xoom logo
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

Xoom money transfer review

Learn how this PayPal-owned company can help you move money around the world.

Our Verdict

Xoom is PayPal’s answer to global money transfers and an easy next step if you already have a PayPal account. Depending on the country, you can even choose how your funds reach your recipient, be it bank account, debit card, cash pick up or even straight to their home. This is what makes Xoom hugely convenient.

However, what you gain in ease is lost on costs as you’ll be saddled with Xoom’s poor exchange rates and additional transfer fees. And these costs vary widely between currencies and where you’re based. All in all, Xoom seems much less appealing when compared to other specialist transfer services.

Why should I consider Xoom?

  • Money-back guarantee. Xoom offers a money-back guarantee to refund your transaction in full if the money you send doesn’t arrive at your recipient.
  • Multiple transfer options. You can choose between sending funds via a bank transfer, sending cash for pickup or having cash delivered directly to your recipient’s door.
  • Transfer tracking. You’ll receive a text message when your money arrives. Xoom will also email you and your recipient to keep you both informed of the transfer’s progress. You can also log into your account to track your transaction, or call customers service and receive an update from a live representative.
  • 24/7 support. Phone and email support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need help with a transaction.

What to be aware of

  • Requires government-issued ID. You’ll need to upload a government-issued ID, like a license or passport, and a recent bank statement to send money for the first time.
  • Transfer limits. Xoom has limits in place for how much you can send. It operates on three different levels, with customers required to provide additional information if they want to send larger amounts.
  • Exchange rate markup and fees. Xoom adds markup on the mid-market rate and charges additional fees.

How much are Xoom’s fees?

Xoom’s fees depend on what type of transfer you are making and how you plan to pay for your transfer. Here’s a roundup of some of the factors that could impact how much you have to pay:

  • Payment. Paying by bank transfer is the cheapest option while paying by credit card will have higher fees. Additional cash advance fees may also be charged to your credit card.
  • Recipient’s location. Where you are sending funds will also affect the fees you are charged.
  • Amount. Different fees are charged based on how much you’re sending.
  • Delivery. To send cash, fees are generally higher, while receiving money to a bank account is often less expensive.

Here’s an example of Xoom fees you might see while sending $1,000 to Mexico or India, accurate of as March 1, 2022.

DestinationPayment methodFee
MexicoPayPal balance or bank account$0
MexicoCredit or debit card$3.99
IndiaPayPal balance or bank account$0
IndiaCredit or debit card$30.49

You can use Xoom’s Fees and Exchange Rate Calculator to see the fees that apply to your transfer destination and amount.

How are Xoom’s exchange rates?

The exchange rate offered by Xoom may change depending on the amount of money you’re sending. Here are the rates when we checked on March 1, 2022 for sending USD to INR through Xoom:

Sending amountXoom rateMid-market rateMarkup
$10 – $5073.445675.592.92%
$51 – $1,98974.194075.591.88%
$1,990 – $1,99974.270175.591.78%
$2,000 – $9,99974.643275.591.27%
$10,000+74.867875.590.96%

As we have done above, it is best to compare the displayed rate on Xoom with the current mid-market rate to work out the size of the margin charged. You can also then use the interbank rate as a benchmark for comparing rates of other money transfer providers.

What are the ways I can send money abroad with Xoom?

Xoom has three ways you can send money abroad, including cash pickup options which means your beneficiary could receive their funds almost instantly.

  • Bank deposit. You can send money to bank accounts in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide.
  • Cash pickup. Send your funds as a cash pickup at thousands of partner locations around the world.
  • Doorstep delivery. Xoom also allows you to have cash delivered directly to your recipient’s door.

How to send money transfer with Xoom

Before you can send funds with Xoom, you must register for a free account with your personal contact information. While you don’t need to enter a Social Security number at sign-up, Xoom does require you to upload a government-issued ID, like a license or passport, and a recent bank statement if you want to send higher amounts.

What are Xoom’s payment options?

Xoom transfers can be paid for in a few different ways when sending from the United States, including:

  • Bank account transfer
  • Credit or debit card
  • PayPal balance

Each payment method may have different fees depending on your sending destination, but overall paying with a bank account or PayPal balance tends to be the cheapest option.

How long does an international transfer with Xoom take?

Transfer times depend on how you pay and how the money is received:

Fastest option – nearly instant

While you may pay more in fees when you use a credit or debit card to pay for your transaction, your money should arrive in as little as 15 minutes, if not instantly. Just keep in mind, some destinations may take longer to receive money, even when paying by credit or debit card.

Cheapest option – up to 4 business days

Using a bank account to pay for your transfer is often the cheapest way to send money, but it’s the slowest. It can take up to 4 business days for your money to arrive.

Transfers typically takeClock icon for transfer speed

1-4 days

What are Xoom’s sending limits?

Xoom separates accounts into three levels based on how much verification you’ve given. For US residents, it looks like:

Level24-hour limit30-day limit180-day limitRequired information and documents
12,999 USD6,000 USD9,999 USDEmail and phone number
210,000 USD20,000 USD30,000 USDSocial Security number or passport
350,000 USD60,000 USD100,000 USD
  • Driver’s license, passport, or Green Card to verify your identity
  • Utility bill or another proof of address, either a bank statement or a pay stub
  • Plus additional information at Xoom’s request

    Is Xoom safe?

    Xoom’s parent company, PayPal, is one of the most well-known payment systems. Xoom has additional measures to protect your money while using the service:

    • Encryption: Xoom uses 128-bit data security encryption for its entire website.
    • Regulation: Xoom shares all the same regulations and licenses held by PayPal.
    • Money-back guarantee: Xoom guarantees that your money will be received by your recipient, and if it isn’t the transaction will be refunded in full.

