Western Union or Moneygram?

[eekee 182]

I need to receive a large sum of money from the US via either Western Union or Moneygram. I've used WU before, but never Moneygram. I know it's cheaper, but how long does it take?

[titantom 2]

I need to receive a large sum of money from the US via either Western Union or Moneygram. I've used WU before, but never Moneygram. I know it's cheaper, but how long does it take?

FWIW... I have used both... Moneygram was not slow, but was more of a pain in the rear for my fiancee. She had to go to multple banks before someone could even figure out how to retrieve the funds, even though they were listed Moneygram locations. So we went back to Western Union in spite of the higher fees.

[islandgal 74]

It's just like WU. If you're worried, just ask them.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Check with your own bank and ask if you can wire the money directly into the bank account of the recipient.

That might be safer and faster.

[eekee 182]

FWIW... I have used both... Moneygram was not slow, but was more of a pain in the rear for my fiancee. She had to go to multple banks before someone could even figure out how to retrieve the funds, even though they were listed Moneygram locations. So we went back to Western Union in spite of the higher fees.

They say 10 minute transfer on their website... is it truly ten minutes, or is it more like a couple of days?

There are about six locations in the immediate vicinity of my apartment, so I figured I'd go to the banks and ask to make sure they can do it. It's a LARGE sum of money though (need to pay tuition), so the fee is a difference of over 200$ versus less than 100$.

Check with your own bank and ask if you can wire the money directly into the bank account of the recipient.

That might be safer and faster.

No, I have to pay in person.

[Oksana & Max 94]

I used MoneyGram to send money to Ukraine, and never had problems usually available within 30 minutes max. But the problem is to actually retrieving money, as sometimes bank may not have the amount like that available.

[JohnR! 5,495]

No, I have to pay in person.

Got it.

Edited August 20, 2012 by Gegel

[AL+ ALENA FOREVER 1]

I have used both

They worked the same for me - money gram will save you some money.

I would have the person receiving the money call the local banks to learn which service they work with

It is a must to make sure the name is 100 percent the same as on the passport of the person receiving the money

You should know that if it a very large sum the services will assume you are laundering money - You will then have to prove that you are not laundering money. They will hold your funds until you prove that you are not laundering money

GOOD LUCK

Edited August 20, 2012 by AL+ ALENA FOREVER

[eekee 182]

I have used both

They worked the same for me - money gram will save you some money.

I would have the person receiving the money call the local banks to learn which service they work with

It is a must to make sure the name is 100 percent the same as on the passport of the person receiving the money

You should know that if it a very large sum the services will assume you are laundering money - You will then have to prove that you are not laundering money. They will hold your funds until you prove that you are not laundering money

GOOD LUCK

It's 3600$. How do I prove I am not "laundering money"? I am the one in Russia and the one receiving the money. I would hope my parents know how to spell my name in English.

Edited August 20, 2012 by eekee

[1HappyGuy 45]

For large sums of money, wire transfers from bank to bank are usually more reasonable with regard to cost. However, you have stated it is $3,600. I believe that is within the Western Union amounts. If your parents are sending the money, they might investigate setting up a WU account and doing the transfer online. The charges seem to be very reasonable in that method. Sorry, I have never used Moneygram.

[eekee 182]

For large sums of money, wire transfers from bank to bank are usually more reasonable with regard to cost. However, you have stated it is $3,600. I believe that is within the Western Union amounts. If your parents are sending the money, they might investigate setting up a WU account and doing the transfer online. The charges seem to be very reasonable in that method. Sorry, I have never used Moneygram.

If a wire transfer were an option, I'd do that, obviously. For some reason, sending money online doesn't come up for an option when I do the cost estimate thing at westernunion.com for the city it's being sent from and Russia. But whatever, there are more moneygram places around me anyway, so I'll check around tomorrow to make sure the places listed actually will process moneygram orders.

Thanks everyone!

[AL+ ALENA FOREVER 1]

I have no idea why you need 3600 USD (It is really none of my business) but to me it is a large sum of money. I use both western union and money gram several times a week. In our business I have many occasions where I need to send money to employees who work in the field. If I send 800 - 1000 dollars they ask for ID but I have seen that sending 800 dollars flags a request for an interview.

We are doing nothing illegal - It is just the way there system is setup - I do not know all the ins and outs of how their systems works but I would try to find a why to do it without sending that much money at one time. Once they have your money you will have to prove that the use of your money is legal if the transaction is flagged. Most all transactions from the United States to many countries is considered suspect and Russia is one of they countries that is watched.

Good Luck

Edited August 21, 2012 by AL+ ALENA FOREVER

[eekee 182]

Interview on what end, the US or the Russian end? If they ask me here, I can show them my tuition bill. I am a USC; I'm obviously not some mafia moll.

[Brad and Vika 129]

Interview on what end, the US or the Russian end? If they ask me here, I can show them my tuition bill. I am a USC; I'm obviously not some mafia moll.

I think you are fine eekee. I send various amounts occasionally to Kherson, Ukraine with MoneyGram and never had a problem. I think the last was $700 to help with a funeral about ten months ago. The only issue any of us had was that the bank didn't have enough dollars and wanted to give Hrvna instead for part of the transfer. I doubt that is a problem in Moscow (if I remember, Moscow, right?).

[slim 1,514]

I'll hand carry it for you.

Just buy me a ticket...