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Xoom vs Western Union
Our recommendation: compare other options
François Briod
Guide
Xoom vs Western Union. Which one is the best for you and your needs? Which is the most affordable option if you need to send or receive money internationally? Check out our analysis of the pros and cons of each money transfer company.
On one side, we have Western Union, the most well known money transfer company, which has made a successful transition to the digital economy, with a strong digital offering.
On the other, Xoom is a pioneer in digital-first money transfer service, has a strong reputation and service and is now backed by Paypal's powerhouse.
Even with two strong competitors, we believe that other alternatives may be more interesting and cheaper than these two depending on where your send money, how much and the types of pay-out method you're looking for. We recommend you to compare all your options first with our live price comparison tables.
Xoom vs Western Union
Compare Xoom, Western Union and 100+ international money transfer services
Trust & Credibility
Background check
Xoom is fully licensed and authorized by the relevant authorities in the countries in which it operates.
A publicly-traded company, licensed and authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Security & reliability
Xoom’s platform is fully secured, making use of top-notch security protocols, such as segregated user accounts and HTTPS.
Fully secure with top-notch security protocols, including segregated user accounts and HTTPS.
Company size
Founded in 2001, Xoom is a well-established international money transfer provider that transferred approximately $10 billion for 250 million customers in the last year. Xoom has 320 employees.
Founded in 1851, WU is arguably the biggest name in the international money transfer world.
Transparent pricing
Xoom is only partially transparent in disclosing its fees: approximately 74% of its fees are hidden in the exchange rate margin.
Not fully transparent, around 70% of total fees are not disclosed upfront, but in the FX margin.
Service & Quality
Opening an account
Opening an account with Xoom is relatively easy to do, though it may be a lengthy experience.
Opening an account with Western Union Online is reasonably easy on its website and mobile app.
Making a transfer
Transferring money with Xoom is fast and easy to do.
Transferring money with Western Union Online is a speedy and straightforward process for first-time and returning users alike.
Contacting support
Though it does not offer chat support, Xoom offers an extensive FAQ section and its customer service is easy to get in touch with, either by phone or email.
Western Union Online provides a FAQ that's detailed and offers phone support features accessible via the mobile app.
Fees & Exchange Rates
Transfers to a bank account
Seldom the cheapest or most competitive on Monito for transfers to bank accounts.
Great pricing when sending money to a bank account.
Transfers to cash pickup
Seldom the cheapest or most competitive on Monito for transfers to cash pick-up locations.
Great pricing when sending money to a cash pick-up location.
Customer Satisfaction
Trustpilot reviews
2.6/5 stars from around 25,000 reviews.
3.9 out of 5 stars from around 48,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
App Store reviews
4.8/5 stars from around 1,000,000 ratings.
4.8 out of 5 stars from 599,000 reviews on the App Store.
Related provider reviews
Other provider side-by-side comparisons
Why Trust Monito?
You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.
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Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.
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Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.
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Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.
