How to send money to Mexico through Western Union?

To send money to Mexico through Western Union, you have three primary methods: via the mobile app/website, in-person at an agent location, or by phone. Mexico is one of the most efficient corridors for Western Union, offering both cash pickup and direct-to-bank options.

### 1. Preparation: What You Need

Before starting the transfer, gather the following details to avoid delays or "Verification Required" holds:

* **Recipient’s Full Name:** This must match their government-issued ID (e.g., INE card or Pasaporte) exactly.

* **Recipient’s Location:** State and City are required for cash pickups.

* **Bank Details (if applicable):** You need the 18-digit **CLABE** (Clave Bancaria Estandarizada) for transfers directly to a Mexican bank account.

* **Purpose of Transaction:** Under Mexican law (CNBV regulations), transfers over certain thresholds may require you to categorize the payment (e.g., "Family Support").

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### 2. Step-by-Step Methods

#### Method A: Online or Via Mobile App (Lowest Fees)

According to data from Western Union’s pricing estimator, digital transfers often carry lower fees compared to retail locations.

1. **Create/Login:** Sign up at westernunion.com or use the app.

2. **Select Destination:** Choose "Mexico" and enter the amount in USD.

3. **Choose Delivery Method:**

* **Cash Pickup:** Available in minutes at thousands of locations.

* **Bank Account:** Takes 0-1 business days.

4. **Choose Payment Method:**

* *Debit/Credit Card:* Fastest, but higher fees and potential "Cash Advance" fees from your bank.

* *Bank Transfer (ACH):* Lowest fees, but takes 1–3 days to process.

5. **Review & Send:** Note the **MTCN (Tracking Number)**. You must provide this to your recipient.

#### Method B: In-Person (Cash to Cash)

1. **Find an Agent:** Use the "Find Locations" tool on the Western Union site. In the US, these are often inside Walgreens, Rite Aid, or local grocery stores.

2. **Provide ID:** You must bring a valid government-issued ID.

3. **Fill out the Form:** Provide the recipient's name and the amount.

4. **Pay Cash:** Pay the principal amount plus the transfer fee in cash.

5. **Share the MTCN:** Your recipient cannot collect the funds without this number.

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### 3. Cost Analysis: Fees and Exchange Rates

As highlighted in the resource *"How Much Does It Cost To Send Money To Mexico?"*, there are two types of costs:

* **The Transfer Fee:**

* Online bank-to-bank transfers often have a **$0 fee** if sending over a certain amount (typically $500+).

* Card-funded cash pickups can range from **$7.00 to $15.00+** depending on the speed.

* **The Exchange Rate Margin:** Western Union makes money on the "spread." They typically offer a rate 1% to 3% lower than the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google).

* *Example:* If the mid-market rate is 17.50 MXN/USD, Western Union may offer 17.15 MXN/USD.

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### 4. How the Recipient Collects Money in Mexico

Mexico has one of the densest networks of Western Union payout points.

* **Major Partners:** Recipient can pick up cash at **Coppel, Elektra, Banco Azteca, OXXO,** and **Bodega Aurrera/Walmart**.

* **Requirements to Collect:**

1. The **MTCN** (10-digit tracking number).

2. Valid **Original ID** (INE or Passport).

3. Knowledge of the sender's name and the expected amount.

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### 5. Critical Limits and Regulations

* **OXXO Limits:** While OXXO is convenient, they often have lower payout limits (usually up to 2,000–3,000 MXN per transaction) compared to Banco Azteca or Elektra, which can handle much larger amounts.

* **Daily Limits:** For digital transfers from the US, Western Union generally limits new users to **$2,999 per day**, though this can be increased with identity verification.

* **Tax Implications:** Transfers to Mexico for "Family Support" are generally not taxed as income for the recipient under Mexican law, but keep receipts if sending more than **$10,000 USD** in a year to satisfy potential IRS or SAT (Mexico Tax Authority) inquiries.

### Pro-Tip: The "Price Shop"

Before hitting send, compare Western Union's total cost (Fee + Exchange Rate) against **Remitly** or **Wise**. Western Union is often the winner for **Cash Pickup**, while Wise frequently offers better rates for **Bank Transfers**.