Both Xoom and Remitly are strong contenders for international money transfers, each with its own advantages. Remitly stands out with its greater transparency in fees and promotional offers, along with a slightly broader network of supported countries. Xoom, backed by PayPal, offers a user-friendly interface, especially for existing PayPal users. The choice depends on the user's priorities: Remitly for transparency and reach, or Xoom for ease of use and PayPal integration.
| Attribute | Xoom (a PayPal service) | Remitly |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed (Estimated Delivery Time) | Most money transfers are available to the recipient in minutes, but some can take up to a few days. Transfer speed is subject to factors such as approval by Xoom's anti-fraud verification system, funds availability, banking hours, and receiving agent hours. | Offers Express and Economy options. Express transfers (debit/credit card) arrive in minutes but have higher fees. Economy transfers are cheaper but take 3-5 days. Delivery times depend on the destination country and bank partnerships. On-time delivery is promised or fees are refunded. |
| Transfer Fees (Including Any Hidden Charges) | Xoom has a flat transfer fee and an exchange margin. The transfer fee varies based on sending amount, recipient country, payment method, and payout method. Fees can range from $0 to $4.99 for small transfers paid out of accounts, and $9.99 or more for credit card disbursements. Using a bank account can be the cheapest option. Sending less than $1,000 to India using a PayPal balance or bank account has a $0 fee, but using a credit or debit card can increase the fee to $30.49. The primary hidden charge is the markup on the exchange rate, which is not always transparently displayed. | Fees vary based on destination, amount, payment method, and delivery option. Economy transfers have lower fees, sometimes free for first-time users. Express transfers have higher fees. Additional fees may apply for credit cards or sending money in USD. Remitly aims for competitive exchange rates and low fees, making money through transfer fees and a margin on the mid-market exchange rate. Committed to no hidden fees, with a detailed overview of transfer costs before sending. |
| Exchange Rates (Compared to Mid-Market Rate) | Xoom typically adds a markup to the mid-market exchange rate. The markup is usually between 1% and 3%. On average, Xoom adds around 4.49% on top of the mid-market rate. However, exchange rates can vary and may be better than the mid-market rate for certain currencies. As of July 2025, the Xoom rate for GBP to INR was 1.1% less than the mid-market rate. Similarly, the Xoom USD to GBP rate was 2.67% less than the mid-market rate. Xoom's exchange rates typically include a markup, making them less favorable than services that offer the mid-market rate, such as Wise. | Exchange rates are updated daily and vary based on destination and transfer speed. Remitly typically adds a markup of 0.5% to 3.0% above the mid-market rate. Promotional exchange rates may be offered to new customers. Exchange rates can be inconsistent, with the markup varying depending on the country and delivery speed. The company profits from exchange rates worse than the mid-market rate. |
| Available Countries for Sending and Receiving | Xoom allows you to send money to over 130 countries. You can send money from the US, Canada, the UK, and most of the European Economic Area. Reliability can depend on the specific country, with some locations having more cash pickup locations and faster delivery times than others. | Allows sending money to over 170 countries and territories worldwide, including the Philippines, India, Mexico, and many African countries. As of July 2024, Remitly allowed people in 30 countries to carry out transfers of money in approximately 100 currencies to 170 countries. |
| Payment Methods | Xoom accepts payments from bank accounts, debit cards, credit cards, and PayPal balances. Payment methods in your PayPal account can be used if you log in with PayPal. | Includes bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, and e-Transfers. Accepts payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and prepaid cards in most countries. Bank account transfers are available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Multiple payment methods can be added to an account. |
| Receiving Options | Receiving options include bank deposits, cash pickup, mobile wallet transfers, and in some countries, home delivery. | Includes cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet, and home delivery. Home delivery is available in some countries, including the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Not all options are available in every country. Recipients can choose their preferred method. Cash pickup is available at approximately 470,000 options worldwide. |
| Transfer Limits | Transfer limits depend on your account level, the country you reside in, and the receiving options. In the US, daily limits range from $2,999 for Level 1 accounts to $50,000 for Level 3 accounts. Monthly and six-monthly limits also apply. | Transfer limits vary based on the sending country, receiving country, and account verification level. New accounts have lower limits, requiring ID verification to increase them. Limits are typically set for daily, monthly, and 180-day periods. Verified accounts in Canada may have a limit of up to 15,000 CAD per transfer. Individual users can send up to $999 per day, but can send up to $6,000 per day with additional verification. Per-transfer sending limits vary by country. |
| Customer Service Availability and Responsiveness | Customer service is available 24/7. Support is offered by phone in 7 languages. Customer service is available 24/7. | Offers 24/7 customer service availability. English phone support is available 24/7. Customer support is available online in English, French, and Spanish, or by phone in English and Spanish languages. |
| User-Friendliness of the App and Website | Xoom is considered easy to navigate, especially for those familiar with PayPal. You can access Xoom through the website or mobile app. Xoom is generally considered easy to navigate, especially for those familiar with PayPal. | Easy to use with user-friendly online applications and a mobile app. The application is very user friendly which helps to navigate easily through the option of setting up our bank, information of the receiver and such. Makes sending money abroad fast and convenient. |
| Security Measures and Fraud Protection | Xoom uses 128-bit data security encryption, firewalls, and physical protection of servers. They also employ two-factor authentication and monitor transactions for suspicious activity. Xoom is regulated by U.S. state and federal agencies and complies with the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA Patriot Act. If you notice any unauthorized activity, you should immediately email reportfraud@xoom.com. Xoom will secure your account and conduct an investigation. If your account is used without your permission, Xoom may cover the full amount of the unauthorized transaction. | Accounts are verified using various measures to prevent fraud. Uses manual and automated fraud detection techniques and risk management procedures. All transactions are protected by strong online security measures, including 256-bit SSL encryption. Employs Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. Regulated in Canada and other countries, complying with laws to protect customer money and data. Implements robust security measures such as data encryption, secure servers, and multi-factor authentication. Takes steps to verify new accounts and users. Offers two-factor authentication. |
| Transparency of Fees and Exchange Rates | Xoom displays fees during the transfer process. However, the exchange rate markup is not always transparent. | Spells out the full cost of each transfer before you hit send. Exchange rates are clearly displayed before you confirm your transfer. Committed to giving you great exchange rates and no hidden fees. |
| Discounts and Promotions for New or Frequent Users | Using a USD balance on your PayPal account may result in free transfers. Specific current discounts and promotions are not detailed in the search results. | New customers may be eligible for a new customer offer on their first transfer. New users often get a fee-free first transfer. Uses a promotional exchange rate for first-time customers. |