Receiving money from overseas has never been easier, thanks to services like Xoom, a PayPal company that allows fast, secure, and convenient money transfers directly to your mobile wallet, including M-PESA. Xoom is an excellent option for anyone looking to receive money in Kenya without the need for the sender or recipient to create a Xoom or PayPal account.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to receive money from Xoom to M-PESA in Kenya, the benefits of using Xoom, and everything you need to know about this service.
Why Use Xoom to Receive Money via M-PESA?
Xoom is a global leader in money transfer services, enabling people to send money to over 130 countries. When it comes to Kenya, Xoom has made the process of receiving money convenient by partnering with mobile wallet services like M-PESA, which is widely used in Kenya for everyday transactions. Here’s why Xoom is a great option for receiving money in Kenya:
- No Need for a Xoom Account: The recipient doesn’t need to have a Xoom or PayPal account to receive funds.
- Direct Mobile Wallet Transfers: Xoom allows money to be sent directly to an M-PESA mobile wallet, making it faster and more convenient for recipients to access their funds.
- Fast Transfers: Money sent through Xoom to M-PESA is typically available within minutes, allowing recipients to access it quickly.
- Secure Transactions: Backed by PayPal, Xoom ensures secure and trustworthy transactions, giving both the sender and recipient peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Guide to Receiving Money from Xoom to M-PESA
If you are in Kenya and expecting to receive money via Xoom, here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Provide Your M-PESA Number to the Sender
The first step in receiving money through Xoom is to ensure the sender has your correct M-PESA mobile number. This is crucial because the money will be sent directly to your mobile wallet. The sender will also need to know your full name, as it appears on your M-PESA account, to ensure that the transfer goes through without any issues.
Step 2: Sender Initiates the Transfer
The sender can initiate the transfer through the Xoom platform, either via the website or the mobile app. Here’s how they do it:
- The sender logs into their Xoom account or PayPal account, which is integrated with Xoom.
- They enter the amount of money they wish to send and select Mobile Wallet as the delivery method.
- The sender chooses M-PESA from the list of mobile wallet providers and enters your M-PESA mobile number.
- They choose their payment method (PayPal, bank account, credit card, or debit card) and complete the transaction.
The sender will receive a confirmation once the transaction is complete, and you’ll receive a notification from M-PESA once the funds have been deposited into your account.
Step 3: Receive Money in Your M-PESA Wallet
Once the sender has completed the transfer, you will receive a notification on your mobile phone from M-PESA confirming that you have received the money. The funds will be available in your M-PESA wallet immediately, ready for use.
Step 4: Use or Withdraw Your Funds
With the money safely in your M-PESA wallet, you can now use it to pay bills, make purchases, or transfer it to your bank account. Alternatively, you can visit an M-PESA agent to withdraw the funds in cash if you prefer.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Money from Xoom to M-PESA?
One of the key benefits of using Xoom to receive money is the speed of the transfer. In most cases, money sent from Xoom to M-PESA is available within minutes. This makes it ideal for urgent transfers where the recipient needs access to the funds quickly.
What Fees Are Involved?
Xoom charges a fee for each transaction, but the recipient doesn’t have to pay anything to receive the funds in their M-PESA account. The sender will be shown the applicable fees and exchange rate before completing the transfer, ensuring transparency. The total amount received in M-PESA will be in Kenyan Shillings (KES), so there’s no need for recipients to worry about currency conversions.
Advantages of Using Xoom for M-PESA Transfers
Here are a few more reasons why Xoom is a popular choice for sending and receiving money to M-PESA in Kenya:
- Instant Notifications: Both the sender and recipient receive real-time notifications confirming that the money has been sent and received.
- Wide Reach: M-PESA is widely used in Kenya, and Xoom makes it easier for Kenyans to access funds sent from abroad without the hassle of visiting a bank or collection point.
- Flexible Payment Methods for Senders: Xoom allows senders to choose from various payment options, including PayPal, bank transfers, credit cards, and debit cards, making it convenient for people worldwide to send money.
Alternative Options for Receiving Money from Xoom in Kenya
In addition to receiving money through M-PESA, Xoom also offers other ways to receive money in Kenya:
- Cash Pickup: The recipient can choose to pick up cash at any of Xoom’s partner locations across Kenya, including Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Kenya Post Office Savings Bank. This is a good option for people who don’t have an M-PESA account or prefer cash.
- Bank Deposit: Xoom also allows funds to be deposited directly into a bank account in Kenya. Major banks such as Equity Bank, Co-operative Bank, and KCB are among the supported banks.
Xoom makes receiving money in Kenya fast, easy, and secure, especially when using M-PESA. The fact that recipients don’t need to set up a Xoom or PayPal account adds an extra layer of convenience. With transfers typically completed within minutes, Xoom is one of the best options for anyone expecting to receive money from family, friends, or business partners abroad.
If you’re ready to receive money, simply provide your M-PESA number to the sender, and within minutes, you’ll have the funds in your mobile wallet, ready for use.
