a higher fee upfront, and your credit card company may charge you an additional cash advance fee on top of Western Union's fee.

The credit card option is most useful when you don't have immediate access to your bank account or debit card, or when you need to send money urgently and a credit card is your fastest option. However, because of the extra costs involved, it's worth understanding exactly what you'll pay before you hand over your card number.

Key Takeaways

• Western Union charges a separate fee when you pay with a credit card, which is higher than the fee for bank transfers or debit card payments.
• Your credit card company will likely charge you a cash advance fee on top of Western Union's fee, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount sent.
• You can send money using a credit card online at westernunion.com, through the Western Union mobile app, or at a physical Western Union location.
• The total cost of sending money by credit card can be 10 to 15 percent of the amount you're sending, so compare this to other payment methods before you proceed.

How Western Union charges you when you use a credit card

Western Union's fee for a credit card transfer depends on how much money you're sending and where it's going. The company publishes its standard fees on its website, and you'll see the exact amount before you confirm the transfer. For example, sending $100 domestically (within the United States) by credit card might cost $5 to $10, while sending the same amount internationally could cost $15 to $25 or more.

On top of Western Union's fee, your credit card company will charge you a cash advance fee. Most credit card issuers charge between 3 and 5 percent of the amount you're sending, though some charge a flat fee instead (typically $5 to $10). This fee appears on your credit card statement separately from the purchase itself and may start accruing interest immediately, even if your card normally has a grace period for regular purchases.

To see the exact total cost before you send money, use Western Union's fee calculator on its website or ask the agent at a physical location. Enter the amount you want to send and your destination, and the calculator will show you Western Union's fee. Then contact your credit card company or check your cardholder agreement to find out what cash advance fee you'll owe.

Where you can send money using a credit card

Western Union accepts credit cards through three channels: online at westernunion.com, through the Western Union mobile app (available on iOS and Android), and at physical Western Union agent locations. The process is the same regardless of which channel you use — you enter the recipient's information, the amount, and your credit card details.

At a physical location, you can hand your credit card to the agent and they'll process the payment. Online and through the app, you'll enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV code yourself. Western Union does not store your full card number after the transaction is complete, though your credit card company will have a record of the charge.

Physical locations are found inside grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing shops, and dedicated Western Union offices. You can search for the nearest location on Western Union's website by entering your zip code. If you're sending money internationally, some countries have restrictions on which payment methods are accepted, so check the destination country's rules before you start.

Why credit card transfers cost more than other methods

Western Union charges more for credit card payments because the company treats them as cash advances rather than regular transactions. A cash advance is a short-term loan from your credit card company, and Western Union must pay a higher processing fee to accept it. The company passes this cost to you through a higher transfer fee.

By contrast, sending money using a bank account or debit card is cheaper because the money comes directly from your account without the intermediary step of a cash advance. If you have access to either option, you'll save money by using them instead of a credit card.

The extra cost also reflects the higher risk to Western Union. Credit card transactions can be disputed or reversed, which creates administrative work and potential losses for the company. Cash advances are treated as loans, so they're less likely to be reversed, but Western Union still charges a premium to cover the possibility.

How to send money by credit card step by step

Online at westernunion.com: Go to the "Send Money" section and select your destination country or "United States" for domestic transfers. Enter the amount you want to send and the recipient's information (name, phone number, and address). Choose "Credit Card" as your payment method when prompted. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV code. Review the total fee and confirm the transfer. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately.

Through the Western Union app: Open the app and tap "Send Money." Follow the same steps as the website — select destination, enter amount and recipient details, and choose credit card as payment. The app may save your card information for future transfers if you allow it, though you can delete it at any time in your account settings.

At a physical location: Bring a valid government-issued ID and tell the agent you want to send money by credit card. Provide the recipient's name, location, and the amount. Hand over your credit card and the agent will process the payment. You'll receive a receipt with a reference number that the recipient can use to pick up the money.

What happens after you send the money

Once Western Union confirms your transfer, the money is typically available for pickup within minutes to a few hours, depending on the destination. For domestic transfers, most money arrives within one business day. International transfers can take one to three business days.

The recipient will need to go to a Western Union location with a valid ID and your reference number to pick up the cash. They don't need to know your name or have a bank account. You'll receive a confirmation email or text message (depending on your preferences) when the money is sent and again when it's picked up.

Your credit card statement will show the Western Union charge, and your credit card company will list the cash advance fee separately. Both charges will appear within one to three business days of the transfer. Interest on the cash advance typically starts accruing immediately, so if you can pay off the balance quickly, you'll minimize the total cost.

Comparing credit card transfers to other payment methods

If you're deciding whether to use a credit card or another payment method, consider the total cost and how quickly you need the money sent. A bank account transfer is almost always cheaper — Western Union charges a lower fee, and your bank won't charge a cash advance fee. However, bank transfers can take one to three business days, while credit card transfers are often available within hours.

Debit card transfers fall in the middle: they're faster than bank transfers and cheaper than credit card transfers, but not as cheap as using your bank account directly. If you have a debit card, it's usually the best balance between cost and speed.

For international transfers, credit card costs can be especially high because Western Union charges more for cross-border payments. If you're sending money abroad regularly, consider opening an account with a dedicated international money transfer service like Wise or OFX, which often charge lower fees than Western Union for credit card payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will using a credit card at Western Union hurt my credit score?

The transfer itself won't hurt your score, but the cash advance will increase your credit utilization ratio (the amount of available credit you're using), which can temporarily lower your score. Paying off the balance quickly will minimize this impact. Your score should recover within a few months once the balance is paid.

Can I use a prepaid credit card at Western Union?

Yes, most prepaid cards work at Western Union, but some issuers block cash advances. Check with your prepaid card company before you try to send money. If your card blocks cash advances, you'll need to use a different payment method.

What's the maximum amount I can send by credit card?

Western Union's limits vary by destination and payment method. Domestic transfers by credit card are typically capped at $5,000 per transaction, though you can send multiple transfers. International limits are lower and vary by country. Check Western Union's website or ask an agent for the specific limit to your destination.

Can I cancel a credit card transfer after I've sent it?

If the money hasn't been picked up yet, you can contact Western Union to cancel the transfer and request a refund. However, Western Union's cancellation fee is typically $15 to $20, and you'll still owe the cash advance fee your credit card company charged. Once the recipient picks up the money, the transfer cannot be reversed.

Do I need to create a Western Union account to send money by credit card?

No, you can send money without an account at a physical location or online. Creating an account is optional and allows you to save recipient information and track transfer history, but it's not required to complete a single transfer.