How to Send Money from Western Union to M-Pesa

Western Union has been facilitating international money transfers for decades. It’s one of the most widely used and trusted platforms for sending money abroad. In addition to being secure, it’s widely available, with agent locations in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

You can now send money straight to your recipient’s M-Pesa wallet using Western Union. Initially, you could only send money via bank transfer or cash pickup at a Western Union agent. 

Adding mobile wallets as one of the transfer options has made Western Union one of the most convenient ways to send money to recipients in Kenya. 

In this guide, we’ll look at how to send money from Western Union to M-Pesa, how to receive money from Western Union in Kenya, and some of the cheapest ways to send money to Kenya. 

How to Send Money from Western Union to M-Pesa

Western Union allows you to put money directly in the hands of your loved ones in a few simple steps. Below is a step-by-step guide to sending money from Western Union to M-Pesa.

Step 1: Create Your Account

If you don’t already have one, your first step should be to register for a Western Union account. You can do this by visiting Western Union’s official website or downloading the app. You’ll then be able to create an account for free after providing a few details. 

Here are the requirements to register a Western Union account:

• A valid form of identification (National ID, Driver’s License, or Passport)
• Applicant must be 18 years or older
• Provide a valid email address
• Must accept the terms and conditions of using Western Union

You can log in to initiate the transfer if you already have an account. 

Step 2: Choose the Transfer Destination

You’re required to choose the recipient’s country. In this case, you’ll scroll down and select Kenya as the destination. 

Step 3: Enter the Amount

Next, you’ll enter the amount of money you wish to send. Western Union allows you to send up to $50,000. 

Step 4: Choose the Transfer Method

Next, you’ll select how your recipient wishes to receive the money. Western Union gives you three options: bank account, cash pick up, and mobile wallet. 

Since you want to send the money straight to the recipient’s M-Pesa wallet, you’ll select mobile wallet. 

Step 5: Pay for the Transfer 

Choose your payment method from the options available. You can deposit funds in your Western Union account via bank transfer, credit, or debit card. 

Step 6: Enter the Recipient’s Information

Having selected mobile wallet as your preferred transfer option, you’ll enter key details like the recipient’s phone number and the specific mobile wallet service provider. Confirm the details to ensure their name matches the name on their ID. 

Step 7: Confirm the Transfer

You’ll see the summary of your transaction before authorizing the transfer. This includes the transfer amount, the exchange rate, the fee, and the estimated service time. 

You should confirm these details before completing the transfer. 

Both you and the recipient will receive a confirmation message from Western Union showing that the transaction was completed successfully.

How to Receive Money from Western Union in Kenya

You can receive money from Western Union in Kenya using cash pick up, bank transfer, or mobile wallet. However, the mobile wallet option is straightforward, as the money is sent directly to your wallet. 

Here are the steps to take when receiving money via bank transfer or cash pick-up. 

Bank Transfer

Western Union partners with several banks in Kenya, including Co-operative Bank, Equity, Diamond Trust Bank, and others, to facilitate money transfers from abroad. When receiving money via bank transfer, you should take the following steps: 

1. Request the MTCN: When the sender makes the transfer, Western Union gives them a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN), which you can use to track the money’s progress. 
2. Log into your account: Virtually all banks now offer online banking services. You can check for the money by logging into your bank account and entering details like the tracking number and the sender’s name. The other alternative would be to visit your local bank branch physically. Ensure you carry your ID or passport for verification and the MTCN for tracking. 
3. Receive the money: Bank transfers typically take two to three working days to arrive, depending on the bank. The MTCN will help you keep track of the money in progress. If you have any concerns or questions, contact your bank’s customer care or Western Union support.

Cash Pick Up

Western Union also allows you to receive money in cash by visiting one of its agent locations. If that’s your preferred method, you’ll take the following steps:

1. Track the Money: Use the MTCN from your sender to track the money so you know when it’s ready for pick-up. 
2. Find an Agent Location: Use the Western Union website or mobile app to find the nearest agent location. 
3. Fill out a form: Next, you’ll visit the agent location, where you’ll be asked to complete the To Receive Money form. You’ll need to provide details like: 
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4. Verify Your Identity: The clerk must verify your ID before you’re given the money. Afterward, you’ll sign a receipt confirming you’ve collected the money. 

What is the Cheapest Way to Send Money to Kenya?

The cheapest way to send money to Kenya would be dependent on a number of factors, including your location, preferred transfer method, and the amount you wish to send. Generally, digital remittance platforms are the cheapest because they have reduced overhead costs. 

Here are the top three cheapest ways to send money to Kenya:

1. Remitly

This US-based international money transfer platform is one of the most affordable services. It is one of the most popular choices for Kenyans working and living abroad.

Apps like Remitly are fully digital platforms, meaning they don’t have physical locations for cash pick-up. This is one of the strategies that helps the company keep its overhead low, making money transfers cheaper and more convenient. 

You can use Remitly by creating an account on their website or mobile app. The transfer methods include bank transfer and mobile wallet, meaning you can send money straight to your recipient’s M-Pesa wallet in Kenya. 

2. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is another top-rated digital remittance service. It provides a fast, safe, and convenient way to send money to over 130 destinations worldwide. 

Sending money with WorldRemit is a straightforward process. You can start by creating your account on the website or via the mobile app. After setting up your account, you can make transfers via bank transfer, cash pick-up, or mobile transfer. 

The platform supports mobile wallets, meaning you can send money to your recipient’s M-Pesa account. 

3. Wise

Another cheap option for sending money to Kenya is Wise, formerly Transferwise. This foreign exchange and remittance platform facilitates money transfers to more than 175 destinations globally. 

You can sign up for a Wise account using your email address or Facebook account. Once you’ve provided all the necessary documents, you can send money to your recipient via M-Pesa or bank transfer. 

Closing Thoughts

Western Union is a reputable and secure way to send money to Kenya. Now that you can send money directly to your recipient’s M-Pesa wallet, it’s even more convenient. 

While it’s a trusted option, using Western Union for remittance is relatively expensive, so you should consider other options like WorldRemit, Wise, and Remitly. 

Legacy platforms like Western Union and banks typically charge higher rates, so it might be better to use a digital remittance platform instead. 

Use Monito’s real time comparison engine to find the most affordable way to send money to Kenya.