Xoom PayPal: A Friendly Guide to Sending Money Abroad from the USA

Sending money overseas doesn’t have to be a hassle. Xoom, a service by PayPal, has emerged as a convenient way for people in the U.S. to transfer money internationally without the headaches of traditional methods.

In this post, we’ll explore what Xoom is (and how it’s related to PayPal), walk through how to use it, compare it with other popular services like Western Union, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and Remitly, review the user experience, highlight its main benefits, and help you decide if Xoom is right for you.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Xoom and How Is It Related to PayPal?

Xoom is essentially PayPal’s international money transfer service. Think of it as PayPal’s answer to the need for fast, secure remittances around the globe. PayPal acquired Xoom back in 2015, and since then, Xoom has been managed under the PayPal umbrella. This means if you have a PayPal account, you can easily use Xoom with your PayPal login and even fund transfers with your PayPal balance or saved bank accounts/cards.

In practical terms, Xoom allows you to send money abroad to friends and family, even if they don’t have a PayPal account. It’s designed to make international transfers quick and easy. With Xoom, you can send money to bank accounts, to debit cards, or even for cash pickup in many countries. You can also use it for things like paying international bills or reloading mobile phone credits for someone overseas. In other words, Xoom is a one-stop shop for a variety of remittance needs.

Importantly, Xoom has a wide global reach. According to PayPal, Xoom lets you send money to over 130 countries worldwide (covering popular destinations across Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and more). It’s truly an international service. In fact, PayPal calls Xoom “a pioneer in digital remittances” and emphasises that it’s a fast, secure way to send money, pay bills and reload phones for loved ones in over 160 countries globally. So if you have family abroad – whether it’s Mexico, the Philippines, India, or nearly anywhere else – Xoom likely has you covered.

To summarise, Xoom is part of the PayPal family. It was created to address a specific need: sending money internationally in a more convenient way. Instead of both sender and receiver going to a money transfer shop and paying high fees, Xoom enables online or mobile transfers backed by PayPal’s infrastructure and security.

It’s slightly different from regular PayPal transfers (which typically work best if both parties have PayPal accounts) – Xoom is optimised for remittances where the recipient might just receive cash or a bank deposit directly. In the next sections, we’ll see exactly how to use Xoom and why it’s become popular for sending money abroad from the USA.

How to Send Money Abroad from the U.S. Using Xoom (Step-by-Step)

Using Xoom to send money overseas is straightforward, even if you’re not a tech wiz. The service is designed to be user-friendly and guide you through the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how a U.S. customer can send money internationally with Xoom:

1. Sign Up or Log In: Visit the Xoom website (or download the Xoom mobile app) and sign up for an account. Since Xoom is a PayPal service, you have the convenient option to log in with your existing PayPal account credentials. If you already use PayPal, simply click “Log in with PayPal” on Xoom – no need to re-enter all your information. (If you don’t have PayPal, you can create a new Xoom/PayPal account with your email.) You may need to provide some personal details and verify your identity – this is normal for any financial service to comply with regulations.

2. Choose Your Destination: Once logged in, click “Send Money” and select the country you want to send money to. Xoom will ask you how much money you want to send and will automatically show you the conversion into the local currency of your recipient. At this step, Xoom also displays the exchange rate it will give you and any fees that apply before you proceed, so you know exactly how much your recipient will receive.

3. Select Delivery Method: Next, choose how the money should be received in the destination country. Xoom typically offers multiple options depending on the country:

   • Bank Deposit: You can send money directly to your recipient’s bank account. You’ll need their bank account number and maybe a routing code (like IBAN, IFSC, etc., depending on the country).

   • Cash Pickup: For many countries, Xoom lets you send money for cash pickup. Your recipient can go to a local partner location (like a bank or money transfer agent affiliated with Xoom, for example, a local bank or store) and pick up the cash. Xoom will inform you (and the recipient) which pickup locations are available and usually provides a transaction reference number for pickup.

