Western Union Review: Is It Still the Best?
An in-depth look at Western Union's fees, exchange rates, and delivery speeds in 2024.
Western Union is undoubtedly the most recognizable brand in the remittance industry. With over 500,000 agent locations worldwide, their cash pickup network is completely unmatched. However, comes the age-old question: Are they still the best?
What we like
- Incredible cash pickup availability globally.
- Highly trusted with millions of happy customers.
- Ability to send money in minutes.
What we don't like
- Exchange rate markups can be incredibly high, sometimes taking up to 5% of your transfer amount.
- Fees vary wildly depending on the corridor and payment method.
- Digital interface can be clunky compared to modern competitors like Wise or Remitly.
Verdict: For cash pickup, they are difficult to beat on availability. For bank-to-bank transfers, there are nearly always cheaper options available.
1. Western Union
Western Union is a global money transfer network with agent locations worldwide. Verify current rates, fees and corridors directly at westernunion.com.
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Compare ratesFrequently asked questions about western union review: is it still the best?
Can I trust a company I found on remit.ae but never heard about before?
Provider availability, licensing, and regulatory status should be verified directly with the provider and relevant regulator where required.
Is it possible to send money with remit.ae, or are you just a comparison service?
remit.ae is an independent information platform, not a money transfer service. Once you identify a provider that fits your needs, visit their own website or app directly to set up and send your transfer.
How much does it typically cost to send money from the UAE?
Costs vary widely based on the provider, the amount sent, and the payment method. Check the final total cost — including any exchange-rate margin and flat fees — directly with the provider before sending.
What is the fastest option to send money from UAE?
Transfer speed depends on the provider, payment method, and recipient country. Many digital providers offer same-day or next-day delivery for some corridors. Verify expected delivery times with the provider before sending.
About the author
Sara Hassan
Sara is a UAE-based financial writer specialising in international money transfers and exchange rate analysis. With over 6 years of experience covering the UAE remittance market, she helps expatriates find the most cost-effective ways to send money home from the Gulf.
Independent · Editorial · No Paid Rankings
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