Wise vs Western Union [2024]: Fees, rates & features

As you can see, in the comparisons we ran your recipient got slightly more with Wise every time. There’s not a huge difference, so you’ll want to run your own checks before you decide which service to use – this is easy as both Wise and Western Union offer an online quote with no obligation. Just type in the amount and currency you want to send, to see the rate and fee, and any applicable new customer bonus you may be entitled to.

Wise vs Western Union: which is faster?

The transfer speed depends on the amount and type of currency, country of transfer and turnaround time of your bank to clear payment.

Wise transfers can arrive in just a few minutes – especially if you pay with a card.

• 50%+ of payments are instant
• 90%+ of the total arrive within 24 hours
• Exact delivery time will depend on where you’re sending money, and your own bank’s processing speed.
• You’ll see an estimated delivery time when you arrange your payment.

Western Union offers a range of different delivery options and times:

• Money in minutes – almost instant cash collections
• Next day delivery – available next working day
• Bank deposits – 2 to 5 business days
• Bill payments – varies by billing company process
• Mobile money transfer – almost instant

How each provider works

Sending money with Wise

To use Wise you’ll need to create an account, and depending on the type of payment you want to make you might need to provide some ID for verification.

Once your account is up and running make payments online and in the Wise app:

1. Log into your account
2. Type in how much you want to transfer, or how much you need the recipient to get
3. Enter the recipient’s details – bank account number or email
4. Check over the details
5. Fund your payment using a card or bank transfer
6. Confirm and your money will be on the move

Wise money transfers are made through Wise’s network of local bank accounts, so they arrive faster and don’t incur intermediary fees. When you want to pay for your transfer in USD you’ll send the money to Wise’s local US account. Then Wise will make a payment of the equivalent amount in your preferred currency, from their account in the destination country.

Sending money with Western Union

You can send a Western Union payment in person by visiting an agent location. You’ll need to take along a government issued ID, and can usually only pay in cash.

Or, you can send money online or in the Western Union app:

1. Log into the Western Union desktop site or open the app
2. Select the country you want to send to and enter the payment amount
3. Select the services you require, and check the fees and rates
4. Follow the prompts to enter the required information
5. Select payment method, confirm and fund your transfer

Which is the safest? Wise or Western Union

Both Wise and Western Union are fully licensed and regulated – making them safe and trustworthy providers.

Western Union services may be provided by Western Union Financial Services, Inc. and/or Western Union International Services, which are licensed as Money Transmitters by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Learn more about Western Union safety here.

Wise US Inc is authorized to operate in most US states. In the other states, Wise offers services in partnership with Community Federal Savings Bank. Wise is regulated by local authorities everywhere it operates.

Customer reviews: TransferWise vs Western Union

Wise (TransferWise) customer reviews

Let’s take a look at the reviews being posted online about Wise and Western Union. To recap, Wise (formerly TransferWise) gets a 4.2 star out of 5 on Trustpilot, while Western Union gets 4 out of 5 – both strong scores. Here’s a bit more detail.

Good Wise reviews often mention price, exchange rate, account services and speed of delivery. Here’s one 5 star customer review left for Wise:

“I’ve been using Wise to transfer money for several years now. I always get the best rates and their fees are low and transparent. My transfer arrives quickly. They comply with all local financial institution rules. I feel that my money is secure with Wise.

I have also recently started using their Wise debit card which allows me to make payments in different currencies at much better rates than I would get with my bank. I am more than happy with their service.”

As you’d expect, it’s not all positive though. Some themes which arise from less satisfied customers include issues with account verification and additional checks being completed. As these processes can slow down transfers – or mean your Wise account is temporarily locked while verification checks run – some posted reviews complain that they can’t get their money, or have lost out because of payment delays.

Wise customer service replies to all comments left on Trustpilot, and generally where accounts are suspended pending checking or verification, the Wise team state that this is a legal requirement, and offer ways for the reviewer to get in touch to discuss the case personally.

Western Union customer reviews

When it comes to Western Union, happy customers usually mention speed and ease of use, particularly when paying in or out in cash. Here’s a comment from a happy Western Union customer:

“I have been transferring money monthly for several years to someone in another country. The process is so easy. I simply start the transaction online then go to a local Western Union location to complete the transaction. The funds are available to the other party immediately. Highly recommend!”

Where customers aren’t so happy, themes include complaints about the lack of Western Union reward programs or delays in getting money delivered. This is particularly in the context of bank to bank payments. As with Wise, Western Union replies to many Trustpilot reviews and offers advice and ways for the customer to get in touch for a personal response.

Supported currencies

With Wise you can send money to 160 countries and hold and convert 40+ currencies in your Wise account.

Western Union transfers can be made to almost every country in the world with the exception of Iran and North Korea, where sanctions prevent payments being made.

Availability in the US

Wise services are available to users in most countries around the world. There’s a handy tool on the Wise website which lets you select the country you’re in and check exactly what types of accounts and transfers are available there.

