Find quick, affordable ways to send money to loved ones and businesses in India.
World First International Money Transfers
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- Enjoy competitive exchange rates.
- Get even better exchange rates with forward contracts and limit orders.
- Receive weekly updates on market exchange rates.
Compare international money transfers to India
Use our comparison calculator to assess transfer fees, exchange rates and other details for sending funds to India with an online money transfer service. Save money on your personal or business international money transfer today. Fill in the form and you’ll be contacted by a foreign exchange expert to have an obligation-free discussion about your options. With over 17 years of foreign exchange expertise and over $100 billion transferred, OFX can help with all your currency exchange needs, including:
Sending money to India
How to send money to India
Find a service
Select a money transfer specialist that works for you from our comparison table.
Initiate the transfer
Complete the required information with the service and provide the funds.
Receive the money
Your recipient receives their money in the bank account or picks it up as cash.
Sending money to India
When sending money overseas, you’ll usually need to create a free account with a money transfer provider. The process varies by company but generally requires you to provide your name, contact information and proof of identity. If you’re not paying for your transaction with cash, you’ll also provide your banking info in order to have the funds withdrawn from your account.
Once you’ve selected a payment option and entered the full details of your transfer, you make your transaction and wait for the funds to arrive. You’ll most likely receive a reference number or receipt that you can use to track the progress of your transfer.
Laws and legal documents when transferring large sums of money into India
How do international money transfers work?
An international money transfer allows you to send money to friends, family and businesses overseas. Generally, it involves you sending cash or money from your bank account to an intermediary transfer service or bank, which then exchanges and sends the money to your recipient in another country — in this case, India.
Depending on the provider, you can initiate a money transfer in person, online or by phone. Your cash or bank account transfer is then either deposited into your recipient’s bank account or made available as cash for pickup at a location in their country.
A beginner’s guide to starting an import/export business with India
Banks vs. money transfer companies
Many major US banks offer the option to send funds to India, but they typically charge high transfer fees and offer exchange rates that are significantly lower than the mid-market rate — or the rate banks and transfer providers use when trading among themselves.
A reputable money transfer specialist can often offer better exchange rates and also charge lower fees, saving you money and putting more rupees into your recipient’s pocket.
Virat sends money to India
Virat lives and works in the United States and wants to send $2,000 of his salary to his parents in Mumbai. He approaches his bank for a wire transfer but is shocked when he sees its weak exchange rate and high fees. He compares his bank’s services with those of an independent money transfer specialist to see who offers the better deal.
| Major US bank | Money transfer specialist | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = 63.1 INR | 1 USD = 63.8 INR |
| Transfer fee | $5 | $0 |
| Transfer speed | 1–3 business days | 2–4 business days |
| Transfer options | Bank account deposit, cash pickup | Bank account deposit |
| Total rupees received | 126,200 INR | 127,600 INR |
Virat discovers that his family could receive some 1,400 more Indian rupees if he sends his money through a money transfer specialist. And he can save himself a further $5 in transfer fees.
How to compare transfer companies when transferring money to India
- Exchange rates. Nearly all providers skew exchange rates for a profit. Compare the rate you’re offered to the mid-market rate — the rate banks and transfer services use when they trade among themselves — and look for the smallest margin between them.
- Transfer fees. Find out whether the provider charges a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer. If you’re sending a large amount, ask whether you qualify for a fee-free transfer .
- Transfer speed. If it needs to be there fast, companies like Western Union and MoneyGram allow for quick cash pickups, often in minutes. If you’ve more time, you’ll get better rates and fees with an independent provider.
- Transfer limits. Your best option might depend on how much you want to send. For large transfers, weigh the best exchange rate — especially since providers encourage large transfers by offering low fees. For smaller amounts, consider the fees you’ll pay on top of the exchange rate.
- “Hedging” options. Ask whether you can schedule payments ahead of time or protect your transfer against market fluctuations with a limit order or forward contract.
- Customer service. Most companies offer customer service by Internet chat, phone, in person or by email. Make sure help will be available if you need it.
What are the ways that I can send money to India?
- Bank transfers. Many major US banks will allow you to wire money to banks in India. However, this option generally doesn’t offer the best exchange rates or lowest fees.
- Money transfer providers. Companies like Xoom, TransferWise and WorldRemit make international money transfers to India easy.
- Providers with cash pickup. Western Union, Money2India, Remit2India, MoneyGram and Ria offer the option of cash pickups from thousands of agent locations across India.
- M-Pesa. M-Pesa is a safe, secure way to send, receive and store money through your mobile phone or an app. Top up your account at one of more than 287,000 agent locations and then send money to loved ones, who can visit an agent to withdraw their funds.
- PayPal. Electronic payment giant PayPal allows you to send money from the US to India.
- Checks and money orders. Although not a quick option, you could send an international check overseas, obtained from your bank or US Postal Service.
Emergency cash transfers in India
You might need to send an emergency cash transfer to India — for example, if a friend traveling through the country loses their wallet. When you need to transfer funds urgently, your fastest possible transfer will often be your most expensive option. Carefully review the exchange rate and transfer fee against your needs so that you understand exactly how much it will cost you.
Receiving cash in India
Western Union and MoneyGram provide the three largest money transfer networks in the world, with thousands of agent locations around the globe. You’ll need to pass on your transaction reference number to your recipient to allow them to pick up your funds. They’ll also need to bring along a photo ID.
For larger transfer amounts, phone ahead to an agent location to make sure it has sufficient cash available for your recipient to collect.
