History

2007

Western Union together with its affiliates Orlandi Valuta, Vigo and Pago Facil operates through a network of more than 312,000 agents in over 200 countries and territories.

2006

IPO The Western Union Company (Source the WU 2006 Annual Report)

2004

Western Union creates Western Union Bank to expand the range of offerings to its customers.

2001

Western Union celebrates its 150-year anniversary by expanding its presence in over 100,000 locations worldwide.

1999

By the end of the year, there are more than 80,000 Western Union agencies in over 140 countries and regions around the world.

1998

With 50,000 agencies worldwide, the Western Union^® Money Transfer Service owns the world's largest money transfer network.

1996

Western Union's presence continues to expand with new regional offices in Paris, Vienna and Hong Kong.

1993

The Western Union Phone Card Service is the first branded disposable prepaid telephone card in the United States.

1993

Dinero en Minutos^® (Money in Minutes) service is introduced, enabling money transfers from the USA to Mexico in a matter of minutes.

1992

Western Union^® Money Order Services provide customers with a fast and easy way to transfer money.

1989

Thanks to Quick Collect^®, fast money transfers become available outside of North America.

1970

Western Union Mailgram messages offer next-day delivery via the postal service.

1914

Western Union introduces the first consumer credit card.

1871

Western Union^® Money Transfer Service was introduced and became the company's primary business.

1856

"The New York and Mississippi Valley Printing Telegraph Company" changes its name to "The Western Union Telegraph Company" after growing towards the Western market.

1851

In Rochester, New York, a group of businessmen form "The New York and Mississippi Valley Printing Telegraph Company", Western Union's predecessor.