Send Money to India - Compare Best Rates
Compare 4+ money transfer services to India. Find the best USD to INR exchange rates, lowest fees, and fastest delivery via Bank Transfer (NEFT/IMPS), UPI, Cash Pickup.
How to Send Money to India in 2026
India receives more remittances than any other country in the world, with over $125 billion sent annually by the Indian diaspora. Whether you're an NRI supporting family, paying for property, or investing in India, finding the right money transfer service can save you hundreds of dollars in fees and exchange rate margins.
Ways to Receive Money in India
Bank Deposit (IMPS/NEFT)
Direct deposit to any Indian bank account using IFSC code
UPI Transfer
Send directly to recipient's UPI ID (VPA) for instant credit
Cash Pickup
Recipient collects cash at agent locations across India
Mobile Wallet
Credit to Paytm, PhonePe, or other Indian mobile wallets
Why Compare Money Transfer Rates to India?
Exchange rates and fees vary significantly between providers. On a $1,000 transfer, the difference between the best and worst provider can be $30-50. For regular senders, this adds up to hundreds of dollars per year. RemitAnalyst compares 15+ providers in real-time to find you the best deal.
Best Money Transfer Services to India
Top-rated providers for India include Wise (best rates), Remitly (best for speed), Western Union (widest network), and Xoom (PayPal integration). Each has different strengths depending on your transfer amount, urgency, and preferred delivery method.
Wise
Best exchange ratesRemitly
Fast deliveryWestern Union
Widest agent networkXoom (PayPal)
PayPal integrationTips for Sending Money to India
- Send larger amounts less frequently to minimize per-transaction fees
- Use bank transfer (ACH) funding instead of debit/credit cards to save 1-3%
- Set up rate alerts to transfer when USD/INR is favorable
- Verify recipient's IFSC code using RBI's official tool
- Consider UPI for instant 24/7 transfers to any bank account
What to Consider When Sending Money to India
Exchange Rate
Compare rates to the mid-market USD/INR rate. Even 0.5% difference saves $5 on every $1,000.
Transfer Fees
Fees range from $0 to $10+. Watch for hidden costs in exchange rate margins.
Transfer Speed
UPI transfers are instant 24/7. IMPS takes minutes, NEFT same day.
Security & Regulation
Use licensed services regulated by Reserve Bank of India (RBI). All RemitAnalyst providers are verified.
Top Money Transfer Services to India
Compare fees, exchange rates, and transfer speeds from trusted providers
| Provider | Rating | Speed | Fees | Highlight | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1Wise | 1-2 days | Low fees | Best exchange rates | Compare | |
#2Remitly | Minutes | From $0 | Fast delivery | Compare | |
#3WorldRemit | Minutes to days | Low fees | Many payout options | Compare | |
#4Western Union | Minutes | Varies | Global network | Compare | |
#5Xoom | Minutes to days | From $0 | PayPal backed | Compare | |
#6XE | 1-4 days | No fees | No transfer fees | Compare |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sending Money to India
Everything you need to know about international money transfers
The best way depends on your priorities. For the best USD to INR exchange rate, Wise (formerly TransferWise) typically offers rates closest to the mid-market rate. For speed, Remitly and Western Union offer instant transfers via UPI or cash pickup. For large amounts ($10,000+), services like OFX or XE may offer better rates. Always compare on RemitAnalyst to find the best deal for your specific amount.
Wise consistently offers exchange rates closest to the mid-market rate with transparent fees. Remitly, Xoom, and WorldRemit also offer competitive rates, especially with promotional offers for new customers. The best rate can change daily, so use RemitAnalyst to compare live rates across all providers before sending.
Transfer times vary: UPI transfers and cash pickups via Western Union are typically instant (minutes). Bank transfers via IMPS are credited within 2 hours. NEFT transfers complete same business day. Standard bank transfers through Wise take 1-2 business days. Express options cost more but deliver faster.
Yes! Many international money transfer services now support UPI transfers to India. Wise, Remitly, and Xoom allow you to send money directly to a UPI ID (Virtual Payment Address). UPI transfers are instant, available 24/7, and the recipient gets money directly in their bank account.
For bank transfers to India, you need: 1) Recipient's full name (as per bank records), 2) Bank account number, 3) IFSC code (11-character code identifying the bank branch), 4) Bank name and branch (optional but helpful). For UPI: just the recipient's UPI ID. For cash pickup: recipient's name as per government ID.
Limits vary by provider and your verification level. Most services allow $2,500-$10,000 per transaction with basic verification. Wise allows up to $1 million for fully verified accounts. Under RBI's Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indian residents can receive up to $250,000 per financial year without special documentation.
Yes, sending money online is safe when using licensed providers. All services on RemitAnalyst are regulated by authorities like FinCEN (USA), FCA (UK), or ASIC (Australia). They use bank-level encryption (256-bit SSL) and comply with anti-money laundering regulations. Always use official apps or websites.
The cheapest method depends on amount and speed: For best rates on large transfers ($1,000+), use Wise or OFX. For small amounts with free transfers, Remitly often offers $0 fee promotions. Avoid credit card funding (3% extra fee) - use bank transfer or debit card instead. Compare total cost (fees + exchange rate) on RemitAnalyst.
In most cases, money sent to family in India is not taxable for the recipient as it's considered a gift. However, if you're an NRI sending money to your own NRE/NRO account, different rules apply. For business payments, TDS may apply. Consult a tax advisor for large or regular transfers.
Exchange rates fluctuate constantly throughout the day. RemitAnalyst shows live rates from 15+ providers updated every few minutes. As of late 2024, USD/INR typically trades between ₹83-85. The 'mid-market rate' (what banks use) is the fairest benchmark - look for providers offering rates close to this.
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