Western Union Unveils New Money Transfer Channel in Australia

Agreement with BP advances digitalisation of international money transfer in Australia 

The Western Union Company today led Australia’s retail money transfer sector into a new digital age, announcing an agreement with BP Australia.

For the first time in Australia, Western Union services will be enabled through the mobile app in 302 BP stores nationwide (including 150 with digital kiosks), which will provide customers with a quick and convenient way to conduct international money transfers 24/7.

Molly Shea, General Manager of Asia Pacific, Western Union, said, “The ability to innovate and expand our self-service money transfer offering across retail and digital channels is key to Western Union’s success. We are very pleased to announce this collaboration with BP in Australia, which will provide customers with a new way to send funds any time they want, to countries around the world.

“From expatriates sending money for mortgage payments, international students for repaying loans, to workers for supporting families back home, consumers today are looking for different options to send money with reliability and ease. Whether it be bank-to-bank, through web, kiosk, app-to-cash or cash-to-cash, Western Union’s diverse array of channels are well-positioned to meet these needs,” Shea concluded.

Brooke Miller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BP Australia, said, “This new agreement with Western Union will enable customers to transfer money locally and internationally when it best suits them. In today’s world, convenience is key and providing our customers with offers that make their lives easier is at the heart of what we do.”

Western Union has Agent locations in over 200 countries and territories, the ability to exchange money in 130 currencies, global compliance expertise, and the technology to move funds in minutes.

In line with its commitment to innovation, Western Union recently introduced a next-generation Western Union app, offering senders the choice of using card, bank account or cash to fund their transactions. Recipients can also receive funds in cash, bank account or wallet.

Western Union’s digital service in Australia continues to demonstrate strong growth, contributing to more than 30 percent of international Western Union® money transfers from Australia. Australians sent money using Western Union to more than 200 countries and territories in 2016, via digital channels as well as 3,600 Agent locations representing retail stores, travel agencies, forex houses, Australia Post Offices, and pharmacies.