Xoom (PayPal) vs Western Union
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Xoom (PayPal) and Western Union based on our 100-point scoring system.
Winner
Xoom (PayPal)
Xoom International Money Transfer
82/100
Very Good4.1
12,000 reviews
Western Union
Western Union International Money Transfer
79/100
Good3.9
34,000 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Xoom (PayPal)
Western Union
Overall Score
82/100
79/100
Price
$0.00
$0.00
Customer Rating
4.1/5
3.9/5
Review Count
12,000
34,000
Best For
Best for PayPal Users
Best Global Cash Pickup Network
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
Xoom (PayPal) — Score Breakdown
Fees & Exchange Rates18/25
Transfer Speed18/20
Global Coverage13/15
Ease of Use13/15
Security & Regulation9/10
Customer Support7/10
Transparency4/5
Western Union — Score Breakdown
Fees & Exchange Rates15/25
Transfer Speed17/20
Global Coverage15/15
Ease of Use12/15
Security & Regulation9/10
Customer Support7/10
Transparency4/5
Pros & Cons
Xoom (PayPal)
Seamless integration with PayPal — existing users can send international transfers immediately without new account setup or additional verification.
Unique bill pay feature for Latin America and the Philippines covers utilities, mobile bills, and card payments for recipients abroad.
Backed by PayPal's globally trusted compliance and fraud protection infrastructure.
Exchange rate margin of 1.5%–3.5% is higher than Wise (0%) and Remitly on major corridors, adding meaningful cost on larger transfers.
Transfer limits of $10,000 per day on standard accounts restrict the service for larger or business transfers.
Cash pickup network is smaller than Western Union's and Remitly's, limiting cash delivery options in some less-served areas.
Western Union
Unmatched global cash pickup network with 500,000+ agent locations across 200+ countries — accessible even in remote and unbanked areas.
Cash pickup available in minutes, one of the fastest delivery mechanisms available for reaching recipients without bank accounts.
Trusted brand with 170+ years of operating history and regulatory oversight in every major market.
Higher fees and exchange rate margins than most digital competitors — total cost can be 2x to 3x the cost of Wise or Remitly on the same corridor.
Exchange rate margin of 2%–5% is not always transparent during the initial send flow, making it easy to underestimate the true cost.
Customer service quality is inconsistent, with a 3.9/5 Trustpilot rating reflecting a higher rate of negative experiences than category leaders.
Our Verdict
Xoom (PayPal) comes out ahead with a score of 82/100 compared to 79/100. Xoom (PayPal) is best for best for paypal users. However, Western Union may be a better fit if you prioritize best global cash pickup network.
Transfer fees, exchange rates, and delivery times may vary based on destination, amount, and payment method. Always verify current rates and fees before initiating a transfer.