How Long Does Western Union Hold Money That Has Been Transferred To You?
How long does Western Union hold money that has been transferred? Great question. Let us explain here: If you’ve been sent money by someone using Western Union, you only have a certain amount of time to claim your money. If you don’t pick up your money in this time frame, you may end up losing it altogether.
This is why it’s important to understand how Western Union works and the guidelines they present. To answer this very question and others, we’ll forward you to what Western Union says on their website about this very thing.
How Long After A Payment Has Been Sent Do You Have To Pick Up The Money?
In most cases, the money can be picked up within a few minutes after sending. If you do not pick up the transfer on the same day, it will remain in the system for the next 45 days.
Money is not returned to Sender for 9 months after the date of sending unless the Sender orders so.
So, this means you have 45 days to get your money after the date it was sent. If the sender doesn’t ask for their money back, they will not send the money back.
If you’re sending money to someone, you better make sure they pick it up. If they don’t, make sure you contact Western Union to get your money back because they won’t send it back automatically.
Check out these other reliable online money transfer options:
What Do I Need To Pick Up My Money From Western Union?
In addition to a valid ID document, for money transfer payout, you are required to provide the following transfer details: Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN), the Sender’s first and last name, the country of origin, and the expected amount.
Who Is Responsible For Paying The Transfer Fee?
If you’re receiving money, you’re not responsible for paying the transfer fee. The sender will be the one that has to pay the transfer fee.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Money?
If you’re expecting to receive money from someone via Western Union, it doesn’t take long to receive that money. Once the sender has sent your money, you can go and pick it up at a Western Union location.
In most cases, once the money is sent, you can pick it up within minutes.
Can A Minor Receive Money?
Western Union will not allow minors to receive transferred money.
Do You Need A Bank Account To Send Money Abroad Through Western Union?
No, neither the Sender nor Receiver is required to have a bank account in order to use Western Union services.
Do Need A Bank Account To Send Money?
You do not. If you’re the sender, you won’t need a bank account to send money.
If you’re the receiver, you don’t need a bank account either. Instead, each money transfer is recorded in the system with a unique control number. This number identifies both the sender and receiver.
You will need your photo ID to prove your identity. You will also need the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN), the Sender’s first and last name, the country of origin, and the expected amount that is being sent.
Can The Sender Pick Up The Money They Sent?
Now, if a money transfer has not been paid out to the Receiver, the Sender can request his money back.
Furthermore, you won’t be charged any fees if you go this route.
What Happens If You Think Someone Else Picked Up Sent Money?
If you feel that someone else has received money or you have other problems, you can call our Western Union Customer Service Center and they can help you with useful information and suggestions. Western Union advises clients not to send money to unknown persons or pay for goods or services on the Internet.
How To Track Your Money Transfer
Western Union has a feature that will allow you to track your money transfers. All you need to do this is your MTCN number. This is a 10 digit number you receive when you send money to someone.
The receiver will get the same 10 digit number and will need it to have the ability to pick up the transferred money.
Never Send Money To Someone You Don’t Know
You should never send money to people you don’t know. You have to be aware that scammers will ask for money, asking money for a wide range of different things.
Most of these requests will be sent by email, it’s best to not answer these emails at all.
Only use Western Union to send money to friends and family.
Now, these scammers may try to encourage people to transfer money. Do not transfer money to anyone who asks you to send them money. Period.
They have all kinds of different excuses, such as:
- For emergency situations, you know nothing about
- For making an online purchase.
- For anti-virus protection for a computer or device
- For a deposit or payment on rental property.
- To claim lottery or prize winnings.
- To make a payment on taxes.
- For donations to charity.
- For a mystery shopping assignment.
- For a new job opportunity.
- For a credit card fee or loan fee.
- To resolve an immigration matter.
- To pay for something in response to a telemarketing call. Telemarketers cannot sell you anything and take payment by money transfer from anyone in the U.S.It’s illegal.
Last but not least, If you do transfer money, the person you’re sending money to is going to receive it fast. In most cases, the money is ready to be picked up within a few minutes.
Once that money is paid, Western Union may not be able to give you a refund, even if you are the victim of fraud. This is why you always want to be careful sending money via Western Union.