   • Other Options: In some cases, Xoom may also offer delivery to a mobile wallet (if your recipient uses a mobile money service) or even home delivery of cash in select countries. Xoom also enables bill payments or mobile phone reloads in certain destinations, as mentioned earlier – but for the purpose of sending money to someone, you’ll likely pick either a bank deposit or cash pickup.

4. Enter Recipient Details: Now, input your recipient’s information. For a bank deposit, you’ll provide the person’s name (exactly as it appears on their bank account) and their bank account details. For cash pickup, you usually just need the recipient’s full name (as shown on their ID) and sometimes their address. Make sure names match official IDs because the recipient will typically have to show identification to claim a cash pickup. One nice thing is that Xoom allows you to save recipients in your account, so if you send to the same person again, it’s even faster – you won’t have to re-enter their info.

5. Choose Your Payment Method: Now decide how you, the sender, want to pay for the transfer. Xoom gives multiple options here in the U.S.:

   • You can pay via your bank account (ACH transfer).

   • You can use a debit card or a credit card.

   • You can even pay with your PayPal balance or linked bank/cards through PayPal. Since Xoom is integrated with PayPal, it’s very flexible – you can essentially use any payment method saved in your PayPal account as well.

   Keep in mind, the fees can vary based on the payment method. Funding with a bank account is often cheaper (sometimes no Xoom fee), whereas paying with a credit card might incur a higher fee or a percentage charge. Xoom will show you the fee difference in real time when you’re choosing the payment method, so you can decide what works best for you.

6. Review and Confirm: Xoom will now display a summary of your transfer – double-check that all details are correct. You’ll see the amount you’re sending in USD, the exchange rate being applied, the fees, and the exact amount the recipient will receive in their currency. This transparency is useful so there are no surprises. If everything looks good, hit “Send” (or in the mobile app, you might swipe to send). Xoom will process the transaction.

7. Track the Transfer: After sending, you’ll get a confirmation with a tracking number (Transaction ID). Xoom’s website or app lets you track the status of the transfer in real time. You’ll see updates like “In Progress”, “Available for Pickup”, or “Deposited”. For many transfers, the money can arrive within minutes (especially for cash pickups or if using a debit card for speed). However, sometimes it may take a few hours or a couple of days, depending on bank processing times. Xoom typically emails you and can even send text update notifications to let you and the recipient know when the money is ready on the other side. This real-time tracking and notification feature is handy for peace of mind – you’ll know exactly when your friend or family member has received the money.

8. Recipient Collects the Money: Finally, your recipient will either find the money in their bank account (if it was a bank deposit) or go to the specified cash pickup location with their ID and the transaction details to get the cash. That’s it – mission accomplished! If there are any issues (say, a delay or problem), Xoom’s customer support can be contacted, and they also have a money-back guarantee in case a transfer doesn’t go through for some reason, so your funds are protected.

As you can see, the process is step-by-step and user-friendly. Xoom is designed so that even if you’re not very tech-savvy, you can follow the on-screen prompts. In fact, one publication noted that Xoom’s service is great for people who want “the most uncomplicated approach” to international money transfers. Next, let’s see how Xoom compares to some other popular money transfer services you might have heard of.

Xoom vs Other Money Transfer Services (Western Union, Wise, Remitly)

You might be wondering, how does Xoom stack up against other options like Western Union, Wise, or Remitly? These are all services used by people in the U.S. to send money abroad. Let’s do an easy-to-follow comparison of fees, speed, countries covered, and customer service for Xoom and these alternatives.

