MoneyGram vs. PayPal vs. Xoom: Who Has the Lowest Fees?

May 26, 2025 By Kelly Walker

Are you constantly sending money back and forth through online services? If so, you know how confusing it can be to compare different providers.

With MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom all offering international money transfers at competitive rates, it’s important to understand their differences when determining which provider is best for your needs.

In this blog post, I will provide an in-depth comparison of their fees and features to help guide your decision so that you can start transferring funds without worrying about what might have been a better choice.

What is Online Money Transfer

An online Money Transfer is an electronic transfer of funds from one person to another. This can be done through various methods like MoneyGram, PayPal, or Xoom.

Money transfers allow people to quickly and securely send money worldwide without waiting for checks or cash in the mail. It’s also a great way to save money, as MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom all offer competitive exchange rates.

How Does it Work

MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom are all international money transfer services that make it easy to send funds across borders. With MoneyGram, you can use cash or a debit card to send money in minutes to over 200 countries.

PayPal allows you to transfer funds from your account almost anywhere worldwide and is one of the most popular services. Xoom is an online money transfer service that enables users to send payments quickly and securely to countries worldwide.

Benefits of Sending Money Online

When it comes to sending money overseas, many advantages come with choosing an online service over traditional methods. Here are a few of the top benefits:

  • Speed and convenience— Money can be sent instantly without waiting for bank transfers or mailing physical checks.
  • Low fees— Most providers have competitive fees and services tailored to different types of customers.
  • Security— Transferring money online is much more secure than other methods, with money transferred in a matter of seconds with the help of encryption technology.
  • Money tracking— MoneyGram and Xoom provide users with detailed tracking information so you can easily monitor your funds.
  • Multiple currencies— Money transfers can be made in any currency, allowing you to send money to friends and family abroad without worrying about exchange rates or fees.
  • Easy signup process— Signing up for MoneyGram and Xoom doesn’t require a lot of paperwork or documentation, so it’s a much simpler process than with traditional banks.
  • Money transfer options— MoneyGram and Xoom offer multiple ways to send money, such as through bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards, and more.

As you can see, there are lots of benefits when it comes to sending money online. Now let’s compare MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom to see who has the lowest fees.

Different Types of Online Money Transfer Platforms

Regarding online money transfers, MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom all offer unique services that make them stand out. MoneyGram is a global organization with thousands of physical locations worldwide where customers can pick up their funds.

They also offer international money transfers through their website and mobile app with various features, including auto-payments, bill pay, and account-to-account transfers. PayPal is an online payment provider allowing customers to send money to friends and family members without fees.

They also offer international money transfers through their website or mobile app with various features such as currency conversion and recipient banks identification tools. Lastly, Xoom is a digital platform focused exclusively on international money transfers with features like Money Transfer Tracking, rate alerts, and Multi-currency support.

Tips for Choosing the Best Platform for You

We know that MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom are all great options for international money transfers. But how do you decide which one is the best for your needs? Here are some tips to help make sure you’re getting the best possible deal:

  • Compare Fees: MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom all offer different service rates. Compare each platform's fees for sending money internationally to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
  • Understand Exchange Rates: MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom use their exchange rates when converting currencies. Make sure to understand the differences between them before transferring funds.
  • Check Processing Times: MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom all have different processing times for international money transfers. Ensure that you’re comfortable with the timeframes before committing to a provider.
  • Consider Additional Features: MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom each offer additional features as part of their services. Consider the important features to you and ensure they’re available before choosing a platform.

These tips will help you make the best decision regarding MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom. Be sure to use all of this information to compare their fees and features to get the best possible deal when you’re sending money internationally.

Security Tips for Using a Money Transfer Service Online

Using MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom to send money overseas can be incredibly convenient. However, it’s important to remember that these services have certain security risks. To ensure your funds are secure while using a money transfer service online, follow these simple steps:

  • Make sure the website you’re using is secure and legitimate. MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom are all verified and secured websites. However, it’s important to double-check that the URL is correct before entering any information.
  • Don’t give out your personal or bank account information-- MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom will never ask you for this.
  • Always keep your MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom login credentials secret. Don’t share them with anyone else, even if they say completing a transaction is necessary.
  • Monitor all activities related to MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom accounts regularly. Ensure you know any suspicious activity that could indicate someone has gained access to the account.

FAQs

What is cheaper than Xoom?

MoneyGram and PayPal are two of the most popular and cost-effective options for online money transfer services. MoneyGram has lower fees than Xoom, while PayPal is known for its competitive exchange rates. Ultimately, which is cheaper for you will depend on your specific needs.

Is MoneyGram safe?

MoneyGram is one of the most trusted money transfer services available. They use advanced encryption and fraud protection technology to keep your information safe, and their Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) helps ensure that your transfer arrives safely at its destination.

How much is the Xoom transaction fee?

Xoom transaction fees vary depending on the type of transfer, destination country, currency exchange rate, and the amount being sent. For example, sending $500 from the US to Mexico could cost anywhere from $2.99 for an Express Money Transfer up to 8.9% for a Standard Money Transfer.

Conclusion

Overall, it's clear that MoneyGram, PayPal, and Xoom are three of the most popular money transfer services out there. All three offer great features and benefits, but your choice will likely come down to which service has the lowest fees.

After considering all factors in this article, the clear winner is Xoom which has low fee percentages and even waives fees for some transfers based on destination countries and other criteria. Ultimately, based on the factors presented here, you should decide which service best suits your needs.