Total Wireless, a fast-growing no-contract wireless provider powered by Verizon's 5G network, has announced an official partnership with Western Union to offer free monthly money transfers to customers on select plans. Starting immediately, customers with Total Wireless MAX 5G BYO, MAX 5G, and ALL ACCESS plans will receive one free money transfer per month, covering the transaction fee. This makes Total Wireless the first U.S. carrier to include a money transfer benefit in its phone plans, allowing users to send funds to over 200 countries and territories through Western Union's global network.
The partnership addresses a significant need: millions of people in the United States send money abroad each year, averaging more than 12 transactions annually. By waiving the transfer fee, Total Wireless helps families save money and ensure that every dollar goes further. Total Wireless 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, and include unlimited 5G data, unlimited hotspot, and unlimited international calling and texting to over 200 countries. All plans come with a five-year price guarantee that includes taxes and fees.
“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. We are proud to be the first to build with that in mind.”
The benefit is seamlessly integrated into the customer experience. Users can access the free transfer online at westernunion.com or through the Western Union app. With over 360,000 Western Union payout locations worldwide, recipients can receive money via bank accounts, digital wallets, or cards. “We know how much it means to send money home. We designed these plans to ensure that, at least once a month, it's on us,” said Kim.
Western Union will co-promote Total Wireless through its customer communication channels, including the Western Union app, email, 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, turning an everyday wireless plan into a more meaningful way to stay connected, care for loved ones, and move money with confidence.”
This partnership is a milestone for the telecommunications industry, blending connectivity with financial services to meet the real-world needs of customers. It highlights a growing trend of carriers offering value-added services beyond traditional voice and data, particularly for underserved communities that rely on remittances. Total Wireless, part of the Verizon Value prepaid brand portfolio, operates 2,000 exclusive stores nationwide and is committed to community support through its Total Spark program, which awards grants to local nonprofits.