• Xoom vs. Western Union: Western Union is the old granddaddy of international transfers – it’s been around for over a century and has over 500,000 agent locations in 200+ countries worldwide for in-person money transfers. This means Western Union has a slightly broader reach than Xoom in terms of country coverage (basically anywhere you can imagine). Western Union also lets you send and receive money in cash at physical locations, which can be crucial if your recipient doesn’t have a bank account. Xoom, by contrast, is 100% digital – you send online or via app, and while Xoom can facilitate cash pickups, you as the sender can’t use physical cash (you need to use a bank or card). In terms of fees, Xoom generally offers lower transfer fees than Western Union for similar transactions. Xoom can afford to charge a bit less because it doesn’t have to maintain brick-and-mortar stores and agents. That said, both companies make money on exchange rate markups too, and interestingly, Western Union sometimes might give a slightly better exchange rate than Xoom on certain currency pairs – so the total cost can vary by scenario. Speed-wise, both can be very fast: Xoom often promises instant or minutes delivery in many countries, but actual speed can depend on the recipient’s bank processing times. Western Union can deliver money in minutes as well (especially for cash pickups, it’s essentially instant once sent). Customer service: Western Union has the advantage of a huge network – recipients can get help at local agent offices, and they offer phone support. However, Western Union’s fee structure can be confusing, and user reviews often cite higher costs as a downside. Xoom’s customer support is online/phone-based; some users report that Western Union’s long-established presence makes it feel more reliable for remote locations, whereas Xoom is very convenient if both sender and receiver are comfortable with online/mobile processes. In short, Western Union is the go-to for maximum coverage and cash flexibility, while Xoom is often cheaper and more convenient if you’re fine doing everything online.

• Xoom vs. Wise (TransferWise): Wise is a newer fintech favourite known for its transparency and low costs. Wise’s big selling point is that it gives you the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup, and instead charges a straightforward fee that’s usually a percentage of the amount (often very low). Wise prides itself on having no hidden fees – what you see is what you get. In many cases, Wise is cheaper than Xoom for the same transfer, especially for larger amounts, because Xoom’s fees + exchange rate margin can end up higher. In fact, one analysis bluntly noted that Xoom charges “some of the worst fees and exchange rates in the market” and that a majority of their costs are in the exchange rate markup (which isn’t immediately obvious to users). That’s harsh, but it highlights that Wise is very cost-effective. However, cost isn’t everything: Wise mainly sends money bank-to-bank (there’s no cash pickup option with Wise), so your recipient needs a bank account. Wise also operates in a lot of countries, but not as many as Xoom – Wise supports around 50-70 currencies and has a global footprint, yet Xoom (and PayPal) combined reach more countries in total. Speed: Wise transfers can be fast (sometimes within the same day, or even minutes if it’s a common currency route and you use a fast payment method), but often Wise takes 1-2 days for the money to arrive because it uses local bank systems. Xoom has the ability to do instant transfers to many countries, especially if you pay with a card, so Xoom might get the money there faster in certain cases. Customer experience: Wise is beloved for its easy-to-use app and transparency; it has a high customer satisfaction rating (Trustpilot score ~4.2 out of 5). Xoom’s user ratings are notably lower (more on that soon), in part because of complaints about fees or occasional transfer issues. To sum up, if your top priority is saving money on fees and exchange rates, Wise might be your best bet. But if you need features like cash pickup or have already a PayPal account and need the money there fast, Xoom could be more practical despite slightly higher costs.

• Xoom vs. Remitly: Remitly is another popular digital remittance service, particularly used by immigrant communities to send money home. Both Xoom and Remitly are built for online/mobile use, and both support bank deposits and cash pickups in various countries. The key differences? Fees and rates: Remitly and Xoom have similar fee structures (small transfer fees plus an exchange rate margin). However, Remitly often provides better exchange rates than Xoom on many corridors. In other words, for the same amount sent, Remitly’s recipient might get a bit more money because Remitly takes a smaller cut on the currency conversion. For example, Remitly’s exchange rate on a given day might be closer to the real rate than Xoom’s rate, which might be a few per cent lower. Both sometimes waive fees if you send above a certain amount (for instance, Remitly often has no fee on transfers over $1000 if using bank payment, and Xoom similarly can offer no fee if funded by bank for large amounts).

