Both Western Union and Xoom offer reliable options for international money transfers, each with distinct advantages. Western Union excels in global reach and diverse transfer methods, making it suitable for users who value accessibility and in-person transactions. Xoom, on the other hand, provides a user-friendly online experience with transparent fees and the security of PayPal, appealing to those who prioritize convenience and clarity. The choice depends on individual needs and preferences regarding speed, accessibility, and user experience.
| Attribute | Western Union (Digital Service) | Xoom (a PayPal service) |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed (Estimated Delivery Time) | Cash transfers with 'Money in Minutes' are delivered within minutes. Transfers to mobile wallets are also often available within minutes. Direct-to-bank deposits typically take 1-3 business days, some can take up to 7 business days. 'Next Day' service delivers within 24 hours. | Transfer times vary. Some transfers can be completed within minutes, especially when paying with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal balance. Bank account transfers typically take 1-3 business days or longer. Initial transfers may take 2-3 business days for verification if not using PayPal. |
| Available Countries for Sending Money | Over 200 countries and territories. Digital services are available in 70+ countries. | Over 130 countries. Send countries include the US, Canada, the UK, and most of the European Economic Area. |
| Available Countries for Receiving Money | Over 200 countries and territories. | Over 70 countries. Specific countries include: Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Philippines, Mexico. |
| Supported Currencies | 130+ currencies. | 79 currencies. |
| Transfer Methods (Online, In-Person) | Online via website or mobile app, in-person at agent locations, send from WU location, phone. | Online: Transfers can be made online via Xoom's website or mobile app. Payment Options: Bank account, credit card, debit card, or PayPal balance. |
| Receiving Methods (Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet) | Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet. | Bank deposit, Cash pickup, Mobile top-up (reload). In some countries, direct delivery to the recipient's home is available. |
| Transfer Limits (Minimum and Maximum Amounts) | Vary based on account type, destination, and transfer method. Unverified online accounts can send up to $3,000 USD. Verified accounts can send up to $50,000 USD. Limits may vary by agent location. In Canada, the limit is 999 CAD when using the website or app. Scotiabank customers in Canada have a higher daily limit of 7,499 CAD when using a Scotiabank branch. The maximum limit for both domestic and international transactions in Croatia is 4,000.00 EUR. | Minimum transfer: $10. Maximum transfer limits vary based on profile level: Level 1: Up to $2,999 in 24 hours and $9,999 in 180 days. Level 2: Up to $10,000 in 24 hours and $30,000 in 180 days. Level 3: Up to $50,000 in 24 hours and $100,000 in 180 days. Verified accounts can send up to $50,000 per day to a recipient's bank account. Daily maximum limit of $10,000. Customers may transfer up to $25,000 over 30 days, and up to $60,000 over 180 days. |
| Fees and Exchange Rates Transparency | Fees vary depending on destination country, transfer amount, and payment method. Western Union offers a price estimation tool to gauge transaction fees in advance. Exchange rates include a markup. Transparency in fee disclosure has been noted as a drawback. | Xoom displays fees clearly during the transfer process. Fees depend on the amount, delivery type, payment method, and destination country. Higher transfer amounts usually have higher fees. Fees can be higher when using credit or debit cards. Transparent pricing system with no hidden fees. Exchange rates may include a markup. |
| Customer Service Availability and Responsiveness | 24-hour customer support is available. Mixed reviews on customer support responsiveness, with some users reporting slow response times and issues with refunds. | Customer service is available 24/7 via phone and email. Xoom offers a comprehensive FAQ page and Help Center. |
| Mobile App Features and User-Friendliness | The mobile app allows users to send money, track transfers, and find agent locations. Some users have reported glitches and slow navigation, particularly on the Android app. The app has biometric login, quick resend options, and the ability to share transaction details. | Xoom offers a user-friendly mobile app for sending money. The app allows users to track transactions and check fees and exchange rates. The app is well-reviewed on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. |
| Security Measures and Fraud Protection | Licensed operation in more than 200 countries and territories. Advanced fraud detection algorithms. Multi-layer verification processes for large transactions. Partnerships with law enforcement agencies worldwide. Encryption technology to keep information safe. ID verification to collect payments in cash. Tracking number (MTCN) verification when collecting a payment. Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). | Xoom is a service of PayPal, a widely trusted company. Xoom employs 128-bit SSL encryption to protect financial and personal information. Transactions are encrypted, and personal information is not shared. Xoom is a VeriSign-secured site and is federally regulated. Anti-fraud verification systems are in place to detect and prevent unauthorized transactions. Continuous 24/7 fraud monitoring. Two-factor authentication is available for added security. Offers a money-back guarantee if the money doesn't reach the recipient. |
| User Reviews and Ratings | Rated 4.0/5 on Trustpilot with over 56,000 reviews. The iOS app has a rating of 4.8/5, while the Android app has a rating of 4.3/5. | Xoom has generally positive reviews, with many users praising its speed and convenience. Some negative reviews mention issues with delays, unexpected charges, and customer service response times. Xoom has a 4-star rating on Trustpilot. |