10 Steps How To Become A Western Union Agent

(doylc.com) How To Become A Western Union Agent - Western Union is a money and messaging service based in the United States with agents around the world. Anyone interested in becoming a new agent must apply to Western Union Corporate Headquarters and be accepted. Learning how to become a Western Union agent can help create a lucrative opportunity for your business.

• Determining Your Eligibility

1. Own your own business . A prospective Western Union representative must own their own independent retail business, which is then recognized as a qualifying Western Union location. Some of the most common retailers who become Western Union agents include:

convenience stores

drugstores

financial service providers

liquor stores

newsagent

pawnbroker

supermarkets

travel agencies

2. Acquire the necessary equipment. Every Western Union agent must have certain basic office equipment and Internet service in order to conduct financial transactions. Equipment typically required for Western Union transactions includes:

a working computer

a reliable internet connection

A working printer (although not all locations require a printer at the business location - speak to a Western Union representative to determine if your location requires a printer)

3. Complete an application. If you meet all of the business requirements, you may be eligible to become a Western Union agent. To confirm your eligibility, you'll need to complete an online application, which will then be reviewed by Western Union. You can also call Western Union's customer service line at 1-800-325-6000 if you have any questions about the application process. The application asks for the following pieces of information:

confirmation that you own your own business

confirmation that you have a working computer with a reliable internet connection

your name and personal contact information (phone number and email address)

the name, address, and work number for your business

the nature (by type/category) of your business

how many locations your business operates

how you found out about becoming a Western Union agent

• Set up as an agent

1. Get professional training and software. If your application to become a Western Union agent is approved, Western Union will provide you with a free starter pack. This starter pack contains all the necessary training information you need to start making transactions, as well as marketing/promotional materials to get your new services out there. You will also receive the necessary software to install on your computer so that you can start conducting transactions in your company.

Western Union representatives also receive 24-hour customer service from the agency. A customer service representative can answer all your questions and guide you through any complications that may arise.

2. Take training courses on money laundering. All money transfer services are required to provide anti-money laundering (AML) training under financial regulations. This training is designed to educate you as a new agent and protect your business from potential money laundering allegations in the future.

Western Union's AML training is recognized as one of the industry's leading agent training and support programs.

3. Get your license. All money transfer services must be properly licensed, although the nature of that licensing may vary by location. Because Western Union has a worldwide network of money transfer agents, there is no one-size-fits-all process that applies to all agents. However, Western Union facilitates all necessary licenses for their agents. You will be put in touch with a Western Union representative who will advise you of the specific license you require and will assist you in obtaining this evidence in a timely manner.

• Work as an agent

1. Consider logging into Western Union's agent portal. The Agent Portal is Western Union's online resource for agents around the world. Signing up for AgentPortal is free, and signing up makes it easier for you to order supplies, access training and fraud prevention information, report your money transfers, and access customer service support.

To register, simply go to the Western Union AgentPortal website at https://agentportal.westernunion.com/ap/custregister.do. Then enter your name, contact information, agent account number and operator ID number.

2. Make money with Western Union . Customers are charged a transfer fee for every money transfer they make using Western Union. That money goes to Western Union, and so WU makes a profit. However, Western Union pays you a commission on each transaction fee processed for each transaction your business sends or receives. The more money you make for Western Union in your business, the more commissions you earn.

3. Understand the benefits. There are many benefits of acting as a Western Union agent through your existing business. In addition to the financial rewards you get from regular commissions, you can even increase the business of your store. Being a Western Union agent means you end up attracting potential customers who need to transfer/receive money and possibly purchase goods or services from your business. Additionally, your role as a WU agent gives you a competitive edge over other companies that offer the same goods and services as you as your business becomes more of a one-stop shop.

4. Enjoy being part of a worldwide network. Western Union operates in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. As part of this network, you enjoy the benefits of sending and receiving money for clients from any part of the world. Additionally, because Western Union operates around the world, you have 24/7 access to training and customer service support.