Western Union is typically instant. The only thing that takes the time, is you getting to a Western Union station to pick up your money.

For example, you're sending money to a family member....

You go into your local western union, fill out the form, they take your cash, and fill out the form in their computer, you keep your WU receipt, and leave.

The min the Western Union rep enter the transaction into their computer, it posts to the WU network. The only time this may take longer is if the WU network is slow, or non-responsive at the time you go in.

In fact, the rep receives a message on their screen (typically while you are standing there) that tells them it has been posted.

The sec it is posted, the receiving party can obtain their money from their local WU.

Please don't ask how I know so much about WU, it's a very long story.