Total Wireless, a no-contract wireless service provider powered by Verizon's 5G network, announced today an official partnership with Western Union to offer a money transfer benefit for its mobile customers. Starting immediately, customers with Total Wireless MAX 5G BYO, MAX 5G, and ALL ACCESS plans will receive a free monthly money transfer, covering the transaction fee, with the ability to send funds to over 200 countries and territories through Western Union's global network. This partnership marks the first time a U.S. wireless carrier has included a money transfer as part of its plans, setting a milestone in the telecommunications industry.
Designed to address the financial realities of historically underserved communities, the benefit recognizes that millions of people in the United States send money abroad each year, averaging more than 12 transactions annually. By incorporating a free monthly transfer, Total Wireless aims to help families save on transfer fees so every dollar goes further. “Total Wireless was built on the belief that a good wireless plan should do more for its customers,” said David Kim, president of Verizon Value. “Incorporating a Western Union money transfer into our plans reflects something we deeply believe: no one should have to choose between staying connected and caring for their loved ones.”
The eligible plans range from $25 per month (MAX 5G BYO for customers who bring their own device) to $60 per month (ALL ACCESS) with auto-pay, each including unlimited 5G data, unlimited hotspot, and unlimited international calling and texting to over 200 countries, backed by a five-year price guarantee that includes taxes and fees. The Western Union benefit offers one free money transfer per month with no transaction fee, seamlessly integrated as part of select premium plans. Customers can access the service online at westernunion.com or through the Western Union app, with global reach to over 200 countries and territories via more than 360,000 payout locations, bank accounts, digital wallets, and cards.
The partnership extends beyond the plan benefit, uniting two brands that serve communities relying on affordable connectivity with loved ones across borders. Western Union will co-promote Total Wireless through its own customer communication channels, including the Western Union app, email communications, social media, and in-store digital displays. “For generations, Western Union has helped people move money across borders because we understand what each transfer represents: not just dollars, but our mission to make financial services accessible to everyone,” said Jesse Mory, senior vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Western Union. “By partnering with Total Wireless, we make it easier for customers to support those who depend on them.”
This news matters because it represents a significant convergence of telecommunications and financial services, addressing a real need for many consumers who regularly send remittances. By integrating a money transfer benefit into a wireless plan, Total Wireless is not only differentiating itself in a competitive market but also providing tangible value that can alleviate financial burdens for families. The partnership underscores a growing trend of companies leveraging their platforms to offer services that extend beyond traditional boundaries, potentially reshaping how consumers view wireless plans as multifaceted tools for daily life.
