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Western Union

Western Union is a global financial services and communications company. It is primarily known for its international money transfer services, allowing individuals and businesses to send and receive funds across more than 200 countries and territories without requiring a traditional bank account.

  • International money transfers
  • Online money transfers
  • Mobile app for sending money
  • Cash pickup at participating locations

Western Union

4.1/5

Visit Western Union

Opens the provider's own site. You pay them directly — we never handle your money.

Trusted & regulated

Name screening Identity verification Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)

  • Tracking via MTCN (10-digit number)
  • Biometric ID logins

Verified Checked September 22, 2026

Quick take

  • International money transfers
  • Online money transfers
  • Mobile app for sending money
  • Cash pickup at participating locations
  • Bank-account transfers
  • Transfer fee Varies by route
  • Exchange-rate margin Around 1.00%
  • Transfer speed Minutes to 1 business day
  • Minimum amount $1.00
  • Maximum amount $50,000.00

How much will it cost? (try your own amount)

Sending $1,000.00 from United States to Kenya

Amount sent $1,000.00
Transfer fee No fee
Exchange rate 128.2611 USD → KES
Recipient gets KSh128,261.09
Total cost $10.00 (1.0%) Fee plus exchange-rate margin

On this route KSh1,036.45 more arrives with TorFX today. Rates move, so check both before you send.

Estimated · general pricing Fees and rates vary by country, payment method and amount. Always confirm the final figure on the provider's own screen before paying. Compare all providers for United States → Kenya

See how this compares with other providers

$1,000.00 from United States to Kenya

Reference rate 1 USD = 129.5567 KES Updated 7 hours ago · open.er-api.com

6 providers Up to KSh1,548.21 more for your recipient with the best option

Amounts are estimates based on the mid-market reference rate and each provider's published or typical pricing. The final amount is confirmed by the provider at checkout.

  1. TorFX

    4.9 / 5 editorial rating
    Highest estimated payout
    Recipient gets KSh129,297.54
    Transfer fee
    No fee
    Exchange rate
    129.2975
    Delivery
    Minutes to 2 days
    Estimated · general pricing Route availability not yet confirmed Pays out by Bank deposit
    How this is calculated
    You send
    $1,000.00
    Transfer fee
    − No fee
    Amount converted
    $1,000.00
    Exchange rate
    × 129.2975 (0.20% below reference)
    Recipient gets
    KSh129,297.54
    Total cost of transfer
    $2.00 (fee + exchange-rate margin)

    Based on the provider's general fees and margin, not route-specific pricing.

  2. OFX

    4.3 / 5 editorial rating
    Recipient gets KSh128,908.87 KSh388.67 less than the top result
    Transfer fee
    No fee
    Exchange rate
    128.9089
    Delivery
    1–3 business
    Estimated · general pricing Route availability not yet confirmed Pays out by Bank deposit
    How this is calculated
    You send
    $1,000.00
    Transfer fee
    − No fee
    Amount converted
    $1,000.00
    Exchange rate
    × 128.9089 (0.50% below reference)
    Recipient gets
    KSh128,908.87
    Total cost of transfer
    $5.00 (fee + exchange-rate margin)

    Based on the provider's general fees and margin, not route-specific pricing.

  3. Wise

    4.9 / 5 editorial rating
    Featured
    Recipient gets KSh128,714.54 KSh583.00 less than the top result
    Transfer fee
    $6.50
    Exchange rate
    129.5567
    Delivery
    Seconds to 2 business days
    Estimated · general pricing Last verified September 22, 2026 Route availability not yet confirmed Pays out by Bank deposit
    How this is calculated
    You send
    $1,000.00
    Transfer fee
    − $6.50 ($1.50 + 0.5%)
    Amount converted
    $993.50
    Exchange rate
    × 129.5567
    Recipient gets
    KSh128,714.54
    Total cost of transfer
    $6.50 (fee + exchange-rate margin)

    Based on the provider's general fees and margin, not route-specific pricing.

    Wise availability and pricing can change, so users should verify current details on Wise before sending money.

  4. WorldRemit

    4.2 / 5 editorial rating
    Recipient gets KSh128,264.45 KSh1,033.09 less than the top result
    Transfer fee
    $1.99
    Exchange rate
    128.5202
    Delivery
    Minutes to 3 days
    Estimated · general pricing Route availability not yet confirmed Pays out by Bank deposit, Cash pickup, Mobile money, Digital wallet
    How this is calculated
    You send
    $1,000.00
    Transfer fee
    − $1.99 ($1.99)
    Amount converted
    $998.01
    Exchange rate
    × 128.5202 (0.80% below reference)
    Recipient gets
    KSh128,264.45
    Total cost of transfer
    $9.97 (fee + exchange-rate margin)

    Based on the provider's general fees and margin, not route-specific pricing.