Tips for picking up cash in India
The US State Department warns that you should “practice good personal security” when collecting funds in India. Just as you would at home, be careful when you pick up your money. Take a friend along for added security, and don’t display your cash unnecessarily. Avoid high-crime areas, and deposit your funds into your bank account as quickly as possible.
Cash pickup locations in India
New Delhi
Worldremit
BANK OF INDIA
Address: 1, Sansad Marg, Gokul Nagar, Sansad Marg Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +91 11 2335 7310
ICICI BANK HAUZ KHAS – WEALTH BRANCH
Address: G – 12 , HauzKhas, 0, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +91 11 3366 7777
HDFC BANK
Address: 5C-9, New Rohtak Rd, Block 5C, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005, India
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +91 1800 425 2244
Moneygram
PNB – #489500 – DELHI EAST – ICD PATPARG
Address: Icd Patpar Ganj Delhi Delhi East, 110096
Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Phone: +91-1122233945
SARASWAT CO-OP BANK
Address: A 20 Lajpat Nagar-IV New Delhi, 110024
Hours: 10:15 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +91-1126422100
PNB – #152600 – DELHI – SHAKTI NAGAR
Address: Roop Nagar 1/9 Near Sehgal Hospital Delhi, 110007
Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Phone: +91-1123841102
Western Union
FINO FINTECH PRIVATE LIMITED
Address: Zmc007212 A88 Tigri Near Sheetala Mata Mandir Near Sbi Bank New Delhi 110062 New Delhi, Delhi 110062
Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: +91-8291994614
S P SECURITIES LTD
Address: M 96 Middle Circle Connaught Place Dist Delhi Cannaught Circle, Delhi 110001
Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Phone: +91-1123415600
INDRAPRASTHA HEAD POST OFFICE
Address: Bahadurshah Zafar Marg New Delhi, Delhi 110002
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +91-1123236795
Mumbai
Worldremit
BANK OF INDIA
Address: Air India Building, 216, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021, India
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +91 22 2281 5836
ICICI BANK
Address: Rajmohalla, 177, Jawahar Rd, Ghatkopar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077, India
Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: +91 1800 22 8181
HDFC BANK
Address: Shop No 1 and 2, Ground Floor, Imperium, Opp.Police Quarters, Marol Maroshi Road, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059, India
Hours: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Phone: +91 22 2925 0262
Moneygram
UNITED BANK OF INDIA – #489
Address: U B I Building 25 Sir Pheroze Shah Mehta Mumbai
Hours: 10:00AM – 2:00 PM
Phone: +91-2222043793
SWARNA SAGAR JEWELLERS
Address: Shop NO-1 B. N. Mishra Chawl Kajupada Pipe Line Mumbai, 400072
Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Phone: +912228590650
BHARAT BANK – Andheri West branch
Address: NO. G-11A & B Shalimar Morya Co-Operative Society Ltd. Premi Swastik Industrial Estate Mumbai, 400058
Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Phone: +912226742235
Western Union
3G TOURS TRAVELS
Address: Shop No 1oppkailash Chsvakola Bridgesant Mumbai, Maharashtra 400055
Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Phone: +91-9769486761
AGRAWAL BROTHER
Address: Shop No 12 Kavita Soc Main Cartar No9 Borivali Dist Mumbai Suburban Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066
Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Phone: +91-9892622233
AL NAJIB MILLI MUTUAL BENEFITS LTD
Address: R305 Sangam Nagar Chandani Agar S P Road Antop Hill Wadala Mumbai, Maharashtra 400605
Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Phone: +91-9224618023
Bangalore
Worldremit
BANK OF INDIA
Address: No.33/1, Byrathi Extention, Near Ebenezer Hospital, Opp.Bible College, Hennur Bagalur Main Road, Kothanpur Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560077, India
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +504-6693911
ICICI BANK UTTARHALLI
Address: Uttarhalli Main Road, Icici Bank Ltd., Door No 47, Survey No 12 -1, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560061, India
Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +91 80 3366 7777
HDFC BANK
Address: Hdfc Bank Ltd Kalathur Complex No 23 2 New No 4 Kalathur Layout Bangalore Karnataka 560013, S M Road, Kalathur Layout, Jalahalli East, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560013, India
Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +91 99458 63333
Moneygram
MUTHOOT FINANCE LTD – #2347 – BANGALORE
Address: No.51 Anjaneya Mansion 3Rd Cross Ashwath Nagara Marthahalli
Bangalore Urban, 560037
Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Phone: +91-8025237039
SOUTH INDIAN BANK – B’LORE SARJAPUR ROAD
Address: 65-2 Ward NO New B. B. M. P M. V. Complex Kaikondrahalli Bangalore South, 560035
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:0 PM
Phone: +91-8025741205
CORPORATION BANK
Address: 1583 Ground Floor 17th Main J P Nagar II Phase Jayanagar 9th Block Bangalore North, 560090
Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Phone: +91-8026650907
Western Union
ATTICA GOLD PVT LTD
Address: 12 2 Nd Floor Anu Arcade Cmh Road Above Sangeetha Mobiles Indira Nagar Bangalore, Karnataka 560038
Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Phone: +91-8064909040
BANK OF MAHARASHTRA
Address: 1433 16846 2c7341st Blk Hennur Banaswadi Layout 80 Feet Rd Kalyanngr Bangalore, Karnataka 560043
Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:0 PM
Phone: +91-9741928473
BANK OF MAHARASHTRA
Address: 1502 N09 Pump Mahakavi Rd Chamarajpety Bangalore Bangalore, Karnataka 560004
Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: +91-8026616332
