How Long Can Money Stay in Western Union If Not Picked Up?

When money is sent through Western Union, it is important to understand the duration for which it remains available for pickup. Typically, money transfers can be picked up for up to 90 days from the date they were sent. However, specific policies might vary based on location and the type of service used. It is crucial to check with Western Union directly or refer to their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Official Answer from Western Union

According to Western Union's official response:

A: Money transfers are available for 90 days. If the receiver is unable to pick up the money transfer and it has been 90 days, contact Customer Care for the money transfer to be renewed and made available for payout.

General Guidelines on Money Payout

In the majority of scenarios, the money can be picked up within a few minutes after sending. If you do not collect the transfer on the same day, the funds will remain in the system for the next 45 days. It is important to note that Western Union will usually hold the money for up to 9 months from the date of sending. However, the funds will only be returned to the sender if the sender specifically orders it. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Money can typically be picked up within minutes, subject to having the required code. If not picked up on the same day, it will remain in the system for up to 45 days. Unless the sender specifically orders the return, the money remains with Western Union for 9 months from the date of sending.

What Happens if the Money is Not Picked Up?

If the receiver does not pick up the money within the specified period:

You can contact Western Union's fraud hotline at 1-800-448-1492 to stop the transaction and potentially get a refund. For unclaimed funds, Western Union usually offers a full refund, including the transaction fee, within 9 months. If the money is picked up by someone else, you may not be eligible for a refund unless you can prove it was a mistake.

Conclusion

Understanding the timeframe for picking up money transfers from Western Union is crucial for both senders and receivers. Western Union typically allows up to 45 days for immediate pickup and up to 9 months for longer holding periods. For any issues with unclaimed funds, contacting Western Union's customer care is the best course of action. Always verify the latest policies on their official website to ensure accuracy.