Peanut vs Western Union: choose the delivery method
Compare cash, bank and wallet payout with supported merchant QR.
Western Union’s US-to-Argentina route offers bank payout, cash pickup and a supported mobile-wallet option, subject to the selected method. Peanut offers a different outcome: a funded digital-dollar balance that can pay supported merchant QR in Argentina or Brazil after verification.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Peanut | Western Union |
|---|---|---|
| Main action | Pay a supported Mercado Pago or Pix merchant QR after verification | Send for cash pickup, bank payout or an offered wallet option |
| How price is shown | All-in quote shown before confirmation; outside funding costs can apply | Transfer fee and exchange rate vary by corridor, funding and delivery |
| Local payment scope | Passport-based QR access; local ARS/BRL bank rails have separate rules | Cash pickup is a distinct option; bank and wallet conditions vary |
The widget is an indicative Peanut quote. The final quote appears in the app before confirmation. Western Union facts were checked on 22 September 2026; features and prices can change.
Compare the final quote
Western Union’s final price depends on the origin, destination, funding method and delivery choice. A zero transfer-fee promotion can still involve foreign exchange. Peanut shows the ARS amount and total dollar cost before a supported merchant QR payment. Compare the same starting currency and what the recipient can finally use.
Skip foreign card transaction fees. Pay by QR with Peanut when your card would charge one. Card fees and exchange rates vary.
Costs to check
For Western Union, review both the transfer fee and recipient amount in the current corridor quote. Cash, bank and wallet delivery can price differently. For Peanut, review the QR conversion in the all-in quote and any separate charge from the route used to fund the balance.
Local payment access
Western Union’s cash pickup can serve someone who needs physical money; Peanut does not offer cash pickup. Its cited US-to-Argentina route also offers bank and a supported wallet option, but those facts do not apply to every origin. Peanut’s funded Link is separate: the recipient claims digital dollars into Peanut and verifies before paying a supported merchant QR. A Link does not claim directly into Mercado Pago or Pix.
Where Western Union wins
- The recipient needs physical cash pickup.
- The quoted corridor offers a bank or wallet payout that suits the recipient.
- You prefer Western Union’s established transfer and agent workflow.
Which should you choose?
Choose Peanut when the recipient can use Peanut and needs supported merchant QR in Argentina or Brazil. Choose Western Union for cash pickup or when its quoted payout option fits better. Compare the exact corridor and delivery result, not an advertised fee alone.
FAQ
Is Peanut cheaper than Western Union?
Not automatically. Compare the same action, amount, funding currency and final outcome using current quotes. Peanut shows an all-in merchant QR quote; Western Union uses the structure described above.
Can Western Union pay with Mercado Pago or Pix?
The cited US-to-Argentina route includes a supported mobile-wallet option, but it does not prove universal Mercado Pago or Pix access. Check the destination options in the live Western Union quote.
Is Peanut available in my country?
The Peanut app is open to anyone in a non-restricted country, while local rails depend on verified residence and account eligibility. Supported merchant QR is live in Argentina and Brazil after verification.
How do I move from Western Union to Peanut?
You can keep Western Union for cash recipients. For Peanut, create and fund a Link; the recipient claims it into Peanut, completes the required verification and then pays a supported merchant QR.