Who sends money from the US to India
Common senders: workers supporting family, diaspora communities sending regular monthly support, and people paying bills back home.
Worked example: sending 500 USD
Using the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, 1 USD = 96.7300 INR, our estimate model gives these results for sending 500 USD:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | 1.50 USD | 47,978.81 INR | 386.19 INR |
| Wise | 4.00 USD | 47,978.08 INR | 386.92 INR |
| Remitly | 0.00 USD | 47,784.62 INR | 580.38 INR |
| Western Union | 5.00 USD | 46,923.72 INR | 1,441.28 INR |
| Bank wire (typical) | 20.00 USD | 45,269.64 INR | 3,095.36 INR |
In this example Revolut delivers roughly 2,709.17 INR more than a typical bank wire. Rates move daily and providers change pricing, so treat this as an illustration from our model; the live calculator above and the provider's own quote are what count. See how we estimate.
Sending to India: what to know
- Payout options: UPI, bank account (IFSC) and some cash pickup.
- Indian recipients usually get funds fastest via UPI or IMPS-enabled bank accounts.
- NRIs can receive into NRE or NRO accounts; NRE balances are repatriable.
Rules and limits
In the US: Under the CFPB Remittance Transfer Rule, US providers must disclose the exchange rate, fees and the amount to be received before you pay, and you can generally cancel for free within 30 minutes. Gifts to one person above the annual gift-tax exclusion may require a Form 709 filing (usually no tax is due); ask a tax professional.
In India: Inward remittances to India fall under FEMA. Banks may ask the recipient for KYC or PAN on large amounts, and family support is commonly reported under purpose code P1301. India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS, USD 250,000 per financial year) limits money residents send out of India; it does not cap money sent into India.
How to pick the cheapest option
- Compare the amount received, not the fee. "Zero fee" offers usually hide their cost in the rate. How markups work.
- Small amounts: watch fixed fees. Large amounts: watch the markup.
- Avoid intermediary deductions. SWIFT wires can lose $10–30 in transit. Why.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money from the US to India?
It depends on the amount and the day's pricing. This page calculates, at today's mid-market rate, how much INR each provider delivers for 500 USD; the top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 500 USD?
Using the reference rate on 2026-10-07, our model puts the gap at about 2,709.17 INR versus the cheapest option. Rates and pricing change daily.
How can my recipient in India receive the money?
Common payout options are UPI, bank account (IFSC) and some cash pickup. Availability differs by provider, so check before you send.
How long does it take?
Digital services usually take minutes to 1–2 business days; bank wires often take 2–5 business days.