Western Union Limits [2025]: Full Guide
Western Union is one of the biggest money transfer services in the world, offering payments from the US to 200+ countries and territories. Western Union transfer limits depend on whether or not you have a verified account, and can also change depending on the way you want to pay, the destination country and currency, and other factors.
This guide walks through what you need to know about Western Union transfer limits, and also highlights a few alternative providers if you need to send more than you’re able to with Western Union, or if you simply want to shop around and compare a few options.
We’ll introduce some other services similar to Western Union, which may offer higher limits and better exchange rates, like Wise and OFX. Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
- Quick summary: Western Union transfer limits
- Western Union limits
- Alternatives with higher limits, and cheaper fee
- Is it possible to increase the limits?
- How to send high amount transfers with WU
- WU large transfer fees
- How long do large transfers take with WU?
- How to receive large transfers with WU
- Conclusion & FAQs
Quick summary: Western Union transfer limits
- Western Union transfer limits depend on whether you’ve verified your account by providing a suitable ID document
- Once verified you can send up to 50,000 USD with Western Union
- Western Union transfer limits can also vary based on how you choose to pay for your transfer, the currency and the country you’re sending to
- Send Western Union transfers online and in person, with options to pay with your bank, a card or in cash – options available depend on the payment details
- Some Western Union transfers can be available in minutes, particularly if you pay in cash or with a card, for cash collection by the recipient
| Western Union transfer limits overview | |
|---|---|
| Western Union transfer limits – unverified customers | Unverified customers can send up to 3,000 USD |
| Western Union transfer limits – verified customers | Verified customers can send up to 50,000 USD |
| Western Union transfer limits – other factors to consider | Other limits may apply based on the payment method and currency you’re sending |
If you’re sending money overseas you may find you can get a cheaper and quicker service, with higher limits on the amount you can send, from a provider such as Wise or OFX.
Wise has really high transfer limits (usually up to 1,000,000 USD), with low transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates, while OFX has no maximum limit and no transfer fees, their exchange rates might include a markup.
We’ll cover more on them later.
Does Western Union have limits?
Yes. There are Western Union transfer limits which can vary based on several factors.
Most importantly, the limit for sending from an unverified account is pretty low.
Once you’ve set up your Western Union account, you’ll then need to provide an ID document to get verified, which you can do online or at an agent location. This can then allow you to send a higher value payment – although some limits will still apply based on the payment details.
This guide explores Western Union limits, how they work, and your options for sending money. We’ll also touch on some alternatives to Western Union which may be able to help if you need to send a fast, high value payment to someone, and need a different provider.
Western Union transfer limits
The key Western Union transfer limits are set depending on whether or not you’ve already verified your account. Verification is a simple process which usually only requires you to upload an image of a government ID document, or head to a Western Union store to show your ID there.
Here are the Western Union transfer limits depending on whether or not you have verified your account:
- Unverified customers can send up to 3,000 USD
- Verified customers can send up to 50,000 USD
Other limits may apply based on the payment method and currency you’re sending.
Alternatives to Western Union with higher limits
Western Union offers an extremely broad global reach, and a really good selection of ways for your recipient to get their money in the end. However, it’s not always the best option based on the overall costs, as there may be fees for making your transfer, as well as charges built into the exchange rate used to convert your dollars to the currency you need for deposit. The limits can also be pretty low, if you need to send a high value payment to someone overseas.
Compare the options and costs with Western Union against a few other options to help you decide if it’s the right one for you. Here are a few international money transfer providers which may be able to help with your payment.
| Providers | International transfer limits | Coverage | Payment methods | Transfer fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Union | Unverified customers can send up to 3,000 USD
Verified customers can send up to 50,000 USD | 200+ countries and territories | Bank transfer, credit or debit card, cash if you visit a store location | Variable fees depending on the payment details |
| Wise | Up to 1 million USD per payment* | Send payments to 140+ countries, in 50+ currencies | ACH, wire, debit or credit card, SWIFT, Wise account balance | Mid market exchange rates, with low, transparent fees Discounted fees on transfers over about 25,000 USD/month |
| OFX | Usually unlimited | Send payments to 170+ countries | ACH and wire – other methods may be available depending on your transfer requirements | No fees, exchange rates include a markup |
| Xe Money Transfer | 500,000 USD per payment | Send payments to 130+ countries | Bank transfer or card | Variable fees, exchange rates include a markup |
| Currencies Direct | Usually unlimited | Send money to 120+ countries | Bank transfer – other methods may be available depending on your transfer requirements | Variable fees, exchange rates include a markup |
| Currencyfair | Check for details of your limits in the Currencyfair app | 150+ countries | Bank transfer | 3 EUR or equivalent fee, exchange rates include a markup |
*Some other limits may apply depending on the details of the transfer. About Wise pricing: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. Details correct at time of research – 1st April 2025.
Wise
Wise is a specialist in international transfers and multi-currency accounts for personal and business customers. Wise offers low cost currency conversion and cross border payments to 140+ countries.
Wise transfer limits are high – usually around 1 million USD – and there are fee discounts on high value payments over 20,000 GBP which is around 25,000 USD or so.
