European Alternatives to Western Union

European alternatives to Western Union for sending money abroad include Wise, WorldRemit, Paysend and TransferGo, all money transfer services headquartered in London. Western Union is a US company, founded in 1851 and headquartered in Denver, that built its business on cash transfers through agent locations. People who want to send money from an app or a website, often to a bank account or mobile wallet, can compare these services on this page.

What Western Union offers

Western Union started as a telegraph company in 1851 and moved away from communications in the 1980s to focus on money transfers. It is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Customers can send money online or in person at agent locations, and recipients can collect cash or receive money through other payout methods depending on the country. Its large agent network is the main difference to the mostly digital services below.

European money transfer services in the directory

• Wise (United Kingdom): transfers at the mid-market exchange rate with upfront fees and a multi-currency account.
• WorldRemit (United Kingdom): more than 130 countries, with bank deposit, mobile money and cash pickup.
• Paysend (United Kingdom): transfers to accounts, cards, e-wallets and cash in more than 170 countries.
• TransferGo (United Kingdom): founded in Lithuania, more than 160 countries and an e-money licence from the Bank of Lithuania.

Payout options, fees and speed differ by country pair. The category page Money Transfer Services lists all of them.

What to compare before switching

• Payout method: If the recipient needs cash, check that cash pickup exists in the destination country. Wise focuses on bank accounts.
• Total cost: Compare fee and exchange rate together, and use the final amount received as the yardstick.
• Limits: Higher amounts require identity checks and sometimes proof of the source of funds.
• Recipient access: Make sure the recipient has the account, card or wallet the service pays out to.

What to keep in mind

The largest cash pickup networks belong to US companies. Anyone who needs a cash counter on both sides of a transfer should check WorldRemit or Paysend for the specific country before leaving Western Union.

FAQ

Is there a European alternative to Western Union?

Yes. Wise, WorldRemit, Paysend and TransferGo are headquartered in the United Kingdom and send money to many countries.

Can I send cash instead of a bank transfer?

WorldRemit and Paysend support cash payouts in selected countries. Wise and TransferGo focus on bank accounts.

Are these services cheaper than Western Union?

It depends on the amount, the country pair and the payment method. Compare the final amount the recipient gets, not only the fee.