Western Union vs. Xoom

If you’re looking to send money across borders, Western Union and Xoom are two well-known service providers worth considering. Both can often get the job done, but they differ in important ways like their reach, fees, and digital experience.

Western Union shines with its extensive reach, both online and in person, while Xoom offers a streamlined online experience backed by PayPal. Read on to compare Xoom money transfer vs. Western Union so you can decide which is better for your upcoming transfer needs.

Key takeaways

• Western Union supports money transfers in more than 200 countries and territories, while Xoom currently serves 162 countries.
• Both companies charge transfer fees and exchange rate markups.
• Transfer speeds range from minutes to days for both companies, with international bank transfers and home deliveries taking the longest.
• Western Union offers more digital features and capabilities than Xoom.
• Western Union and Xoom are both trusted providers of international and domestic money transfers with industry-standard security protections in place.

Comparing reach and availability

When comparing Western Union vs. Xoom in terms of reach and availability, there’s a clear winner. Western Union operates more than 500,000 agent locations across 200+ countries and territories, while Xoom has thousands of pickup points across 162 countries.

While Western Union has online transfer services, its extensive network of brick-and-mortar operations allows customers to send or receive money in person from almost anywhere. Many locations are housed inside other businesses, such as supermarkets, grocery stores, banks, and pharmacies.

Xoom, by contrast, is a digital-first service that was founded in 2001. Transfers through Xoom are typically initiated, funded, and completed online. However, Xoom does allow customers to pick up cash in person through partner networks around the world. While pickup points are available globally, they’re not as widespread as Western Union’s locations and don’t allow for transfer initiations.

Xoom vs. Western Union: Exchange rates and fees

Both Xoom and Western Union charge transfer fees and mark up the mid-market rate. However, it can be difficult to determine which company is cheaper overall because neither cost is fixed. Transfer fees can vary based on a transfer’s delivery method, payment method, amount, and destination. Meanwhile, exchange rate markups vary depending the countries involved in a transfer, the payment method used to fund it, and the underlying mid-market rate.

The best way to see which company offers a lower cost for a specific transfer is to run a quick price check.

Transfer speed and delivery options

Both Xoom and Western Union have transfer speeds that range from minutes to days, depending on a transfer’s funding method, delivery method, and where the money is being sent.

For funds delivered to debit cards, mobile wallets, and cash pick-up locations, both services can complete transfers within minutes. For bank-to-bank deposits and home deliveries, it can take a few business days.

Comparing the digital experience

Xoom and Western Union both let you log into their websites or mobile apps to manage transfers. Once you’re signed in, you can easily set up and fund a transfer, save recipients, track delivery, and review past activity.

Both companies also allow you to pay bills and reload your mobile phone service online, but that’s where Xoom’s features end. Western Union goes further by offering options like sending money to inmates, managing a prepaid card, earning Western Union Rewards, tracking referrals, and more.

Check out Western Union’s app to send money.

Xoom vs. Western Union: Reliability and trust

Western Union and Xoom are both trusted providers of international and domestic money transfers, bill payments, and mobile reloads. Each uses industry-standard security measures like encryption and identity verification to protect customer data and prevent fraud. However, the companies highlight different aspects of their systems.

Xoom emphasizes its 128-bit encryption, isolated servers, and a money-back guarantee if a transfer isn’t received. Meanwhile, Western Union focuses on TLS/SSL protocols, multi-factor authentication, and verification requirements—although refunds are available when recipients don’t pick up transfers.

With either company, you can rest assured that industry-standard protections are in place.

Why choose Western Union vs. Xoom

When comparing Western Union vs. Xoom, both companies can help you quickly send money to people in other countries. However, Western Union is the larger, more established service provider of the two. It offers competitive pricing and fast transfers, while having a vast network of dedicated storefronts and a comprehensive digital platform. Along with money transfers, Western Union can help you build credit while sending money, rack up Western Union rewards, and open a prepaid debit card.

It doesn’t hurt to quickly compare the costs and timing of both services to see which is better for your specific transfer.