Western Union has an impressive global network and offers its services either in person, by phone or online in almost every country in the world.

Ease of use

Creating an account:

• Wise accounts are opened and operated online or using the Wise app.
• Western Union accounts can be set up online, in the app, or by visiting an agent location.

Making a transfer:

• Wise international payments can be made online or in the Wise app.
• Western Union payments can be made online, in the app, or by visiting an agent location.

Ways to send money:

• Wise transfers can be funded by bank transfer, credit or debit card.
• Western Union transfers can be funded by bank transfer, credit or debit card, or cash at agent locations.

Languages supported:

• Wise offers global support in a range of languages, online, using the app, and by phone.
• Western Union has phone and online support – as well as an agent network of 600,000+ locations to offer help when needed.

Minimum & maximum transfer amounts:

• Wise limits depend on which currencies you send to and from, and how you pay. However, you can make several smaller transfers if your ideal transfer amount exceeds the limit for the specific payment.
• Western Union usually has a limit of the currency equivalent of 50,000 USD for payments from verified accounts. Different limits may apply in some destination countries

Business accounts: Wise vs Convera

If you run a business with customers, clients or suppliers around the world a multi-currency account and business foreign currency services can help. Both Wise and Western Union have business operations which offer accounts and smart solutions to US businesses trading globally. The Western Union business service provider operates under a different branding in the US – Convera. Here are some key details:

Wise Business Account features

• Hold money in 40+ currencies for free,
• Exchange money with low fees and mid-market exchange rates
• Send payments around the world to 160+countries
• Get paid internationally in 10 currencies with local account details
• 50%+ of payments are instant, 90% arrive in 24 hours
• Debit and business expense cards available for international spending
• Batch payments and integrations with QuickBooks or Xero accounting software
• Team member account access available

Convera (formerly Western Union business) features

• Global business payments in 140 currencies, to 200 countries and territories
• Solutions are tailor made to your business needs
• Industry options for travel agents, banks, legal companies, royalty based sectors and more
• Western Union business has advanced FX management tools for different business sectors
• Time saving options like mass global payments to cut admin

Conclusion: Wise money transfer vs Western Union?

While Wise and Western Union have some overlapping services, they probably suit different customer needs. Wise is a specialist in international bank transfers, and also offers multi-currency accounts. Western Union’s stand out factor is its agent network which gives it a truly global reach.

If you want to make a low cost bank transfer, you’ll need to compare the costs and delivery times for your payment to decide which is best. In the comparisons we ran, Wise was cheaper and had a quick delivery time with mid-market exchange rates and transparent fees. However, Western Union also offers cash pay in and pay out services, which Wise can not. If what you’re looking for is a fast transfer to cash the Western Union global agent network may well make this the right service for you.

TransferWise vs Western Union FAQ

Is Wise better than Western Union?

Wise and Western Union offer varied services which may suit different customer needs – neither is better, it will all come down to the exact service you need. Wise is strong for international transfers to bank accounts, and offers flexible multi-currency accounts and cards which you can’t get from Western Union. On the other hand, Western Union can help you pay in and out in cash through its agent network, which isn’t on offer from Wise.

Is Western Union better than Wise (TransferWise)?

Neither Western Union nor Wise is better overall – it just depends on what you need. Western Union is the one for you if you want to pay in cash or if you want your recipient to get their money in cash at the other end. Wise doesn’t offer these services – but can help you with a multi-currency account and card, which Western Union doesn’t have. Compare both to see which works best for your specific needs.

Is Wise or Western Union cheaper?

In our comparisons, Wise was cheaper for international payments to bank accounts. Costs vary by currency route though, so you’ll need to compare the fees for a few providers to find the best one for you.

Western Union also offers cash pay in and pay out services, which are not provided by Wise. These are typically more expensive than transfers to and from bank accounts, but can arrive instantly.

What is the difference between Wise and Western Union?

Wise is a specialist in transfers direct to bank accounts, and offers a multi-currency account with a linked international debit card. Western Union on the other hand has an impressive network of around 600,000 agents worldwide, allowing for fast and convenient payments in cash, as well as international payments arranged online and in-app. If you are looking to get paid internationally with low costs and expense cards, Wise can be a good alternative to Western Union.

Is Wise or Western Union faster?

Wise payments can arrive instantly, with most being delivered within 24 hours. Western Union cash collection payments are usually instant, bank transfers can take up to 5 days for some destinations.

How many currencies do Wise and Western Union support?

Wise customers can send payments to 160+ countries, and hold and manage 40+ currencies in their Wise accounts. Western Union allows customers to send payments to 200+ countries and territories – all around the world with the exception of Iran and North Korea.

Is Wise or Western Union better?

Whether Wise or Western Union is better will depend on the type of payment you’re making. Wise can often have more transparent fees because there’s no variable markup on the exchange rate applied. However, which offers best value for your payment will depend on the transfer value and destination.