Western Union, in partnership with its processing partner Orbit S.A., has announced the immediate reinstatement of services from the United States to Cuba.

This decision allows Western Union customers to send funds to close relatives in Cuba who hold bank and debit card accounts with select Cuban banks (Popular de Ahorro Bank, Metropolitano S.A. Bank, and Credito y Comercio Bank) from any U.S. retail location, WesternUnion.com, or the Western mobile app.

Resumption of services to Cuban banks

Following the service resumption, funds can only be deposited into bank accounts and debit cards, and the service is limited to consumer remittances. U.S. customers can send up to $2,000.00 per transaction upon presentation of valid government-issued identification. Remittances can be received on the same day, including weekends and holidays.

Rodrigo Garcia Estebarena, President of Western Union North America and LACA, stated, "Our service is a crucial link between U.S. residents and their families in Cuba. We are pleased to restore this vital channel of service and provide necessary remittance services to residents on the island."

The service is only available to recipients who hold a Carnet de Identidad and have bank and/or debit card accounts with the aforementioned Cuban banks. Deposits to freely convertible currency (MLC) accounts are provided in U.S. dollars only.

Visa partners with Western Union

Meanwhile, Visa has partnered with Western Union to enhance global payments, leveraging Visa Direct to enable Western Union customers to send money globally in 40 countries.

Both parties plan to issue Western Union and Visa debit cards in North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Europe. Under the 7-year agreement, they aim to improve the customer experience by integrating Western Union with Visa Direct and issuing Visa prepaid cards in selected markets.