How to Send Money From a US Bank Account to India

Yes, you can transfer money from a US savings account to India, but the process is slower and more expensive than a domestic transfer

Most US banks will send money internationally, but they do not do it directly. Your bank uses a network of correspondent banks — intermediaries that pass your money along — which adds time and fees at each step. A transfer to India typically takes 3 to 7 business days and costs between $15 and $50 depending on the amount and your bank. The receiving bank in India may also charge a fee when the money arrives.

You have three main routes: your own US bank, a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, or a specialist international transfer company like Wise or OFX. Each has different costs, speeds, and exchange rates. The cheapest option is usually not the fastest, and the fastest is usually not the cheapest.

Key Takeaways

Your US bank can send money to India, but it goes through multiple intermediary banks, which adds $15 to $50 in fees and takes 3 to 7 business days.
Money transfer services like Western Union are faster (sometimes same-day) but charge higher fees and give worse exchange rates than banks or specialist companies.
Specialist transfer companies like Wise or OFX often have lower fees and better exchange rates than banks, but require you to set up an account first.
The receiving person in India needs a bank account number and IFSC code (a nine-character bank identifier), not just a name and address.
You will need the exact spelling of the recipient's name as it appears on their Indian bank account, or the transfer may be rejected or delayed.

Sending through your US bank

This is the most straightforward route if you already have a checking or savings account. Log into your online banking, look for "international transfer" or "wire transfer," and enter the recipient's details. You will need their full name, bank account number, and IFSC code — a nine-character code that identifies their specific Indian bank branch (for example, HDFC0000001 for HDFC Bank's main Delhi branch).

Your bank will show you the fee upfront, usually $25 to $50 for a standard transfer. The exchange rate they use is typically worse than the mid-market rate — the actual rate banks trade at — because they add a markup. A transfer sent on a Monday or Tuesday usually arrives by Thursday or Friday. If you send it on a Friday, it may not arrive until the following Wednesday because Indian banks do not process international transfers on weekends.

Ask your bank whether they charge a fee on the receiving end as well. Some US banks charge an outgoing fee only; others charge both outgoing and incoming. The recipient's Indian bank may also deduct a small fee (usually 100 to 300 rupees, or about $1 to $4) when the money lands.

Using a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram

These services are designed for speed and simplicity. You can walk into a physical location, hand over cash, and the recipient can pick up the money in India within hours — sometimes the same day. You do not need a bank account to send, and the recipient does not need one either; they can collect cash at a Western Union or MoneyGram office.

The trade-off is cost. Western Union and MoneyGram charge higher fees than banks — often $10 to $30 depending on the amount — and their exchange rates are significantly worse. If you are sending $1,000, you might lose $50 to $100 in the exchange rate alone. These services are most useful when speed matters more than cost, or when the recipient does not have a bank account.

Using a specialist international transfer company

Companies like Wise, OFX, and Remitly are built specifically for international transfers and often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks. Wise, for example, uses the real mid-market exchange rate with a small markup (usually 0.5% to 1%), and charges a flat fee of around $3 to $8 depending on the amount. OFX charges a percentage-based fee (usually 1% to 2%) with no flat fee.

The catch is that you must set up an account online first, which takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will need to verify your identity with a photo ID and sometimes a utility bill. Once your account is open, you can send money through your bank account or debit card. Transfers typically take 1 to 3 business days, which is faster than a traditional bank wire.

These companies work best if you are sending a larger amount (over $500) or sending regularly. The lower fees and better rates add up quickly. If you are sending $100 once, the setup time may not be worth it; if you are sending $1,000 or more, or sending multiple times, these services usually save you money.

What information you need from the recipient

Before you start any transfer, get these details from the person receiving the money in India: their full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their 10 or 12-digit account number, and their IFSC code. The IFSC code is critical — it tells the Indian banking system which branch the money should go to. Without it, the transfer may go to the wrong branch or be rejected.

The recipient can find their IFSC code on their bank statements, on their bank's website, or by calling their bank. It is always nine characters: usually four letters (the bank code), a zero, and four more characters (the branch code). For example, ICIC0000001 is ICICI Bank's main Mumbai branch.

Double-check the spelling of the name. If you send money to "Rajesh Kumar" but the account is registered as "Rajesh Kumar Singh," the transfer may be rejected or held for verification. Some Indian banks are stricter about this than others.

Timing and what to expect

A standard international transfer from a US bank takes 3 to 7 business days. This is not because the money is physically traveling — it moves electronically — but because it passes through multiple banks, each of which processes it during their business hours. A transfer sent on Monday morning might arrive Wednesday evening. A transfer sent Friday afternoon might not arrive until the following Wednesday.

Once the money reaches the recipient's Indian bank, it usually appears in their account within hours. You will receive a confirmation number from your US bank or transfer service. Give this number to the recipient so they can track the transfer on their end if needed.

If a transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your US bank or transfer service with the confirmation number. They can check the status with the intermediary banks. Delays usually happen because of a mismatch in the recipient's name or account number, or because the receiving bank is processing a backlog.

Exchange rates and hidden costs

The exchange rate is where most people lose money without realizing it. Banks and transfer services do not use the mid-market rate — the rate you see on Google or XE.com — because they need to make money on the transaction. They add a markup, usually 1% to 3%, which means you get fewer rupees per dollar than the published rate.

A specialist transfer company like Wise typically has a smaller markup (0.5% to 1%) than a traditional bank (2% to 3%). On a $1,000 transfer, this difference could mean 500 to 1,500 rupees in your pocket instead of the bank's.

Some banks also charge a "receiving bank fee" — money that the Indian bank deducts before crediting the account. This is usually small (100 to 300 rupees), but it is worth asking about. Your US bank should tell you whether this fee applies before you send.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to report this transfer to the IRS or any government agency?

If you are a US citizen or resident, you do not need to report a single transfer to India. However, if you have financial accounts in India (a bank account, investment account, or other assets worth more than $10,000 combined), you may need to file an FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) with the US Treasury. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure.

What if the recipient's bank rejects the transfer?

Rejections usually happen because of a name mismatch or an incorrect account number. Your US bank or transfer service will notify you, and the money will be returned to your account within 5 to 10 business days. Ask the recipient to confirm their account details again, then resend.

Can I send money to someone else's bank account, or does it have to be in my name?

You can send money to anyone's account as long as you have their correct account number and IFSC code. The money goes to the account number you specify, not to a person's name. Make sure the recipient has authorized you to send money to their account.

Is there a limit to how much I can send?

Your US bank may have daily or monthly limits on international transfers. Check your account settings or call your bank. India also has rules about how much money can enter the country, but these explore to the recipient, not to you. For most personal transfers under $10,000, there are no restrictions.

Which option is cheapest for sending $500?

For $500, a specialist transfer company like Wise or OFX usually costs $5 to $15 total, while a traditional bank costs $25 to $50. Western Union or MoneyGram costs $10 to $20 in fees plus a worse exchange rate. If you are sending once, your bank is simplest. If you are sending regularly, set up an account with Wise or OFX.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.