AI-Powered Universal Comparison Engine

Money transfer services: WorldRemit vs. Xoom (by PayPal)

Quick Verdict

Both WorldRemit and Xoom are strong contenders in the money transfer market, each with unique strengths. Xoom's integration with PayPal and slightly broader receiving network may appeal to some users, while WorldRemit's wider array of payment methods and generally faster transfer speeds could be more attractive to others. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences regarding payment methods, sending country, and receiving options.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeWorldRemitXoom (by PayPal)
Transfer Speed95% of transfers are processed within minutes. Mobile Money transfers are often instant or take only minutes. Cash Pickups are usually instant. Bank Transfers can be instant but may take 1-2 business days (up to five business days). Airtime Top-ups are generally immediate. Home Delivery times depend on the destination country.Most transfers are received within minutes. Some may take a few days depending on factors such as payment type, destination, and verification requirements. Credit/debit card or PayPal balance: as little as 15 minutes. Bank account: up to 4 business days.
Available Countries (Sending)Over 50 countriesUS, Canada, the UK, and most countries in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Available Countries (Receiving)Over 130 countries worldwideOver 160 countries worldwide.
Payment MethodsBank account transfer, Debit cards, Credit cards, Pre-paid cards, Mobile Money, Apple Pay, Trustly, Poli, Interac, iDEAL, Klarna (Sofort)Bank account, debit card, credit card, or PayPal balance.
Receiving MethodsBank transfers, Cash pickups, Mobile money, Airtime top-ups, Home delivery (limited availability)Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, or home delivery (depending on the destination country).
Transfer LimitsVary based on account type, sender location, and payment method. New Zealand: Debit/credit/pre-paid cards: Max 6,000 NZD per transaction within 24 hours; POLi: Max 50,000 NZD per transaction within 24 hours. Australia: 24-hour cap of $50,000 AUD. Initial transactions may be subject to a maximum of USD 2,000, while the maximum limit per transaction is USD 7,500, not exceeding USD 50,000 every 6 months.Vary based on account level, sending country, and receiving method. In the US, daily limits range from $2,999 (Level 1) to $50,000 (Level 3). Monthly limits range from $6,000 to $60,000, and 180-day limits range from $9,999 to $100,000, depending on the level.
Currency OptionsOver 70 different currenciesSupports sending to over 150 countries and territories worldwide.
Exchange Rates TransparencyShows exchange rate and transfer fee upfront, includes a markup on the mid-market exchange rate (0.9% to 3%).Exchange rates include a currency conversion spread and change regularly based on financial markets or rates provided by Xoom's local partners. Xoom also makes money on foreign currency transactions.
Fees StructureFlat fee per transfer, varies based on the route and payment method.Fees vary based on transaction type, payment method, sending and receiving currencies, and the amount. Fees may be a flat fee, percentage-based, or tiered. Bank account or PayPal balance typically results in lower fees. Credit or debit card usually incurs higher fees.
Customer Support Availability24/7 customer support24/7 phone and email support.
Mobile App FunctionalitySend money, track transfers, add and manage recipients, receive exchange rate alerts.Mobile app available for both iOS and Android.
User Interface IntuitivenessUser-friendly platformsEasy-to-use service, both online and in-app.

Overall Comparison

WorldRemit: 95% of transfers processed within minutes, supports sending from 50+ countries and receiving in 130+ countries. Xoom: Transfers often within minutes, supports sending from US, Canada, UK, EEA and receiving in 160+ countries.

Pros and Cons

WorldRemit

Pros:
  • Fast transfer speeds (most within minutes)
  • Wide network of sending (50+) and receiving (130+) countries
  • Multiple payment and receiving options
  • 24/7 customer support
  • User-friendly mobile app with essential functionalities
Cons:
  • Exchange rates include a markup
  • Transfer fees vary depending on several factors
  • Transfer limits vary and can be restrictive
  • Bank transfers can take 1-2 business days, sometimes longer

Xoom (by PayPal)

Pros:
  • Fast transfers (in many cases)
  • Wide availability of sending and receiving countries
  • Multiple payment and receiving options
  • 24/7 customer support
  • User-friendly interface (online and in-app)
Cons:
  • Transfer speed can vary
  • Exchange rates include a currency conversion spread
  • Fees vary based on several factors
  • Transfer limits vary based on account level

User Experiences and Feedback