Wise vs Xoom International Transfer: Features and Comparison

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed world trade and corporate operations, making international money transfers a daily necessity. As traditional bank transfers showed their limitations, new fast money transfer service platforms emerged to meet evolving transactional needs.

Recognizing the market demand, many money transfer service providers entered the industry, creating a competitive environment that prioritizes ease of use for both senders and recipients. Among these providers, Xoom and Wise stand out as two of the most competitive options for international transactions.

Today, we will comprehensively dive deep into Xoom vs Wise and calculate based on transfer fee, exchange rate, customer satisfaction, transfer time, and destination country, which one is better for you 

Introduction to Wise and Xoom

Talking about international money transfer services, and not hearing the buzz of the two most popular names, Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Xoom, is impossible. They often stand out. Both are not just money transfer platforms but are direct competitors as both platforms offer digital remittance solutions that make it easy to send money abroad, but they differ in pricing, features, and convenience. Whether you’re managing cross-border payments for business or supporting family overseas, understanding these differences helps you choose the best option for your needs.

Wise (TransferWise)

Over time, Wise has built a reputation for cost-effective money transfers and complete transparency. It provides users with the real exchange rate, meaning there are no hidden fees or markups, unlike many traditional banks or other global remittance providers. Their focus on transparent transfer fees makes it one of the most secure online money transfer platforms available.

Another standout feature of Wise is its multi-currency account, also known as a borderless account. This allows users to hold and convert currencies across different countries easily. It’s especially useful for freelancers and remote workers, small businesses, international payments, or individuals who handle cross-border transactions frequently.

Wise supports several international payment options, including bank transfers, credit card payments, and even Apple Pay, giving users flexibility and convenient remittance options that fit their preferences.

Xoom

Xoom is not a separate platform but is powered by PayPal integration, focusing on fast money transfers and accessibility. It’s ideal for users who prioritize convenience when sending money to friends or family abroad. Unlike some competitors, Xoom offers multiple payout methods, such as bank deposits, cash pickup locations, and even home delivery of funds in selected countries.

For instance, if I need to send USD to India, but my recipient is in a location where they cannot receive digital remittances through Xoom, they can still obtain the funds through cash pickup services integrated with PayPal.

This versatile choice is particularly beneficial for recipients without bank access in regions like Costa Rica or El Salvador. Its ability to combine instant money transfers with secure and convenient international payment options makes Xoom a strong alternative among online money transfer platforms.

Also Read : Wise vs Xoom: Features, Fees and All

Quick comparison overview 

Here is a high-level comparison of what distinguishes Wise and Xoom:

Feature	Wise	Xoom
Exchange rate model	Uses true mid-market rate (no markup)	Applies markup on the exchange rate
Fee transparency	Fees shown upfront	Some “no fee” promotions may hide markup in rate
Payout options	Bank transfer, multi-currency account	Bank deposit, cash pickup, home delivery
Speed	Many transfers arrive instantly or within minutes (depending on route)	Fast especially with card funding, but slower for bank methods
Best for USD → INR / US → India	Typically cheaper overall	Useful when cash pickup or delivery is needed
Customer interface & convenience	Strong, minimal frills, efficient	Very user-friendly, tied to PayPal ecosystem

Before you decide between Wise and Xoom, try using the VaultRate Money Transfer Comparison Tool to instantly compare live exchange rates, fees, and delivery times across top remittance platforms. It helps you find the best real-time deal for your next international transfer.

Key Differences in Wise vs Xoom Transfers

 Comparing Wise and Xoom for international transfers or USD international transfers, several key factors play an important role. These include exchange rates, transaction fees, transfer speed, and the variety of transfer options available. Understanding these elements can help you determine which service aligns better with your specific requirements, whether you are sending small amounts for bill payments or large transfers for personal or business purposes.

Wise and Xoom: transfer fee and exchange rate 

Wise exchange rate and transfer fee 

Wise’s pricing page shows that sending money “around the world at the real exchange rate, with low conversion fees” is their branding. They are well known for their transparency for consistently using the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup.

When sending money from the United States to India, Wise usually offers a rate close to 1 USD = 88.10 INR (this may vary slightly depending on market conditions). On top of this, Wise charges a small, visible service fee that’s clearly shown before you confirm the transfer.

Xoom transfer fee and exchange rate 

Xoom’s pricing structure is quite different and ambiguous. It simply means that there are other factors like destination country, transfer amount, payment method, and payout option (like bank deposit, cash pickup, or home delivery) that affect the total cost of the recipient. 

While Xoom sometimes promotes “no transfer fee” deals, these offers usually come with a less favorable exchange rate. In other words, the markup (or hidden fee) is built into the rate itself. According to independent comparisons like Vaultrate, Xoom’s exchange rate for USD to INR transfers can be several paise lower per dollar than Wise’s rate. That small difference can add up significantly on larger transfers. 

Exchange rates change constantly, so it is advised that before sending money, you use VaultRate to compare Wise, Xoom, and other platforms side-by-side. You’ll see exactly who offers the best USD international rate in your desired currency at that moment.

Customer satisfaction: Xoom VS Wise 

Wise customer satisfaction 

Users appreciate Wise for its transparent transfer fees, real exchange rate, and easy-to-use app that makes cross-border payments simple and secure.

On Trustpilot and other review sites, Wise receives high ratings for its clear pricing and fast money transfers. Many customers report that their transfers,  especially USD to INR transactions.

In a few rare cases shared on Reddit, transfers have taken up to 5–7 days, usually because of delays in local banking systems rather than Wise itself.

Although Wise was once fined by the CFPB (as reported by Financial Times) for unclear advertising, the company has since strengthened its transparency policies. Overall, Wise enjoys high customer satisfaction ratings and remains a leading choice for anyone looking for low-cost, secure, and transparent USD to INR or any USD pair money transfers.

