Xoom, a PayPal company, falls short when it comes to global coverage and pickup options that aren’t bank transfers. Additionally, shopping around and looking at other money transfer companies can open up the possibilities of hedging options, far higher maximum limits and physical locations.
We’ve listed out some of the more popular Xoom alternatives, including PayPal, and highlighted the specific features they have that Xoom doesn’t. At the bottom of the page, you’ll also find a comparison table with additional entries if our handpicked options aren’t quite what you’re looking for.
1. WorldRemit
When it comes to fees based on how much you’re sending and to where, WorldRemit and Xoom are similar. However, WorldRemit’s global network is larger, its exchange rates are typically stronger and it has more options like cash pickup.
Why pick WorldRemit instead?
- Offers bank-to-bank transfers, cash pickups and mobile top-ups
- Provides service to more than 140 countries around the world
- Pay by bank account transfer, credit or debit cards
Downsides
- No cash payments for international transfers
- Government-issued ID required for most transfers
- Low maximum limit on transfers
2. Xe Money Transfer
Xe offers low-fee transfers and competitive exchange rates that are typically better than what Xoom offers. If you’re looking for speed, though, Xe may not be a better option than Xoom’s instant transfer service.
Why pick Xe Money Transfer instead?
- Low transfer fees – small flat fee below $500
- No minimum or maximum transfer amounts
- Transfer to over 130 countries in 60 currencies
Downsides
- Transfers can require up to three business days (beware of holiday weekends)
- No cash pickup options
- Must pay and transfer via bank accounts
3. MoneyGram
MoneyGram allows transfers to many more countries than Xoom, with service to over 350,000 agent locations in 200 countries.
Why pick MoneyGram instead?
- Pairs with Walmart for same-day in-store transfer service
- Send up to $10,000 for cash pickup, depending on agent location availability
- Fees can be reduced depending on payment type and transfer destination
- Online or in-person transfers for cash pickup, bank deposit or mobile wallet delivery
Downsides
- Fees vary by payment type, with higher costs for credit and debit cards
- Local exchange rates vary by transfer destination
4. OFX
Similar to Xoom, OFX charges a spread on the mid-market exchange rate — for OFX, it is an average of 0.4% which is relatively affordable compared to Xoom. OFX does not charge any additional fees on transfers and has a wider network as well, but it is slower on average than Xoom.
Why pick OFX instead?
- No maximum transfer to 50+ currencies
- No transfer fees paired with competitive rates
- Hedging options like forward contracts and limit orders
Downsides
- Bank-to-bank transfers only
- No cash pickups, online only
- New accounts require verification by phone
- High minimum transfer amount of $1,000 per year
5. PayPal
PayPal differs from Xoom in that it is typically cheaper for sending domestic transfers, but it is slower. Xoom excels in non-commercial transactions and is designed for individual use, while PayPal is still the better option for business-related transfers worldwide.
Why pick Paypal instead?
- PayPal wallets can store multiple currencies so you don’t have to convert it if you’ll be spending that currency again in the future.
- You can pay businesses fee-free through PayPal
- Lower fees for international transfers
Downsides
- Slower transfer speeds than Xoom
- No cash pickup options
- Weak exchange rates with fees based on size of transfer