Transfer Money India to USA

India ranks among the largest immigrant populations in the United States. Since the start of the 1900s, they have been moving to the United States, and they often require money from India.

The straightforwardness of business policies between the two countries and advances in technology have made international money transfers simple. Here, we have outlined some of the most effective methods for sending money from India to the United States as well as some considerations.  

Is it Possible to Transfer Money from India to USA

The process of sending money abroad differs a little from sending it domestically in the United States. The term ‘foreign exchange’ or ‘forex’ is used to describe such transactions. The Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 (FEMA) governs the legal framework for sending money to the United States as well as other foreign countries. The FEMA became effective on 1 June 2020 and regulates all foreign exchange transactions.

Activities like playing the lottery, trading foreign exchange, and transferring money between capital accounts. You are only permitted to transfer up to $2,50,000 in a calendar year as per the Liberalised Remittance Scheme. Therefore, it is possible to send money from India to the US without any issue if it is sent for the right reason. The following uses of foreign exchange services are permitted, according to FEMA:

  1. Private visit to any country
  1. Travelling for work abroad
  1. Business and travel purposes
  1. Medical costs
  1. Education
  1. Donations and gifts
  1. Financial support for a close relative living abroad

Methods to Transfer Money from India to USA

There are several ways to send money abroad. These vary in terms of charges, simplicity, and speed. The top three methods for sending money from India to the USA are as follows:

  1. Online Money Transfer Service Providers
  1. Wire Transfer
  1. Foreign Currency Demand Draft

Online Money Transfer Service Providers:

Many service providers emerged to meet the demand created by the growing requirement to send money abroad. These are committed businesses that focus on foreign exchange. They offer services similar to those of a bank. When you deposit the money, the service provider will send it to the US in exchange for a fee. This service can also be availed from home now if you have stable internet and secure end-to-end communication.

Wire Transfer:

The wire transfer option offered by banks allows you to send money to the United States. The majority of banks, particularly private ones, provide you with a service known as Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) transfer. With the help of this service, you can transfer money to a recipient's American bank account. You just have to complete a form with the necessary information, including the beneficiary's account number, the SWIFT code, and the address of the bank.

A unique SWIFT code has been given to each bank linked to the SWIFT network. You can use this service if your online banking is active. You must enable the foreign wire transfer feature for this.

Foreign Currency Demand Draft:

Demand drafts are convenient and versatile to send money. You can send money from India to the United States using foreign currency demand drafts. You must contact your bank requesting a demand draft to use this facility. You will need to provide the amount and information about the account holder. The demand draft will be created by the bank which can then be sent to the recipient in the US.

Your account will be debited for the same sum in addition to the associated fees. Although this method is easy, one drawback is how long it takes to process.

Documents Required to Transfer Money from India to USA 

The documents and the method of transfer, like a bank transfer or online transfer, vary between service providers. Account holders are not required to submit their documents, but non-account holders must provide a photocopy of their PAN card. To send money to the United States, a service provider asks for the following basic information:

  1. Details of the beneficiary: Name, account number, address, and country
  1. SWIFT Code: An eight to 11-digit special code that identifies the name, address, country code, and branch code of the receiving bank. The overseas bank receives instructions about incoming payments via the SWIFT code.
  1. Routing Number: Routing Number, a nine-digit code mentioned on cheque leaves identifies the bank information of the sender. It is also available on bank websites or mobile applications.

Note: To transfer the amount to the US, some service providers may require additional paperwork or details regarding the transfer's purpose.

Charges to Transfer Money to USA

The mode of transfer (offline or online), the amount to be sent, and other factors all impact the fees that lending institutions charge. Service providers must explain all fees and charges related to money transfers to the United States. The two basic fees to transfer money to the United States are as follows.

Foreign exchange markup: When money is transferred to the USA, a markup on the exchange rate is imposed. The foreign exchange markup fee differs depending on the bank, the amount transferred, and the money transfer service provider used.

Fees for money transfers: These fees vary depending on the method of transfer. They are typically a percentage of the transferred amount.

Finding the most affordable option requires comparing the costs and exchange rates of various service providers. Although each service is subject to the goods and services tax (GST), providers can additionally charge a commission for offline transfers made through a branch.

Factors to Consider When Transferring Money from India to USA  

The factors you should keep in mind when sending money from India to the United States are as follows:

Exchange Rates: Finding the best exchange rate is one of the most crucial factors when sending money abroad. The exchange rates are constantly fluctuating and may spike in a matter of seconds, raising the price. They assist you in saving or limiting your spending.

Fees and Charges: The cost of fees and charges is a crucial aspect to take into account when sending money from India to the US. A few banks might charge Rs.1,000 for each transfer a certain percentage of the transfer amount.

Transfer Speed: You should be aware that some transfer methods are quicker compared to others. The fastest speed is provided by services like Wire Transfer and Western Union.

Tax Clearance: The criteria for tax clearance vary from one country to another. Residents aged 18 years or older may use a certain amount of discretionary allowance annually in certain circumstances. Additionally, there are allowances for making investments money abroad.

Customer Support: In the case of issues like delayed or undelivered funds, it is important to have access to dependable assistance. Therefore, make sure to verify that the remittance company you choose provides reliable customer service.

Security: Prioritising security measures is essential when choosing a money transfer service. Choose a provider that uses encryption to protect both the transmission of your money and your personal data. This will make the transfer process more secure.

FAQs on Transfer Money India to USA

  • How much money can a resident Indian transfer to the US?

    According to the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), a resident Indian may send up to $250,000 in a fiscal year under the liberalized remittance scheme (LRS). 

  • What fees apply when sending money from India to the United States?

    Foreign exchange markup and money transfer fees are the two main fees associated with sending money to the United States.

  • How much money can an NRE account holder send from India to the United States?

    The amount that can be sent to the United States by an NRE account holder does not have any cap.

  • What is the maximum amount that can be sent from India to the US using an NRO account?

    There is no cap on money transfers for NRO account holders whose source of funds is current income. The remittance cap for transactions where non-current income is the source of funding is set at $1 million per year or its equivalent. 

  • Will the money I send to the USA be subject to taxes?

    All forex remittance transactions under LRS that surpass the maximum threshold of Rs.7 lakh in a financial year will be subject to tax. All Forex Purchase Transactions under LRS, regardless of their format, will be subject to Tax collection at source (TCS) at 5%. For money transfers made using educational loans acquired from financial institutions, the rate is set at 0.5%.

  • What is the maximum amount that can be sent from an Indian foreign national account to the USA?

    For foreign nationals, the maximum amount that can be transferred is the salary that was received in India after taxes.

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