- Experts commend Western Union for its recent improvements in app functionality and competitive exchange rates, highlighting its strong performance in online transfers and cash services. However, they note that while it has become more competitive, it may still not be the cheapest option available.
- Across 123 user reviews on Good Money Guide, averaging 3.8/5, customers frequently appreciate the ease of use and reliability of the service, with many praising the app’s functionality. However, there are notable concerns regarding customer service experiences and dissatisfaction with recent changes in exchange rates and fees.
Western Union Expert rating
Our expert rating is the average of the areas listed here, each scored out of 5 by our team.- Exchange Rates4.5
- Available Currencies5.0
- Online Platform5.0
- Customer Service3.0
- Research & Analysis3.0
Pros
- Better exchange rates
- Cash drop-off and pick-up
- Good app and website transfers
Cons
- Still not as cheap as some
See full expert review
Our verdict
Western Union lets you send money to more than 200 countries around the world. It was founded in 1851 in Rochester, New York, and was named the Western Union Telegraph Company when the New York & Western Union Telegraph Company merged with the rival New York and Mississippi Valley Printing Telegraph Company in 1856.
It was a pioneer in transmitting telegrams and in 1871 it introduced a money transfer service through its extensive telegraph network. It stopped sending telegrams in 2006 and now offers money transfers to almost every country in the world.
Today it has 150 million retail and digital customers with its headquarters in Denver, Colorado.
Summary
Western Union has made a real effort recently to modernise it’s app and reduce exchange rates and fees to compete with new start-ups. Still, one of the best ways to send cash abroad and now very competitive for smaller electronic transfers.
Western Union Customer reviews
Customer ratings come from reviews left on this site. Every review is read and approved before it is published.Based on 123 reviews
- Excellent30%
- Very good36%
- Basic22%
- Poor7%
- Bad5%
Read customer reviews
Simple cost effective transfer of…
Simple cost effective transfer of money oversea
good for using for Africa
good for using for Africa
OK but not really friendly
OK but not really friendly
Fast and secure transfer log…
Fast and secure transfer log funds. Effective updates on fund transfer
High fees, would use regularly,…
High fees, would use regularly, only in case of an emergency.
Good
Good
No real thoughts
No real thoughts
Rarely use except when travelling…
Rarely use except when travelling in the USA
Traditional player
Traditional player
4/5
Pros:
Low fees
Cons:
I have nothing to say
2/5
Pros:
Available
Cons:
N/a
4/5
5/5
Pros:
Ravi
5/5
Pros:
Reliable and fast
3/5
5/5
Pros:
quick to send money
4/5
Pros:
App is user friendly
Cons:
Competitive transfer charges
5/5
4/5
Pros:
Mmm
Cons:
Todo bien
3/5
Leave a review
Richard is the founder of the Good Money Guide (formerly Good Broker Guide), one of the original investment comparison sites established in 2015. With a career spanning two decades as a broker, he brings extensive expertise and knowledge to the financial landscape.
Having worked as a broker at Investors Intelligence and a multi-asset derivatives broker at MF Global (Man Financial), Richard has acquired substantial experience in the industry. His career began as a private client stockbroker at Walker Crips and Phillip Securities (now King and Shaxson), following internships on the NYMEX oil trading floor in New York and London IPE in 2001 and 2000.
Richard’s contributions and expertise have been recognized by respected publications such as The Sunday Times, BusinessInsider, Yahoo Finance, BusinessNews.org.uk, Master Investor, Wealth Briefing, iNews, and The FT, among many others.
Under Richard’s leadership, the Good Money Guide has evolved into a valuable destination for comprehensive information and expert guidance, specialising in trading, investment, and currency exchange. His commitment to delivering high-quality insights has solidified the Good Money Guide’s standing as a well-respected resource for both customers and industry colleagues.
Comments are closed.