    How does Xoom compare to other money transfer services?

    If you want to see how Xoom compares to the exchange rates and fees offered by other money transfer services, enter the details of your transaction into the table below.

    1 - 14 of 14
    Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
    Western Union
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Enjoy $0 fee on your first online transfer. Western Union makes money from currency exchange. Not valid on credit cards or sends to Cuba.
    Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries and territories around the world.
    Airwallex
    Airwallex
    Within minutes
    $0
    After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion.
    Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.
    Wise (TransferWise)
    Within minutes
    From 0.41%
    Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
    Instarem
    24 hours
    From 0%
    New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
    Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
    MoneyGram
    Within minutes
    From $0
    First online transfer is free.
    MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
    Cash App
    Within minutes
    From $0
    With this peer-to-peer payment app make payments to your friends and family with no transfer fees within the US or from the US to the UK or EU.
    OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
    24 hours
    $0
    Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
    CurrencyTransfer for Business
    24 hours
    $0
    Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
    OFX
    24 hours
    $0
    OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
    Xe Money Transfer for Business
    24 hours
    $0
    Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
    Currencies Direct (business)
    24 hours
    $0
    Minimizes costs of international transactions and offers custom solutions for business clients. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
    Xe
    Within minutes
    $3
    Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
    CurrencyTransfer
    24 hours
    $0
    CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
    Currencies Direct
    24 hours
    $0
    CurrenciesDirect makes transferring money abroad simple with bank-beating exchange rates. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
    loading

    Frequently asked questions

    Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.

    Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
    OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
    24 hours
    $0
    Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
    Xe
    Within minutes
    $4
    Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
    MoneyGram
    Within minutes
    From $0
    First online transfer is free.
    MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
    Instarem
    24 hours
    From 0%
    New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
    Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
    Xe Money Transfer for Business
    24 hours
    $0
    Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
    Remitly
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    CurrencyTransfer
    24 hours
    $0
    CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
    WorldRemit - 4free
    Within minutes
    From $0.99
    Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
    WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
    OFX
    24 hours
    $0
    OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
    PayPal (business)
    Within minutes
    $0
    Provides business solutions for small business owners in over 24 currencies worldwide. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
    Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers Business
    Within minutes
    From $8.16
    Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 20 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
    Wise (TransferWise)
    Within minutes
    From 0.41%
    Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
    Wise (TransferWise)
    Within minutes
    From 0.41%
    Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
    CurrencyTransfer for Business
    24 hours
    $0
    Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
    WorldRemit
    Within minutes
    From $0.99
    Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
    WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
    CurrencyFair
    24 hours
    €3
    CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
    OFX
    24 hours
    $0
    OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
    CurrencyFair
    24 hours
    €3
    CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
    Remitly
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    Remitly
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    Remitly
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    PayPal
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
    Xe
    Within minutes
    $3
    Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
    loading

    Are you visiting from outside the US?

    Select an option to continue

    More guides on Finder

    Ask an Expert

    Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

    By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

    Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    34 Responses

      Default Gravatar
      NikolaAugust 31, 2019

      Hi. Can anyone tell me can I send money from PayPal (using Xoom) to send money where PayPal account is registered?

        AvatarFinder
        BellaSeptember 1, 2019Finder

        Hi Nikola,

        Thanks for your inquiry.

        Unfortunately, you cannot send money from Paypal Xoom to Paypal account. Please note that Xoom offers three options when it comes to your recipient collecting the cash you send: cash pickup, bank deposit, and home delivery.

        I hope this helps.

        Kind regards,
        Bella

      Default Gravatar
      TeresaJuly 4, 2019

      I am a recipient I received a msj that say the transaction is complete thank you for using Xoom , but it those still not appear in my debit card. It’s been almost 3 weeks and nothing???

        AvatarFinder
        fayemanuelJuly 4, 2019Finder

        Hi Teresa,

        Thanks for contacting Finder.

        Sorry to know that you haven’t receive your money. Normally the transfer should only take 2-3 business days. Please contact Xoom Customer Service toll free at 1-877-815-1531 for them to help you track the transaction.

        Hope this helps.

        Please feel free to contact us at any time if any other questions arise.

        All the best,

        Faye

      Default Gravatar
      TrudyeJune 27, 2019

      What does xoom ON TRACK means?

        AvatarFinder
        JhezJune 28, 2019Finder

        Hello Trudye,

        Thank you for your comment.

        Xoom transaction status, on track, means the transaction is being processed and is likely to be completed.

        Regards,
        Jhezelyn

      Default Gravatar
      LaraibApril 30, 2019

      Can someone help me, if a person sends money through Paypal from the UK, will that money be received in Xoom or bank? How the process will work?

      Kindly help me. Thanks!

        AvatarFinder
        JeniApril 30, 2019Finder

        Hi Laraib,

        Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

        Basically, the money is sent to the recipient’s bank account or can be cash pickup or home delivery or recharge a prepaid mobile phone since it is processed like Xoom money transfer.

        I hope this helps.

        Thank you and have a wonderful day!

        Cheers,
        Jeni

      Default Gravatar
      ChanteApril 15, 2019

      Do I need a Xoom account to receive money from overseas?

        AvatarFinder
        JhezelynApril 16, 2019Finder

        Hi Chante,

        Thank you for your comment.

        There’s no need to create a Xoom account when receiving money. Most of the transfers can be received in your bank account or it’s for pick up from any affiliated centers.

        Regards,
        Jhezelyn

    Go to site