Millions of Filipinos living and working abroad regularly send money home to support their families. The Philippines remains one of the largest remittance-receiving countries in the world, with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sending more than US$35 billion in remittances annually.
In addition to overseas remittances, many domestic financial transactions also rely on money transfer services. These include parents sending allowances to children studying in major cities, small retailers making payments to suppliers, and families sending financial support to relatives in other provinces.
Because of these needs, remittance services remain an important part of the Philippine financial ecosystem.
One of the most recognized global money transfer brands is Western Union. The company has been serving Filipinos for decades and has built a strong reputation for reliability and security.
Just like popular brands that Filipinos trust, Western Union has become closely associated with overseas remittances and financial support sent by OFWs to their families.
For entrepreneurs with an existing retail business, becoming a Western Union agent can be a way to attract new customers while generating additional revenue.
Benefits of Becoming a Western Union Agent
- Attract new customers. Offering money transfer services can bring new foot traffic to your store.
- Earn commissions. Agents receive a commission for every money transfer transaction processed.
- Increase cross-selling opportunities. Customers visiting your location may also use other services such as bill payments, travel bookings, or retail purchases.
- Build stronger customer relationships. Remittance customers often return regularly to the same trusted location.
- Minimal setup requirements. Basic equipment such as a computer, internet connection, and printer are typically needed to operate the service.
- Marketing and training support. Western Union provides promotional materials, training, and system support.
- Compliance support. Agents receive guidance on financial regulations and anti-money laundering procedures.
Requirements to Offer Western Union Money Transfer Services
To start offering Western Union services, you typically need the following:
- A registered retail business with a physical location
- A computer with internet access
- A printer for transaction receipts
- Basic staff training for processing transactions
Once the required software is installed, your business can start processing money transfers and earning commissions on transactions sent or received.
How Western Union Agents Earn Revenue
When customers send money through Western Union, they pay a transfer fee based on factors such as the amount sent, destination country, and service type.
As an authorized agent, your business receives a portion of this transfer fee as commission. The more transactions your location processes, the more revenue your business can generate.
How Western Union Money Transfers Work
Sending Money
- The customer completes a “Send Money” form.
- The agent verifies the customer’s identification.
- The agent enters the transaction details into the Western Union system.
- The customer pays the transfer amount plus the service fee.
- The customer receives a receipt and tracking number (MTCN).
Receiving Money
- The recipient fills out a “Receive Money” form.
- The agent verifies identification and the transaction details.
- The agent releases the funds to the recipient.
- The recipient signs the receipt confirming the transaction.
Global Reach of Western Union
Western Union operates one of the largest money transfer networks in the world. Customers can send or receive money through hundreds of thousands of agent locations across more than 200 countries and territories.
This extensive network allows Filipino families to receive funds quickly from relatives working abroad.
Support and Training for Agents
Western Union provides several resources to help new agents get started, including:
- Training for staff handling transactions
- Money transfer software and system updates
- Marketing materials for store promotion
- Customer support assistance
Agents also receive guidance on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance to ensure all transactions follow financial regulations and security standards.
Types of Businesses That Can Become Agents
Many types of retail businesses can become Western Union agents, including:
- Convenience stores
- Financial service centers
- Pawnshops
- Travel agencies
- Money service businesses
A business with a visible physical location and regular customer traffic is typically ideal for remittance services.
How to Apply to Become a Western Union Agent
If you own a retail business and want to offer money transfer services, you may apply online to become an authorized Western Union agent.
You can start by completing the application form through the official Western Union agent portal:
Apply to Become a Western Union Agent
After submitting your application, a representative may contact you to discuss the next steps. If approved, Western Union will help you set up the system and train your staff so you can begin processing transactions.
Contact Information
For more information about Western Union services in the Philippines, you may contact their customer support hotline:
Western Union Philippines Hotline
- Metro Manila: 02 888-1200
- PLDT Toll-Free: 1-800-1-888-1200
- Globe Toll-Free: 1-800-9-888-1200