Online Money Transfer - FAQ
1. What type of credit cards can be used to send a money transfer?
You can use Visa® or MasterCard® debit or credit cards, as long as they have been issued by an German financial institution.
2. What is the difference between debit and credit cards?
Credit cards have a line of credit that allows you to make purchases now and pay for them later. There is typically an interest rate charged on the balance of the credit card if the balance is not paid within a certain time period. Typically, issuing banks will charge a higher interest rate for cash advances than they do for purchases and interest rates are usually charged immediately, with no grace period. Note, you may also incur a "cash advance" fee if you use a credit card to send money via Western Union.
Debit cards are used much in the same way as credit cards, but purchases are automatically deducted from your bank account. When using a debit card for purchases or cash advances, you typically do not incur interest rates. When using a debit card to send money via Western Union, you will typically not be charged a cash advance fee by your bank. Contact your issuing bank for any questions related to cash advance fees or if you are uncertain what type of card you have.
3. Will I be charged a cash advance fee when using this service?
If you use your credit card, you may be charged an additional cash advance fee by your card issuer for this service. You may be able to avoid these fees if you use your debit card. Contact your card issuer for details.
4. Does Western Union participate in the Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode® programs?
Yes, we participate in Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode® to help prevent unauthorized use of cards online. When you click the Submit order button, you may receive a message from your card issuer.
5. What is Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode®?
Verified by Visa® and MasterCard SecureCode® were developed to help prevent unauthorized use of cards online.
These services use personal passwords or identity information to help protect cards against unauthorized use. They are available for most cards from participating financial institutions.
Once your card is activated, your card number will be recognized whenever it's used at participating online stores. A window will automatically appear and your card issuer will ask for your password. You will need to enter your password to verify your identity and complete your purchase.
If you haven't activated Verified by Visa® or MasterCard SecureCode®, your card can still be used on our site.
6. How much money can I send online?
Initially, the maximum amount of money you can send online within a 30-day period is €500. Once you have used the Western Union® Money Transfer service on the web, at least once over the course of 120 days, you may send up to a maximum of €999 within a 30-day period.
7. What are Western Union Agent locations?
Agent locations are places where you can transfer money using Western Union. Agent locations may be located in supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots and other retailers that also include Western Union Bank. In some countries, they may be banks, travel agencies, post offices, currency exchange offices and airports, train and bus stations. Not all Western Union Agent locations offer both send and receive money transfer services. Check with your Agent location for details of the services on offer.
8. Why do I need to identify myself after the 2nd transaction?
After your second online transaction, you need to complete an identification process to continue using our online service. This is required by Banking Laws.
9. Which government issued photo ID are accepted at Western Union Bank?
The following are accepted ID in Germany : Passport, ID card, preliminary ID cards, preliminary passports, diplomatic passport and International Identification cards from any country within the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein.