•  Speed: Remitly offers customers a choice – “Express” transfers, which arrive in minutes (if you pay with a debit/credit card) and “Economy” transfers, which take 3-5 days (if you pay via bank account) but have lower fees. Xoom doesn’t explicitly label it that way, but effectively, Xoom also can deliver in minutes (especially for cash pickups or certain banks) or a few days if you choose a slower method; Xoom’s speed is comparable, and it tends to emphasise quick transfers as a selling point. Supported countries: Xoom supports more countries overall (130+ countries), whereas Remitly focuses on around 50+ countries (mainly in Latin America, Asia, and Africa) from about 17 sending countries. If you need to send to a less common country, Xoom might have an edge in availability. Customer service: Remitly shines here – it provides 24/7 customer support with live phone service in multiple languages. Users often praise Remitly’s customer service and reliability, which is reflected in Remitly’s high user ratings (around 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot). Xoom’s customer support is decent (they have support via email, phone, and chat), but it’s not 24/7 phone support, and some users have reported slower response times. Overall, Remitly is a strong alternative if you want a balance of speed and service – it might save you a bit of money versus Xoom, and you can actually talk to someone on the phone quickly if there’s an issue. That said, Xoom’s advantages are its PayPal integration and slightly broader network. Both are reliable for getting money home; many people actually use whichever is offering a better promo rate at the time (both often give a nice first-time customer promo exchange rate or fee discount).

To put it all together, here’s a quick snapshot: Western Union has the biggest network (global reach and cash pickups), but can be pricier and less convenient (requires agents or higher fees online). Wise is the cheapest for exchange rates and fees, but purely digital and bank-to-bank. Remitly is user-friendly with great support and competitive rates, focused on key remittance corridors. Xoom, as a PayPal service, positions itself as a fast and easy solution, particularly for those already in the PayPal ecosystem, covering a lot of countries with multiple payout options, though its fees and rates are not always the lowest. Your choice might depend on what you value: cost, speed, or convenience.

Speaking of user experience and convenience, let’s zoom in (no pun intended) on what it’s like to actually use Xoom, especially in terms of the app, reliability, and support.

Xoom User Experience: Mobile App, Customer Support, Reliability, and Ease of Use

When it comes to using Xoom day-to-day, most users care about a few things: Is the app/website easy to use? Do transfers go through reliably? What happens if something goes wrong – is customer service helpful? Let’s break down the Xoom experience:

Xoom’s mobile app is designed to make international money transfers straightforward. The interface clearly shows you the exchange rate, fees, and total transfer amount before you “Slide to Send”, as seen in the example screenshot above. Users can review all the details (like how much USD you’re sending and exactly how much the recipient will get in their local currency) prior to confirming the transfer, which adds transparency and confidence.

Overall, the app’s design is clean and intuitive, allowing even first-time users to navigate the process easily. It also integrates with your phone’s contacts for ease of adding recipients. Many users appreciate that the Xoom app is integrated with PayPal, so if you use the PayPal mobile app, you can find an option to send money internationally via Xoom without a separate login. The convenience factor is high – as one user said in a review, Xoom makes it “quickly and easily” possible to send money overseas by just following a few easy steps.

In terms of languages and accessibility, Xoom’s platform is available in multiple languages (about 15 languages, including Spanish, French, Chinese, etc.), which is great for non-English speakers in the U.S. The app and website have features like real-time tracking and notifications that enhance the experience by keeping you informed of your transfer status.

Now, on reliability: Xoom is backed by PayPal, which generally gives users a sense of security. Transfers via Xoom are protected by robust encryption and fraud monitoring systems (PayPal is known for its security), and as mentioned earlier, Xoom offers a money-back guarantee if, for some reason, your money doesn’t reach the destination. That provides peace of mind – either the money gets there or you get your money back. Most users report that their transfers are completed successfully and on time. Xoom can sometimes put a transfer on hold if something triggers a security check (for example, a very large amount or unusual transaction might require extra verification). While that can be inconvenient, it’s done to prevent fraud or mistakes.

Generally, if you provide any requested documents or info, Xoom will resume the transfer. In terms of speed and reliability, many users are pleasantly surprised when transfers are completed in a matter of minutes or hours. Of course, not every transfer is instant – some can be delayed due to bank holidays, intermediary banks, or additional verification, but Xoom will notify you if there’s a delay.

