Western Union in France: how it works, fees, and reviews

While Western Union was born with the first American telegraphs in the 1830s, it has evolved over time to meet user needs, becoming a major player in international money transfers.

However, the advantages that once made Western Union a market leader have gradually become less relevant in today’s increasingly digital world.

Alternative solutions, like Wise, have emerged to meet the needs of modern travelers, expats, and professionals — offering transfers that are more transparent, faster, and easier to complete online.

Discover how Western Union works from France and explore alternative solutions to help you make an informed choice.

Western Union: what services does it offer in France?

Western Union’s range of services focuses exclusively on money transfers, serving both individuals and businesses. Here are the main features of its offer.

A simple yet comprehensive money transfer service

Western Union aims to make money transfers as straightforward as possible. The American company allows you to send money from one country to another and track the progress of your transactions.

These services are available at Western Union retail locations and post offices. Western Union also provides online money transfer options through its website and dedicated mobile app.

Are Western Union’s services reliable?

Western Union’s long-standing history makes it one of the most recognized and trusted names in the money transfer industry.

The company operates through its own branches and works with national partners known for their reliability.

In France, this includes La Poste (the postal service) and the Franprix supermarket chain, both of which can handle Western Union transfers.

Western Union reviews: what do users say?

Western Union is generally appreciated for its reliability and secure transactions. Its long experience in the sector is a source of trust for many users.

However, its business model, based on a physical branch network, can be less convenient in today’s digital age. Western Union is also not very transparent about its transfer fees, exchange rates, and commissions.

You cannot check Western Union’s exchange rates in real time, which means you won’t know in advance how much the recipient will receive.

Receiving money with Western Union

When receiving money via Western Union, the procedure varies depending on the type of transfer.

Western Union withdrawal options

You can receive funds directly into your bank account or into a mobile wallet (depending on your country of residence).

Alternatively, you can withdraw the money in cash at an authorized Western Union location, provided you present a valid ID and the transfer tracking number (MTCN).

🚀 Get 8+ account numbers with Wise and receive your money like a local!

Sending money with Western Union from France

If you want to send money through Western Union, you have two options: visit one of its authorized branches or complete the transfer online.

Western Union transfer fees

When making an international money transfer with Western Union, the fees depend on how you pay and where the recipient is located.

Transfers paid by card generally have higher fees than those made by bank transfer or cash deposit at a retail location.

However, Western Union does not clearly display its pricing. You can use the company’s online fee simulator to estimate the cost of your international transfer.

Western Union exchange rates and commissions

Western Union provides little information about its exchange rates. This lack of transparency can make it difficult to compare Western Union with alternatives like Wise.

The online simulator can help you estimate fees, but it won’t tell you the exchange rate applied to your transfer.

Fees for sending money at a Western Union branch

To find out how much it costs to send money at a Western Union branch, you’ll need to visit a location in person. The online simulator only provides fee estimates for online transfers.

How to send money via Western Union from France

Western Union strives to make its transfer process simple. To send money abroad, visit an authorized location or use the company’s website.

At a branch, you’ll need a valid ID and a payment method. You can pay in cash, by card, or by bank transfer.

Online transfers are generally cheaper and more convenient. Simply enter the transfer amount into the online simulator, then choose your preferred payment and delivery options.

How to send money via La Banque Postale

If you don’t have a Western Union branch nearby, you can send money through La Banque Postale. Bring a valid ID and fill out the form provided by a postal employee.

You can pay in cash or by card. La Poste’s website also allows you to make Western Union transfers online directly from your customer account.

💡 Did you know? Wise allows you to make your transfers at the mid-market exchange rate!

Western Union: key features

If you’re looking to send money abroad and don’t know where to start, here are the main features of Western Union’s offer to consider.

Western Union: countries covered

Western Union operates in more than 200 countries and territories. While it doesn’t publish an official list, you can use its online directory to find the nearest branch.

Western Union transfer limits

You can transfer up to €1,000 without identity verification. After this, the limit increases to €5,000 per transaction and up to €50,000 per bank transfer.¹

Western Union transfer times

Transfer times depend on the payment and delivery methods.

If you pay by card or in cash at a retail location, the transfer usually arrives within minutes.

However, bank transfers between accounts can take several business days, depending on the destination country.¹

Canceling a Western Union transfer

You can cancel a transfer as long as the recipient has not collected the funds.

For bank transfers, cancellation is possible until the recipient’s bank confirms the transaction.

Western Union refunds canceled transfers upon request, either by phone or at the branch where the transaction was made.

Simplifying international money transfers from France

If you regularly send or receive money abroad and want a more transparent and flexible solution, alternatives to traditional providers like Western Union could simplify your life.

One such option is Wise, a digital platform that makes it easy to send, receive, and spend money abroad from France.

Why open a Wise account for your international transfers?

Wise is suitable for both individuals and businesses, with a dedicated business solution.

Designed for transparency and ease of use, Wise lets you manage international transfers and multi-currency accounts from a single platform.

The Wise account gives you local account details in multiple currencies, including EUR and USD, and lets you transfer money at the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden fees or markups.

Open your Wise account

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Source:

1. Western Union FAQ
   Last verified on September 05, 2025.

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.