- Send payments to 140+ countries, in 50+ currencies
- Currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees for payments
- Discounted fees on higher value transfers, or if you may multiple transfers in a month which aggregate over around 25,000 USD in value
| Wise international transfer pros | Wise international transfer cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Low fees and the mid-market exchange rate ✅ Send to 140+ countries ✅ High transfer limits ✅ Discounted fees on higher value transfers | ❌ Fees vary based on destination country ❌ No cash services for pay in or pay out |
Learn more about Wise high amount transfers here.
OFX
OFX is well known for great customer service, and offers a 24/7 phone service to customers around the world. OFX personal and business customers can make international transfers in 50+ currencies, and access currency risk management products too.
Payments are usually unlimited, with no transfer fee – an exchange rate markup will apply.
- Send to a huge range of countries, in 50+ currencies
- 24/7 personal phone service
- One off and recurring international transfers available
| OFX international transfer pros | OFX international transfer cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Personal phone service if you need help and advice, plus no upfront transfer fee ✅ Send payments in 50+ currencies with no fee ✅ Business and personal services supported ✅ Access to more complex currency products like limit orders | ❌ Exchange rates include a markup ❌ Card payments not usually accepted |
Xe Money Transfer
Xe Money Transfer lets you send a payment online or in app to 130+ countries from the US, for personal or business use. Xe has a fixed limit of 500,000 USD or the currency equivalent per personal payment. This limit does not apply on business transfers.
- Send up to 500,000 USD in a single online payment
- Payments available to 130+ countries
- Pay by bank transfer or with a card
| Xe Money Transfer international transfer pros | Xe Money Transfer international transfer cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Well known service which is part of the largest money transfer business in the world ✅ Low fees are often available – some payments have no fee at all ✅ Sent to 130+ countries ✅ Get currency exchange rate data to view and check trends in the market | ❌ Variable fees and delivery times ❌ Exchange rates include a markup |
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct has been established since 1996 and serves 500,000+ people globally, with payment services to 120+ countries and a dedicated personal account management service. You can send money online and in the app, and pay with bank transfer. Payments are usually unlimited.
- Send money to 120+ countries with just your phone
- No limits on the amount you can send
- Personal support and account management services
| Currencies Direct international transfer pros | Currencies Direct international transfer cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Send to 120+ countries ✅ Get a personal broker or account manager to help you ✅ Send one off or recurring payments ✅ Award winning service offer | ❌ Transfers have a variable fee ❌ Exchange rates include a markup |
Currencyfair
Currencyfair supports payments in 20+ currencies to 150+ countries, with a flat fee no matter how large your payment is. Exchange rate markups apply, but Currecnyfair states that the markups are small and competitive against banks. Services are easy to use and all you’ll need is your phone once you’ve registered an account.
- Send to a very large range of countries – 150+ supported
- Flat 3 EUR or equivalent fee for all transfers
- Small exchange rate markups apply which are competitive against banks
| Currencyfair international transfer pros | Currencyfair international transfer cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Flat fee of 3 EUR or the equivalent, even on large transfers ✅ Send to 150+ countries ✅ Set up rate alerts to keep an eye on market movements ✅ Large and trusted business | ❌ Variable payment limits – check your own limits in app ❌ Exchange rates include a markup |
Is Western Union safe for large amounts?
Yes. Western Union money transfers are protected by encryption and fraud prevention tools which run 24/7 to ensure customers and their money are safe. You’ll need to apply normal common sense precautions to keep your account safe, and should use Western Union only for payments to people you know and trust.
Is it possible to increase Western Union transfer limits?
Western Union does not offer information about how to increase your transfer limits, aside from completing the verification process. If you’ve already verified your account and need to send an amount higher than 50,000 USD you may need to reach out to Western Union directly to see if they can still help.
You can also look at other providers, like those we detail above, which can offer higher limits on outgoing payments, such as Wise or OFX.
How to increase Western Union transfer limits
The key step to take to get the highest available Western Union transfer limit is to get your account verified. To do this you’ll need to provide a government issued ID like your passport or driver’s license, and in some cases a secondary ID may also be required, like a residence status document or country of birth information.
If you’re setting your payment up online or in the Western Union app, you’ll be prompted to complete the verification step through on screen messages. If you’re in a store, the team member will ask you to provide the necessary documents and information to verify your account and get your money moving.
How to send high amount transfers with Western Union
You can send high amount transfers with Western Union online, in the Western Union app, or by visiting an agent location in person. The process is pretty similar, but the payment methods and limits which apply may vary. You may also find that the fees or exchange rates are different depending on the channel you choose.
Here’s a summary of the steps you’ll need to take to send a high value payment with Western Union:
- Register with Western Union online, in app or at an agent location
- Complete the Western Union verification process by providing your ID document
- Enter the details of your transfer including the amount and currency, or tell the Western Union team member if you’re setting up your payment in a store
- You’ll get a quote for the Western Union fees and exchange rate available for your transfer
- Pay for your transfer – in cash in a store, or using a card or bank transfer online
- Your money will be dispatched and you’ll be able to track it using the MTCN you’ve been given
In some cases you’ll need to provide extra documents when you send a payment with Western Union. If more is needed you’ll get a call or an email from Western Union telling you what is required and how to provide it.
