Western Union has taken of 451st position in the rating Fortune 500 in 2009, having moved from 473rd line in 2008. Each money transfer is protected with control number, that allows you to track and to ensure prompt payment of money specified by you person. In the early 60s Western Union has put into operation transcontinental microwave system of data transmission via radio waves, completely replacing the web of telegraph poles and wires. Money transfer is a matter of minutes, at any distance. In 1914 Western Union engineers invented the first payment card - a prototype of the modern credit card. On the market was placed about 765 million of ordinary shares of the company. On the first day trading on the exchange the company's shares rose by 3.3% and the cost was $ 19.96. Number of active holders of "Golden Card" of Western Union amounted to 9.5 million people worldwide.