Yes, you can transfer money from a savings account to an NRE account, but the rules depend on whether both accounts are at the same bank and what kind of savings account you hold

If both accounts are at the same bank, you can transfer money between them using the bank's online portal, mobile app, or by visiting a branch. The transfer usually completes within hours on the same business day. If the accounts are at different banks, you will need the NRE account holder's bank details and will use NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS — the same methods you would use for any transfer between banks.

The real constraint is not the transfer itself, but what kind of savings account you are transferring from. If you hold a regular domestic savings account in India and you are a resident, you can send money to an NRE account without restriction. If you are a non-resident yourself and the savings account is an NRO account (Non-Resident Ordinary), the rules are tighter — you can transfer rupees to an NRE account, but the money must come from income earned in India, not from abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • Same-bank transfers to an NRE account complete within hours using your bank's app or online portal; different-bank transfers use NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS and take one to two business days.
  • A resident with a domestic savings account can transfer any amount to an NRE account with no restrictions on the source of the funds.
  • A non-resident transferring from an NRO account can only send rupees earned in India to an NRE account, not money brought in from abroad.
  • The NRE account itself has no limit on inward transfers, but some banks cap the amount you can move in a single transaction — check your bank's policy.

Same-bank transfers: the fastest route

If you and the NRE account holder both use the same bank, log into your savings account online or through the mobile app and select the transfer option. Most banks label this "Fund Transfer", "Send Money", or "Pay". You will enter the NRE account number, confirm the amount, and submit. The money moves when ready or within a few hours, depending on the bank's processing schedule.

You can also walk into a branch with your passbook or account statement and ask the teller to transfer funds. Bring your ID and the NRE account number. This method takes longer — usually one business day — but leaves a paper trail if you need proof of the transfer later.

Different-bank transfers: NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS explained

When the NRE account is at a different bank, you initiate the transfer from your savings account using one of three systems. NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) is the slowest but works for any amount; transfers settle in batches and usually take one to two business days. RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) is faster — money moves in real time during banking hours — but has a minimum transfer amount (usually ₹2 lakh) and a higher fee. IMPS (when ready Payment Service) is the fastest and works 24/7, but also has a per-transaction limit set by your bank (often ₹10 lakh, though this varies).

To send money via any of these methods, you need the NRE account holder's bank name, account number, and IFSC code (the nine-character code that identifies their bank branch). You enter these details into your bank's transfer form, select the method, and submit. Your bank will deduct the money from your savings account when ready and send it to the receiving bank, which credits the NRE account once it receives the funds.

What happens if you are a non-resident with an NRO account

If you are a non-resident and hold an NRO savings account in India, you can transfer money to an NRE account, but only if the rupees came from income earned in India — salary, rent, dividends, or pension. You cannot transfer money that you brought into India from abroad, even if it sits in your NRO account. Banks enforce this rule because NRE accounts are meant to hold foreign currency earnings, while NRO accounts hold rupees earned domestically.

In practice, this means your bank may ask you to declare the source of the funds before processing the transfer. If you cannot show that the rupees came from Indian income, the transfer may be delayed or rejected. Keep salary slips, rent receipts, or dividend statements handy if you think your bank will ask.

Transaction limits and daily caps

The NRE account itself has no limit on how much money can be transferred into it — there is no ceiling on inward transfers. However, your savings account may have a daily transfer limit, and the transfer method you choose may have its own cap. IMPS typically caps individual transactions at ₹10 lakh, though some banks allow higher limits if you request them. RTGS has a minimum of ₹2 lakh but no upper limit. NEFT works for any amount.

If you need to move more than your bank's daily limit allows, you can split the transfer across multiple days or contact your bank to request a temporary increase. Some banks will raise your limit if you call ahead and explain the reason.

Timing: when the money actually arrives

Same-bank transfers complete within hours, usually by the end of the business day. Different-bank transfers depend on the method: NEFT takes one to two business days, RTGS settles in real time during banking hours (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays), and IMPS completes within minutes, any time of day. Weekends and bank holidays add a day to NEFT and RTGS transfers.

The receiving bank (where the NRE account is held) processes the incoming transfer and credits the account. This usually happens the same day for RTGS and IMPS, and the next business day for NEFT. If the money does not appear within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with the transaction reference number — your bank can track the transfer through the system.

Fees and charges

Same-bank transfers are usually free or cost a small amount (₹10 to ₹50, depending on the bank). Different-bank transfers carry higher fees: NEFT typically costs ₹2.50 to ₹25, RTGS costs ₹25 to ₹100, and IMPS costs ₹5 to ₹30. Some banks waive fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or hold premium accounts.

Ask your bank about its fee structure before you transfer. The fee is deducted from your savings account, so the amount that reaches the NRE account will be slightly less than what you sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from a joint savings account to an NRE account?

Yes, but only if you are an authorized signatory on the joint account. The transfer will debit the joint account, so the other account holder will see it in their statement. If the joint account requires both signatures for withdrawals, you may need the other holder's approval before the bank processes the transfer.

What if I enter the wrong NRE account number?

If the account number does not exist or belongs to someone else, the receiving bank will reject the transfer and send the money back to your savings account. This usually takes two to three business days. Check the account number and IFSC code twice before submitting, especially for different-bank transfers.

Do I need to inform the NRE account holder before transferring money?

No, but it is a good idea. The transfer will go through regardless, but the account holder should expect the money so they know to check their balance. If you are sending a large amount, a quick message prevents confusion.

Can I set up a recurring transfer from my savings account to an NRE account?

Yes, most banks allow you to schedule recurring transfers through their online portal. You set the amount, frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.), and end date, and the bank automatically transfers the money on the schedule you choose. This is useful if you regularly send money to an NRE account holder.

What if my bank says the transfer is not allowed?

This usually happens if you are a non-resident with an NRO account and cannot prove the rupees came from Indian income. Ask your bank what documentation they need. If the issue is a technical block on your account, contact the bank's customer service to have it removed.