How about customer support? This is an area where Xoom users have mixed feedback. On the plus side, Xoom does have multiple support channels – you can email them, there’s a help centre with FAQs, and you can call their customer support phone line. They even have live chat support, though typically during U.S. business hours. The support is offered in several languages, which is a big plus if English isn’t your first language. Some users have had excellent experiences with Xoom support, while others have not. The negative experiences often involve situations where a transfer got delayed or an account was frozen for verification – a few users complain that it took a while to resolve those issues or that customer service responses were slow. For example, one user review mentioned “my transfer has been stuck for days with no explanation, customer service is unreachable” – which sounds scary, but such reviews, while important, tend to represent worst-case scenarios. On the other hand, plenty of customers have had smooth transactions and didn’t even need to contact support. It’s worth noting that overall, Xoom’s user ratings on sites like Trustpilot are on the lower side (around 1.5 to 2 out of 5), which might reflect those frustrations about fees and support. Competing services like Remitly or Wise have higher ratings (4+ out of 5), often due to their strong customer service and transparency. This doesn’t mean Xoom is bad – but it shows there’s room for improvement in customer satisfaction. PayPal’s involvement means Xoom is continuously working on improving things like support responsiveness and clarity of fees.

Ease of use is arguably Xoom’s strongest suit. From signing up to completing a transfer, the process is streamlined. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to figure it out. If you can shop online, you can use Xoom. In fact, Xoom is often recommended for people who might find other services too complicated. As GOBankingRates noted, Xoom is great for consumers with limited computer knowledge who just want a simple, straightforward way to send money abroad. The integration with PayPal further simplifies things for millions of PayPal users – there’s a comfort in using a familiar platform.

To recap the user experience: Xoom’s app and website are easy to use and provide transparency in transactions. Transfers are generally fast and reliable, with strong security behind the scenes. Customer support exists and is multilingual, but it’s an area where Xoom doesn’t shine as brightly as some competitors (especially if something goes awry, you might need a bit of patience to get it sorted). Overall, for the average user sending money occasionally, Xoom offers a convenient and safe experience with the backing of a big company (PayPal).

Next, let’s highlight the main benefits of using Xoom – particularly for those of us in the U.S. who want to send money internationally.

Benefits of Using Xoom for U.S. Consumers

Why choose Xoom out of all the options out there? Here are some key benefits of Xoom, especially for customers in the United States:

• Speedy Transfers: Xoom specialises in getting money to your recipient quickly. In fact, NerdWallet named Xoom the best service for “international money transfers within minutes.” Transfers can often arrive instantly or within a few minutes for many countries (especially if using a debit card or sending for cash pickup). This is a huge benefit if you have an urgent situation or just don’t want your loved ones waiting for funds. While banks can take days, Xoom can be near-real-time.

• Convenient PayPal Integration: If you already use PayPal, Xoom is a no-brainer addition. It’s integrated with your PayPal account, meaning you can log in with PayPal and fund transfers from your saved payment methods in PayPal without extra setup. No need to re-enter your bank info or card details – Xoom can pull it from PayPal securely. This makes the whole process faster and more convenient. Plus, you can manage everything from the PayPal app if you want. It feels like an extended feature of PayPal designed specifically for international transfers.

• Wide International Reach: Xoom lets you send money to a huge number of countries – over 130 countries worldwide, by most counts. Whether it’s sending money to popular destinations like Mexico, India, the Philippines, China, or more remote places, there’s a good chance Xoom serves that corridor. This broad coverage is beneficial if you have family in multiple countries or if you may need to send to new places in the future. One service (Xoom) can handle all those countries, so you don’t have to sign up for different services for different regions.

• Multiple Payout Options: Xoom is very flexible in how the money can be received, which adds to its appeal. Depending on the country, your recipient can get the money directly in their bank account, pick up cash at a local partner location, receive it in a mobile wallet, or even have cash delivered to their door in some cases. Xoom also uniquely allows you to pay bills abroad or reload mobile phones internationally. These features are super useful – for example, you could directly pay the electricity bill for your family back home through Xoom, or top up someone’s prepaid phone instantly. This variety of services makes Xoom more than just a money transfer; it’s a broader financial support tool for international needs.

