If someone has sent you money through Western Union, you'll need a few specific documents to collect it in cash. Missing even one of these is the most common reason for a delayed pickup.
What you need to bring
- A valid government photo ID: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence
- The Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN), a 10-digit number the sender receives after sending money
- The exact sender's name as it was entered when the money was sent
- The expected transfer amount, to help verify the transaction
Common reasons for delays
The name on your ID doesn't exactly match the name the sender used. Even small spelling differences can cause a hold. If this happens, the sender usually needs to correct the transfer details on their end before you can collect it.