Xoom customer satisfaction 

According to ConsumerAffairs and Trustpilot reviews, customers like Xoom’s fast transfers when funded by credit or debit cards, and its intuitive mobile app that simplifies sending money to family in India. Its PayPal integration also makes it a convenient choice for users who already rely on PayPal for financial transactions.

However, Xoom’s reputation is more mixed when it comes to exchange rate transparency. Unlike Wise, Xoom often adds a markup to the exchange rate, which means the recipient receives fewer rupees for every dollar sent. 

Many users on Trustpilot mention feeling they lose value because of this exchange rate markup.. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Xoom is not accredited and has several complaints about refunds and document verification.

Xoom vs Wise: Supported Countries

Between Wise and Xoom for international money transfers, one of the key factors to consider is country coverage. Both platforms have a strong global reach, but their supported countries and transfer options differ slightly depending on where you’re sending or receiving money.

Wise currently supports transfers to and from 160+ countries, including major destinations such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK, and European nations. It allows users to send money in over 40 currencies, often at the real mid-market exchange rate. This makes Wise ideal for both personal remittances and business transfers, especially for people who frequently move funds between the USA and India or other countries in Asia and Europe.

In contrast, Xoom, a PayPal service, supports money transfers to more than 130 countries, with a strong focus on developing regions such as India, Mexico, and the Philippines. What makes Xoom unique is its cash pickup and home delivery options, available in many of these locations. It is a big plus for recipients who don’t have access to a bank account.

However, while Xoom’s payout flexibility is impressive, it does not support as many sending countries as Wise. For instance, Wise allows residents in more regions to send money abroad through its multi-currency account and debit card integration, making it more versatile for global professionals and travelers.

Transfer Time: Xoom or Wise, which service is faster 

Wise Money Transfer Times

In the case of an international money transfer, Wise’s estimated delivery time is clearly shown before you confirm the payment. For many popular routes, transfers arrive within minutes, while others can take up to two working days, depending on the banks involved and local regulations.

Also, according to Wise’s official data, over 64% of transfers are instant, meaning they reach the recipient in under 20 seconds for supported routes.

If you’re sending money to a Wise USD balance, the transfer usually completes within a few hours. However, ACH transfers (bank-to-bank) may take up to four business days.

For international wire transfers via SWIFT, it may take 1–5 business days, depending on intermediary banks and time zones.

Xoom Money Transfer Times

The core reason for Xoom, a PayPal service, is fast international money transfers. When you send money using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal balance, funds can often arrive within minutes, especially for major USD to INR and USD to PHP corridors.

For bank-funded transfers, or when recipients choose cash pickup or home delivery, the transfer time may range from 1 to 3 business days, depending on the destination country and local banking systems.

As noted on the official Xoom website, the company promises that funds “will be delivered by the date listed” and often “within minutes,” though delays can happen due to compliance reviews, bank holidays, or identity verification.

Compared to traditional wire transfers, Xoom is generally faster, especially when funded via cards or PayPal, but it can be slower for direct bank-to-bank transactions.

Also Read : Wise vs Remitly: Which One is Better For You?

Required details for international money transfer 

What Details Does Wise Require for a Money Transfer?

To  send money via Wise, you’ll typically need:

1. Your own account information (sender)
   
2. Recipient’s full name, address
   
3. Recipient’s bank name and bank address (if required)
   
4. Recipient’s account number (or IBAN, where applicable)
   
5. BIC / SWIFT code (for international transfers)
   
6. Currency details (which currency they’ll receive)
   
7. Purpose of transfer (some jurisdictions require reasons)
   
8. Sometimes, additional identity verification documents are required if the amount is large or flagged for compliance
   

These are fairly standard for cross-border transfers. Wise

What Details Does Xoom Require for a Money Transfer?

For Xoom, the information required depends somewhat on payout method (bank deposit, cash pickup, etc.), but generally includes:

• Recipient’s name, address, and contact info
  
• Recipient’s bank account details (if bank deposit)
  
• If cash pickup: the pickup location or agent, recipient’s ID (matching name)
  
• Country of destination and currency
  
• Payment method (linked bank account, PayPal, debit/credit card)
  
• Sometimes mobile wallet or phone number is sent to a mobile wallet
  
• For home delivery in certain countries, additional address or location instructions

Wise vs Xoom — Which Is Better for You?

Both Wise and Xoom are trusted, secure platforms for international money transfers, but they serve slightly different needs.

If your main goal is to send USD to INR from the USA to India at the best exchange rate and lowest fee, Wise is generally the better option. It offers the real mid-market rate, transparent pricing, and fast delivery times, often within minutes for supported banks. Its multi-currency account also makes it great for freelancers, travelers, and businesses that deal with multiple currencies.

On the other hand, Xoom, backed by PayPal, shines when your recipient needs cash pickup or home delivery, or when you want a simple, PayPal-linked experience. However, its exchange rates may include a markup, which can make it slightly more expensive for large USD international transfers.

From the data above, we compiled and studied, then 

• Choose Wise if you want cheaper, transparent, and quick USD to INR transfers.
  
• Choose Xoom if your recipient doesn’t have a bank account or prefers cash pickup convenience.
  

No matter which service you pick, both Wise and Xoom are reliable, regulated, and designed to make global money transfers easy and secure, helping you stay connected to your loved ones or clients abroad. Also, use the VaultRate Money Transfer Comparison Tool to instantly compare Wise, Xoom, and other trusted remittance providers in real time.

VaultRate helps you find the lowest fees, fastest delivery times, and most favorable rates for your international money transfers,  so you always know exactly what you’re paying for.

The information provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only.While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, exchange rates, transfer fees, and delivery times may vary depending on the provider, payment method, and destination country.