Visa and Western Union have entered into a seven-year agreement to significantly enhance the way money is sent across borders. This collaboration aims to simplify the process for Western Union customers to transfer funds directly to Visa cardholders and bank accounts in 40 countries across five continents.

The partnership involves the issuance of cards, integration with Visa Direct for faster money transfers, and the provision of risk management services.

Additionally, it will introduce Visa prepaid cards in certain markets, offering a seamless blend of physical and digital payment solutions. Using Visa Direct capability, Western Union customers will be able to quickly send funds to friends and family around the world.

Moreover, Visa and Western Union are working on creating disbursement programs targeted at assisting humanitarian organizations and governments in efficiently distributing funds during emergencies.

These initiatives are designed to facilitate emergency relief, cross-border pension, and domestic benefits payments. Western Union’s government and NGO customers will also be able to use prepaid cards to aid humanitarian relief.

This deal expands upon previous collaborations between the two financial services giants in 2019 and 2022, which made it possible for customers in the U.S. and Europe to send money to Visa cardholders internationally.

The companies also plan to issue Western Union/Visa Debit Cards across North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Europe.

“People rely on remittances to send lifeline payments to their loved ones overseas. When we consider the urgency and need for accessibility, secure payment options with added convenience can make all the difference.

Visa’s global scale and Western Union’s digital capabilities are revolutionizing how customers send funds around the world. We are proud to offer more people fast and efficient solutions for cross-border payments.”

said Chris Newkirk, Global Head of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions, Visa.

“Aspiring populations around the world rely on Western Union to provide them with innovative and accessible financial services that offer flexibility, value and trust.

By strengthening our strategic collaboration with Visa, together we will deliver impactful products and services that can help empower our customers to build a life of opportunity for themselves and their loved ones.”

said Sam Jawad, Head of Ecosystem, at Western Union.

This article first appeared on fintechnews.sg