• Secure and Trustworthy: With Xoom, you get the benefit of PayPal’s two decades of experience in online payments. Security is top-notch – Xoom uses encryption to protect your data and transactions, and they have anti-fraud measures constantly monitoring transfers. If something goes wrong, Xoom/PayPal offer customer protection, like refunding your money if the transfer doesn’t reach the recipient (so you’re not left hanging). Being a PayPal service also means Xoom is a legitimate and regulated provider – you can trust that it’s not a fly-by-night operation. As one source pointed out, with a massive company like PayPal (which handles over 40% of online payments) backing Xoom, you can rest assured the service is legitimate and safe.

• User-Friendly (Even for Beginners): Xoom’s platform is very easy to use, and that’s a big benefit if you’re not completely comfortable with technology. The website and app guide you step by step, and the interface is designed to be uncomplicated and clear. You don’t need to know technical jargon or international banking details – Xoom helps fill those in. For U.S. consumers who might find bank wire forms confusing, Xoom simplifies the process into a few clicks. This means you’re less likely to make mistakes, and it saves time and stress. Plus, Xoom provides information in multiple languages, which is great for those who prefer to operate in Spanish, Chinese, Filipino, etc., when handling important transactions.

• Promotions and Rewards: Xoom often runs promotions that benefit consumers. For example, new customers get a fee-free first transfer (as of 2025, Xoom is offering a $0 transfer fee on your first transaction). That’s a nice way to try it out without paying fees. They also have referral programs or occasional discounts. Additionally, Xoom has a loyalty program called “Xoom Plus” – a subscription that can give frequent senders discounted fees. If you plan to send money regularly, this could save you money in the long run.

In summary, Xoom’s main benefits for U.S. users are speed, convenience, and comprehensive service. You get a quick service that’s easy to use and covers a lot of ground globally. It’s secure and backed by a brand you likely already know (PayPal), and it offers flexibility in how your money is delivered to your recipient. These advantages make Xoom a compelling choice for many people who need to send money abroad from the USA.

Conclusion: Is Xoom Right for You?

So, who should use Xoom? If you’re in the U.S. and you need to send money overseas frequently – say to support family, pay overseas bills, or help out a friend – and you value speed and ease of use, Xoom is a fantastic option. It’s especially great for those who are already comfortable with PayPal, as the integration makes the experience seamless. For someone who wants to send money to a country where quick availability (like cash in minutes) is important, Xoom really shines. The service is also ideal if your recipient doesn’t use PayPal or other online wallets – Xoom will get money to them directly, whether as a bank deposit or cash pickup.

On the other hand, if getting the absolute rock-bottom fees and exchange rates is your number one priority and you don’t mind a purely bank-to-bank transfer that might take a little longer, you might compare Xoom’s rate with a service like Wise for your specific transfer. Each has its pros and cons. But for a balanced mix of speed, convenience, and trustworthiness, Xoom is hard to beat.

At the end of the day, Xoom provides a reliable bridge between you and your loved ones across the world. With its fast transfers and PayPal-backed security, it takes a lot of the worry out of international money sending. Many U.S. users have found it to be a lifesaver for remittances – it’s there when you need to send that emergency fund or monthly support home, and it gets the job done without requiring the recipient to jump through hoops.

Call to Action: If you find yourself needing to send money abroad, consider giving Xoom a try (remember, your first transfer can be fee-free in many cases). It’s easy to set up through your PayPal account, and you might be surprised at how quickly the money reaches its destination. Whether it’s for family support, paying an international expense, or any other reason you need an international money transfer, Xoom offers a friendly and efficient solution. In a world where time is precious, having a service like Xoom at your fingertips can make global distances feel a lot smaller.

Happy transferring, and here’s to your money reaching safely and swiftly to wherever in the world it needs to go!