Amazon’s Western Union walk-in cash-payment program launches in U.S.

Months after retooling its Amazon Go store checkout process to accommodate customers who prefer to pay with cash, the e-commerce giant had added a way for consumers to pay for Amazon e-commerce purchases with cash at U.S. Western Union outlets.

Amazon PayCode, launched earlier this year in several emerging-market countries, enables online shoppers in the U.S. to opt for a QR code at checkout, which they may take to any Western Union outlet.

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As soon as Western Union receives the QR code and funds, items are shipped. The new service has no additional fees, and customers have 24 hours after making an online selection to pay cash in person at Western Union to complete their purchase.

In case of a return, Western Union will refund the amount using Amazon PayCode as soon as Amazon receives the item, according to the release.

Amazon also said it’s expanding the retail locations where consumers may load cash to their Amazon balance to include U.S. Western Union locations, along with CVS, 7-Eleven, Rite Aid and GameStop.

Amazon PayCode is available in 19 countries in addition to the U.S. through an existing deal with Western Union.