MoneyGram vs Xoom (PayPal): Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
MoneyGram
4.0MoneyGram is a global money transfer company with a large agent network, offering both online and in-person transfer options to 200+ countries.
Xoom (PayPal)
4.6Xoom, a PayPal service, offers fast international money transfers with options for bank deposit, cash pickup, and mobile reload in 130+ countries.
MoneyGram and Xoom (PayPal) are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. MoneyGram, founded in 1940 and headquartered in Dallas, USA, is best known for cash pickup and global coverage. Xoom (PayPal), operating since 2001 from San Francisco, USA, focuses on cash pickup and global coverage. This comparison uses real transfer data collected from both providers across 6 popular corridors to show you exactly which one offers better value for your specific needs. Our data shows the difference can be significant — on a $200 USD → NGN transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₦5233.80 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: MoneyGram vs Xoom (PayPal) across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through MoneyGram vs Xoom (PayPal) on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | MoneyGram | Xoom (PayPal) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹94,688.23 | ₹95,010.39 | Xoom (PayPal) (+₹322.16) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,156.24 | €1,125.01 | MoneyGram (+€31.23) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱30,550.61 | ₱31,366.72 | Xoom (PayPal) (+₱816.11) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$17,224.41 | MX$17,610.39 | Xoom (PayPal) (+MX$385.98) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨186,133.01 | ₨181,457.17 | MoneyGram (+₨4675.84) |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦275,884.28 | ₦270,650.48 | MoneyGram (+₦5233.80) |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between MoneyGram and Xoom (PayPal)
MoneyGram vs Xoom (PayPal): Feature comparison
| Feature | MoneyGram | Xoom (PayPal) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 (Good) | 4.6/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | From $1.99 to $11.99+ | From $0 to $4.99 |
| Exchange rate markup | 1% - 3% above mid-market | 1% - 3% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 3 days | Minutes to 3 days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 130+ |
| Supported currencies | 50+ | 50+ |
| Max transfer | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Reload |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA | FinCEN |
| Founded | 1940 | 2001 |
Pros and cons
MoneyGram
Pros
- Large global agent network
- Cash pickup available worldwide
- Transfers can arrive in minutes
- In-store and online options
- Crypto integration with Stellar
Cons
- Higher fees for smaller transfers
- Exchange rate markup can be steep
- Online experience less polished
Xoom (PayPal)
Pros
- Fast delivery to many countries
- Cash pickup widely available
- Mobile reload option
- Backed by PayPal
- No fees on some corridors
Cons
- Exchange rate includes markup
- Limited to personal transfers
- Not available in all countries for sending
When to choose MoneyGram vs Xoom (PayPal)
Choose MoneyGram if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need wider country coverage (200+ vs 130+ countries)
- MoneyGram's strengths (Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup) match your needs
Choose Xoom (PayPal) if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You're sending large amounts (Xoom (PayPal) supports up to $50,000)
- You want zero transfer fees (From $0 to $4.99)
Verdict: MoneyGram or Xoom (PayPal)?
Cost: Too close to call
MoneyGram and Xoom (PayPal) are closely matched on cost. Across our 6 sample corridors, neither provider consistently delivers more to the recipient. The best choice depends on your specific corridor.
Speed: Similar delivery times
Both providers offer similar transfer speeds. MoneyGram typically delivers in Minutes to 3 days, while Xoom (PayPal) takes Minutes to 3 days. The actual speed depends on the corridor and delivery method.
Wider coverage: MoneyGram
MoneyGram has broader coverage with 200+ countries and 50+ currencies. MoneyGram also offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet.
Bottom line
MoneyGram and Xoom (PayPal) serve different needs well. MoneyGram is best for cash pickup and global coverage, while Xoom (PayPal) excels at cash pickup and global coverage. Your best choice depends on what matters most: cost, speed, coverage, or delivery options.
Frequently asked questions
Is MoneyGram or Xoom (PayPal) cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows MoneyGram and Xoom (PayPal) are closely matched on total cost. MoneyGram charges From $1.99 to $11.99+ with a 1% - 3% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while Xoom (PayPal) charges From $0 to $4.99 with a 1% - 3% above mid-market markup. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer using our calculator.
Which is faster, MoneyGram or Xoom (PayPal)?
MoneyGram typically completes transfers in Minutes to 3 days, while Xoom (PayPal) takes Minutes to 3 days. Actual speed depends on the corridor, payment method, and delivery option you choose. Bank transfers tend to be slower than card-funded transfers, and bank deposits are generally faster than cash pickups.
Are MoneyGram and Xoom (PayPal) safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. MoneyGram is regulated by FinCEN, FCA and has a 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating. Xoom (PayPal) is regulated by FinCEN with a 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for MoneyGram vs Xoom (PayPal)?
MoneyGram has a maximum transfer of $10,000 (minimum $1), while Xoom (PayPal) allows up to $50,000 (minimum $1). Limits may vary by corridor, account verification level, and payment method. New accounts typically start with lower limits that increase over time.
Can I get cash pickup with MoneyGram or Xoom (PayPal)?
MoneyGram offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. Xoom (PayPal) offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Reload. MoneyGram supports cash pickup, which is useful when recipients don't have a bank account. Xoom (PayPal) supports cash pickup for recipients without bank access.
Should I use MoneyGram or Xoom (PayPal) to send money internationally?
It depends on your priorities. Choose MoneyGram for cash pickup and global coverage, or Xoom (PayPal) for cash pickup and global coverage. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer amount and corridor using our calculator above.