Western Union large transfer fees
Western Union large transfer fees vary depending on the way you want to pay, the value and currency of your payment, and the channel you use to arrange your transfer. When you set up your payment online, or in the app, you’ll see an instant quote for the fees available. In store, the team member will let you know what the costs are.
It’s good to know that there may be several different costs involved with a Western Union transfer. These can include:
- Transfer fee, payable to Western Union
- Exchange rate markup – a fee added to the rate used for exchange, payable to Western Union
- Third party costs, such as a credit card advance fee or your recipient’s own bank fees – these are not paid to Western Union but can still push up the overall price you pay
Compare the overall amount you need to pay for your transfer, and how much the recipient gets in the end with Western Union, against other providers like Wise and OFX.
Western Union often offers discounts on fees for new customers, which can be an attractive prospect, but this isn’t always available, so comparing your options can help you work out which is best for your specific transfer.
Western Union exchange rate for international transfers
The Western Union exchange rate for international transfers may include a markup, which is a percentage fee added to the rate used to convert your dollars to the currency you want the recipient to get.
Markups are variable and depend on the currency you’re sending, but as a percentage fee, this charge can mount up extremely quickly when you send a higher value payment.
Compare the rates available from Western Union against some alternatives, to see which is best. It’s also worth remembering that the rate might depend on the way you set up your payment – online and in app payments may have a different exchange markup compared to an instore transfer, for example,
How long do large transfers take with Western Union?
Western Union transfer delivery timelines are based on service type you select, and can also be variable based on the way you pay:
- Money in Minutes service for pick up at an Agent location – can be delivered within minutes
- Next Day service for pick up at an Agent location – can be available the next day
- Direct to Bank deposit – can take up to 7 business days
- Mobile Money Transfer – can be delivered within minutes
Ultimately the length of time it takes to receive a payment with Western Union will depend on a range of factors including the currency and country you’re sending to. You can track your payment online or in the Western Union app to see when it’ll be available to the recipient.
How to receive large transfers with Western Union
You can receive payments with Western Union either direct to your bank account, or by collecting your money in cash at an agent location. The process will vary depending on how you need to get your money.
For a payment to your bank account you’ll usually have to give the sender the following:
- Your full name as shown on your account
- Your bank account and routing numbers
- Your bank’s swift code
- Your bank’s address
Your money will then be deposited to your bank when it has been processed – this could take about 7 days depending on the payment details.
For a payment you’ll collect in cash, you’ll need to ask the sender to give you the MTCN – a number which verifies you’re the recipient of the transfer. You can then take your government issued ID document and the MTCN to an agent near you, to collect your money in cash.
Western Union business payments limits
Western Union may offer select business payment services, which you can access by talking to their customer service team for business customers. You’ll need to discuss your specific needs, to understand if the services available are helpful, and what the Western Union business payments limits may be in your specific situation.
Western Union customer support for high amount transfers
You can get Western Union customer support for high amount transfers by using the Contact us button on the desktop site, or in the app. You can also visit an agent location if you’d like to talk to someone face to face. You’ll be able to search for agents based on where you live, on the desktop site and in app.
Conclusion: Does Western Union have transfer limits?
Western Union transfer limits can vary based on several factors. To get the highest available limit you’ll need to get your Western Union account verified by providing an ID document online or at an agent location. This can then allow you to send a payment of up to 50,000 USD – although some limits will still apply based on the payment details.
Western Union offers extensive services, but the limits aren’t all that high if you need to transfer a large amount overseas, such as a deposit on a property, or to move an international inheritance. The fees and exchange rates are also variable, and exchange costs can be fairly high.
Use this guide to decide if Western Union is right for you, and compare the amount you’ll need to pay for your transfer – including exchange costs – with Western Union alternatives like OFX and Wise, to see where the best deal lies.
Western Union international transfer limits FAQs
How much money can I send through Western Union?
New customers have a very low limit with Western Union – but this can easily be increased by getting verified.
The amount you can send might also depend on how you want to pay and where you’re sending your payment to. Read on for all you need to know.
Can I send $5,000 through Western Union?
To send a payment of 5,000 USD you’ll need to get your Western Union account verified by providing an ID document online or at an agent location. Once you’ve done this, you can make payments of up to 50,000 USD, subject to additional limits based on the payment details.
How much can I transfer with Western Union internationally online?
Customers with a verified Western Union account can send amounts of up to 50,000 USD – although some limits will still apply based on the payment details.
What is the maximum amount you can transfer abroad with Western Union?
Usually the most you can send with a Western Union account is 50,000 USD , but other limits may apply based on the specific transfer you need to make. You’ll see the limits which apply when you set up your transfer, and if you’re arranging your payment in store the team member can guide you through your choices.
How can I increase the Western Union maximum transfer limit?
Increase the Western Union transfer limit to 50,000 USD, from 3,000 USD, by getting your account verified. To do this you’ll need to provide a government issued ID like your passport or driver’s license, and in some cases a secondary ID may also be required, like a residence status document or country of birth information.
