Western Union to launch stage-and-pay kiosk model via the Walgreens Balance Financial platform

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Western Union Co. and Walgreens on Wednesday launched international and domestic money transfers through a new Western Union stage-and-pay kiosk model via the Walgreens Balance Financial platform.

 

“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," stated Jason Dubinsky, VP and treasurer Walgreens. "Components like money-transfer transactions empower customers by giving them easy access to powerful financial tools,” he said. “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.”

 

Customers can now 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 touchscreen and finalized immediately on the same day. The service is available at Walgreens stores between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

 

The Walgreens roll-out follows Western Union’s multi-year agreement signed with the national drug store leader last year. The additional locations will also expand the Western Union U.S. agent location count to more than 50,000.

 

“Western Union’s advanced point of sale model enhances access and experience by simplifying process, granting control and facilitating speedy service end-to-end for customers," stated Odilon Almeida, president Western Union, Americas and European Union. “We are bridging retail experience with digital innovation delivering upon our omnichannel strategy, while making it simple and fast for our customers. We are pleased to be rolling out this breakthrough service model in collaboration with Walgreens.” 

 

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

 

Western Union services are a part of Walgreens suite of financial service products.