Walgreens, Western Union launch in-store money transfer service

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreens and The Western Union Company have launched international and domestic money transfers through a new Western Union stage and pay kiosk model via the Walgreen’s Balance Financial platform. Customers can send or receive money at more than 7,650 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.



The transaction can be initiated at a kiosk using a photo touch-screen and finalized immediately or at another time on the same day. The Walgreens rollout follows Western Union’s multi-year agreement signed with the retailer in 2013. The additional locations will also expand the Western Union U.S. agent location count to more than 50,000.



Western Union plans to roll out its stage-and-pay point-of-sale model via multiple-channels, including customer service hotlines, smartphone applications and kiosks.



“In keeping with our goal to be first choice for health and daily living for everyone in America and beyond, Walgreens will offer Western Union Money Transfer transactions as part of our expanding suite of financial services,” said Jason Dubinsky, VP and treasurer, Walgreens. “Components like money-transfer transactions empower customers by giving them easy access to powerful financial tools. By giving customers the ability to send and receive money at our stores, we are delivering on our promise to offer financial services that provide convenience and value.”