Western Union Offers Easy Way to Beat 'Black Friday' Shopping Rush With "Cash Friday"

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov 24, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in the money transfer segment of global payments, found in a recent consumer survey¹, that 65 percent of Americans plan to skip 'Black Friday' holiday shopping this year, citing crowded stores as a major reason.

The Western Union survey also found that 51 percent of Americans said cash is the gift they'd most like to receive this year, with respondents preferring $100 in cash instead of a present or a retail store gift card valued at the same amount.

"Given the economic climate and in keeping with the wishes of gift recipients nationwide, Western Union encourages holiday shoppers to forgo long shopping lines across retail stores this 'Black Friday,' and adopt 'Cash Friday' instead, by sending the gift that people want most, cash," said Jorge Consuegra, senior vice president U.S. product management, Western Union.

To facilitate hassle-free gift giving this holiday season, Western Union is offering gift givers "$50 for $5," its new U.S. holiday promotion. Through December 26, 2009 consumers can send up to $50 to loved ones in the U.S. for a $5 fee.

The preference for cash gifts also reflects the intention of gift givers, with nearly 69 percent, or 7 in 10 Americans, planning to give cash, a check, or a gift card this holiday season.

In addition to "$50 for $5," Western Union also is offering consumers the ability to send cash on a Western Union^(R) branded prepaid gift card², including a Western Union^(R) Wyclef Jean Visa^(R) prepaid gift card, which can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

How To Purchase and Send a Western Union Prepaid Gift Card and Greeting Card:

Consumers can quickly and conveniently send a Western Union prepaid gift card and greeting card to loved ones by simply visiting www.westernunion.com or www.wugift.com.

1. Pick from nearly 50 different greeting card designs covering multiple occasions - from holidays, birthdays, anniversaries weddings, graduations or "just because."

2. Simply add a personal message which will be printed in the greeting card

3. Select the amount to load onto the Western Union Visa Gift Card.

4. Choose from three shipping options including FedEx overnight, second day delivery services and regular first class mail.

5. The personalized greeting card along with the Western Union Visa Gift Card is delivered directly to the recipient.

The Western Union Visa Gift Card Features:

• The Gift Card can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted including online.
• The Western Union Visa Gift Card is covered by Visa's zero liability policy, which means cardholders are protected from unauthorized use.
• Once received, the recipient simply calls a toll-free number to activate the card; unlike other over the counter gift cards that are active when purchased.
• If lost or stolen the recipient can have the card replaced.
• Access to card account activity is available online.

The Western Union prepaid gift card follows the recently introduced Western Union MoneyWise^TM and Gold Card reloadable prepaid cards.

"At Western Union we believe a more appropriate name for the day after Thanksgiving should be 'Cash Friday,' so why not sleep in and enjoy a well-deserved day off."

¹ The survey, commissioned by Western Union and conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media,polled 1,000 people 18 years old and older between October 16 and October 18, 2009.

²A $2.50 per month servicing fee applies after 12 consecutive months of non-use.

The Western Union(R) MoneyWise(TM) Visa Prepaid Card, Western Union Gold Card Visa Prepaid Card, and the Western Union Prepaid Visa Gift Cards are issued by MetaBank(TM) pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. MetaBank, Member FDIC.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta and Pago Facil branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta operate through a combined network of more than 400,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2008, The Western Union Company completed 188 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $74 billion of principal between consumers, and 412 million consumer-to-business transactions. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com

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SOURCE: Western Union

Western Union
Media Contacts:
Daniel Díaz, 720-332-5564
daniel.diaz@WesternUnion.com
or
Dave Liggett, 720-332-4119
david.liggett@WesternUnion.com