What is Western Union and how does it work?

Western Union is a global money transfer service that allows you to send money internationally. Funds can be collected in minutes at any participating location or accessed depending on the selected payout method.

How fast is a Western Union money transfer?

Money sent via Western Union is typically available for collection within minutes, depending on the destination and service selected.

How many countries does Western Union operate in?

Western Union operates in more than 200 countries and territories, with over 500,000 agent locations worldwide.

How do I send money using Western Union?

You can send money using your banking app or through supported channels by entering recipient details, selecting the destination, and confirming the transfer.

What is an MTCN and why is it important?

The Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) is a unique tracking number assigned to each transaction. It is required by the recipient to collect the funds securely.

What does the recipient need to collect the money?

The recipient must provide the MTCN and a valid form of identification to collect the transferred funds.

Is Western Union safe to use?

Yes, Western Union uses secure processes including transaction tracking via MTCN and identity verification to ensure that funds are safely delivered to the intended recipient.

Who can use Western Union services?

Western Union services are available to eligible banking customers who want to send money internationally, subject to applicable regulations and requirements.

Can I track my Western Union transfer?

Yes, you can track your transfer using the MTCN, which allows you to monitor the status of your transaction in real time.

What are the benefits of using Western Union?

Western Union offers fast transfers, global reach, convenience through digital channels, and secure transactions with tracking and identity verification.

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Western Union

Western Union lets you quickly and securely send or receive money to almost anywhere in the world. It’s convenient, available on your Absa Banking App, Absa Online Banking and at the branch.

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Western Union

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Western Union

Western Union lets you quickly and securely send or receive money to almost anywhere in the world.

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Benefits of Western Union

Global

Over 500 000 locations in more than 200 countries.

Fast

Money is available for collection in minutes.

Convenient

Use your banking app to send money in just a few taps.

Receive Cash Instantly

Easily receive and withdraw your Western Union funds at any Absa ATM.

More details about Western Union

Western Union Security
Easily track your transfers with unique Money Transfer Control Numbers (MTCN).

Recipients can only collect their money with an MTCN number.

Recipients must also produce positive identification in order to collect.

View Terms and Conditions
How to send money
There are three ways to send money with us via Western Union:

Use Absa Online Banking: Select International payment from the payments tab.

Use your Absa Banking App: Select International payment via the pay tab.

Visit an Absa branch.

Please note that in certain countries, only the receive money service is available. Find out more here.
Who can use Western Union
The following Western Union receive transactions are allowed:

Foreign students studying in South Africa can receive funds from abroad.

South African residents who are temporarily abroad can send their earnings.

Monetary gifts received from abroad, other than to charitable, religious, cultural or educational organisations.

Foreign tourists receiving funds from abroad for their holiday or business visit to South Africa. Residents of Lesotho, Swaziland or Namibia. Non-residents are not allowed to send or receive funds from South Africa.

Western Union

Benefits of Western Union

More details about Western Union

Western Union Security

How to send money

Who can use Western Union

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