  5. Western Union

    4.1 / 5 editorial rating
    Sponsored
    Recipient gets KSh128,261.09 KSh1,036.45 less than the top result
    Transfer fee
    No fee
    Exchange rate
    128.2611
    Delivery
    Minutes to 1 business day
    Estimated · general pricing Last verified September 22, 2026 Route availability not yet confirmed Pays out by Bank deposit, Cash pickup, Mobile money
    How this is calculated
    You send
    $1,000.00
    Transfer fee
    − No fee
    Amount converted
    $1,000.00
    Exchange rate
    × 128.2611 (1.00% below reference)
    Recipient gets
    KSh128,261.09
    Total cost of transfer
    $10.00 (fee + exchange-rate margin)

    Based on the provider's general fees and margin, not route-specific pricing.

  6. Remitly

    4.7 / 5 editorial rating
    Recipient gets KSh127,749.33 KSh1,548.21 less than the top result
    Transfer fee
    $3.99
    Exchange rate
    128.2611
    Delivery
    Minutes (Express) / 1–3 days (Economy)
    Estimated · general pricing Route availability not yet confirmed Pays out by Bank deposit, Cash pickup, Mobile money
    How this is calculated
    You send
    $1,000.00
    Transfer fee
    − $3.99 ($3.99)
    Amount converted
    $996.01
    Exchange rate
    × 128.2611 (1.00% below reference)
    Recipient gets
    KSh127,749.33
    Total cost of transfer
    $13.95 (fee + exchange-rate margin)

    Based on the provider's general fees and margin, not route-specific pricing.

1 provider not shown for this search
  • XE — Minimum transfer is $3,000.00

We may earn a commission when you use the links on this page. This never affects the ranking, which is based on the amount your recipient receives.

Is Western Union right for you?

Western Union is a global financial services company specializing in money transfers and cross-border payments. With a history dating back to the 19th century, the company has evolved from a telecommunications business into one of the world's established money-transfer providers.

Global Reach

Western Union operates across more than 200 countries and territories. Its extensive network combines digital services with physical agent locations, allowing customers to send and receive money through different channels depending on their location.

Money Transfer Services

Customers can send money internationally through Western Union's digital platforms or participating agent locations. Depending on the destination, recipients may be able to receive funds through bank accounts, mobile wallets, or cash pickup locations.

Digital and Physical Access

Western Union combines online and mobile money-transfer services with its network of physical locations. This gives customers the flexibility to choose between digital transfers and in-person transactions.

Security and Convenience

The company emphasizes secure money transfers, accessibility, and convenience. Its infrastructure is designed to support international transactions while providing customers with multiple ways to send and receive funds.

Company Mission

Western Union's stated mission centers on making financial services accessible and helping people stay connected across borders. Its services are used by individuals and businesses for international money transfers and payments.

Key features

  • International money transfers
  • Online money transfers
  • Mobile app for sending money
  • Cash pickup at participating locations
  • Bank-account transfers

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Extensive international coverage
  • Large network of physical agent locations
  • Multiple receiving options
  • Cash pickup available in supported destinations

Cons

  • Fees vary by transfer
  • Exchange-rate markups may apply
  • Pricing varies by country

How to send money with Western Union

  1. Get started with Western Union

    Open the Western Union website or mobile app to begin your transfer.

  2. Create an account

    Sign up with Western Union using your email address or phone number and set a secure password.

  3. Verify your identity

    Upload a government-issued ID and, where required, proof of address. Verification is a legal requirement and usually takes a few minutes.

  4. Add recipient details

    Enter your recipient's name and select how they will be paid — bank deposit, mobile money, digital wallet or cash pickup.

  5. Pay for your transfer

    Fund the transfer with a bank transfer, debit card or credit card. Review the fee and the guaranteed amount your recipient will receive before you confirm.

  6. Track delivery

    Follow the transfer status in your account or app and receive a notification when the funds arrive.

Where you can send, and how

Transfer (pay-in) methodsBank deposit · Debit/credit card · Cash pickup
Payout methodsBank deposit · Cash pickup · Mobile money

We may earn a commission when you use the links on this page. This never affects the ranking, which is based on the amount your recipient receives.