How to send money to India: Step-by-Step
Sending money to India doesn't have to be complicated. Our step-by-step guide breaks down the best methods and providers, comparing their costs and speed. Here's how to send money internationally without the stress.
Here’s how to send money to India in 5 simple steps:
- 1Choose a Money Transfer Service
Research different money transfer services to find the right one for your specific payment. You can often send money overseas with your bank, but you might find that alternative methods and providers can offer a cheaper service. The most important thing to check is that you’re picking a reputable, trusted and regulated service which has an easy and intuitive sending process. Ask for recommendations from friends, and use our comparison tools to help you select the best option for your payment. - 2Register with your chosen provider
You’ll usually need to register an account before you can send money, which can often be done online or in app for convenience. While different providers will have their own registration processes you’ll have to provide your personal and contact information, and often a proof of ID, such as your passport or driving license. Sometimes proof of address, like a utility bill in your name, is also required. Digital providers let you supply these documents by simply taking a photo and uploading it to your account. - 3
Enter Recipient Details
Recipient details needed can vary depending on how you want the money to be received. If you’re sending to a bank account, you’ll be asked for the recipient’s name, account number and bank details. For mobile money deposits you’ll need the recipient’s name and phone number, and for cash collection payments you’ll have to give the recipient’s full name as shown on their ID. You’ll be guided through the process by on screen prompts and can usually open a live chat with an agent if you need to ask for advice as you go.
Bank details you'll typically need to send money to India are:- Account number
- IFSC code
- 4Select Amount and Currency
Add the amount you want to send in your home currency (i.e. Pound Sterling), or the amount the recipient should receive in their preferred currency (i.e. Indian Rupee). You can often choose different payment options, such as different pay in and pay out methods, to generate quotes you can compare. This allows you to pick the best option based on costs and convenience for your payment. - 5Pay for Your Transfer
Check everything over and then follow the steps to pay. What you need to do will depend on your preferred provider and payment method, but you’ll be guided through the steps to securely process your payment online or in app. Once your payment has been received you should receive a confirmation notification, and you can let the recipient know the money is on the way to them.
Money transfer services to India
Looking to send money to India? Compare the top providers below based on cost, speed and reviews
We only compare secure providers which we have researched, tested and approved. Important information
We want to find the best deal for you. So, although we may receive a referral fee if you choose one of these providers, it won't affect the ranking of the provider, the exchange rates or any fees you are charged. Our results are sorted in order of cheapest to most expensive cost to you. Learn more
Why compare sending money to India with us
How can I transfer money internationally to India?
Money transfer service
Digital money transfer services provide a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional banks for sending money internationally, typically operating online or through mobile apps and often leveraging different technologies to reduce fees and improve transfer speeds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Direct Debit
Paying for international money transfers via direct debit through online or app-based digital specialist services allows you to send funds directly from your bank account in your home currency, which the company then converts and sends to your recipient, either as a one-time or recurring payment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Bank Transfer
Paying via regular bank transfer to a money transfer service is usually possible online, by phone, or in person, and might be cheap if you're sending in Indian Rupee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Swift Transfer
Paying with SWIFT, a network for international money transfers between different countries and currencies, can typically be arranged through online banking but might take several days for the funds to reach the transfer provider and could involve higher fees.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Debit Card
Paying for international money transfers with a debit card is a fast and convenient, often fee-free method for immediate direct debits from your bank account, typically without charges if the currency isn't converted.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Credit Card
Using a credit card for international money transfers allows you to spread costs but often comes with high fees from both the transfer service and your card provider, though transfers are typically fast.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Google Pay
Using Google Pay for money transfers offers a fast and easy way to pay by accessing your linked debit or credit cards without needing to manually enter card details each time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Apple Pay
Apple Pay provides a simple and fast way to fund international transfers by using your linked cards with your phone's security for quick payments without manual card detail entry, if the provider supports it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Cash Pickup
For those who prefer in-person transactions, some money transfer services with extensive agent networks allow you to visit a local branch to arrange your overseas payment and pay in cash with face-to-face assistance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
How can I make sure my transfer to India is safe?
Payments sent with legitimate money transfer services and registered banks are generally considered safe to use, but you’ll still need to take some common sense steps to make sure your payment to India is safe.
Before you process your payment, check and double check that you’ve included all the required recipient information, and that the details are correct. Once the payment is on its way you can’t usually change or cancel it, so getting it right first time is crucial. Once your payment is made you can track it in the provider’s app or website, so you’ll be able to see when it arrives - and if you ever have any concerns you can talk to their customer service department online, in app or by phone.
How can I track my transfer to India?
You’ll often find the provider you use gives you a delivery estimate before you process your payment, to show how long it is likely to take for the money to be available to the recipient. You can then usually track the payment through the process so you’ll always know where your money is.
Some providers allow you to track your payment simply by logging into their app and selecting the payment within your account. Or you might be given a reference number when you confirm your transfer, which you’ll need to enter into the provider’s website to track the payment.
How much can I send to India online?
Different providers set their own transfer limits, which can include per payment, per day, per week or per month limits for example. Limits might also depend on the currency you’re sending, how the recipient will get the funds, and how you want to pay. Some services have a focus on small remittances, and therefore might have lower limits, while others - like Wise - have high limits to facilitate high value and business transfers as well as smaller payments.
You’ll be able to easily find details of any minimum and maximum payment requirements through your preferred provider’s app or website, and you can also contact their customer service team to ask if you have specific questions.
How long does it take to send money to India?
How long it will take to send money to India will depend on the provider you pick, how you pay, and how your recipient will get the money in the end.
Your provider won’t begin to process your payment until they’ve received the funds from you. That can mean that your payment is faster if you choose to pay with a card, as this tends to get the money more quickly into the provider’s account. Paying with your bank can sometimes take a little longer.
The receiving method also matters here. Payments sent through local banking networks, and to mobile money accounts, can often be pretty quick, while SWIFT transfers may take several days to arrive.
Generally you’ll be able to see a delivery estimate before you send so you can compare your delivery speed options with different services.
How to receive money from India?
Depending on how the person sending you money arranges the payment you may be able to receive money from India in one of the following ways:
- As a deposit to your bank account or card
- As a deposit to your mobile money account
- As cash you can collect at an agent locally
- As cash which is delivered to your home
- Using a multi-currency account
Not all delivery methods are available with all providers, so you’ll need to talk through the options with the person sending you money so you can agree on the best option to make the payment.
For more information, take a look at our how to receive money from India guide.
Conclusion
There are quite a few different ways to send money to India - which is good news as it’ll allow you to pick the one which best suits your needs. However, it also means you’ll need to invest a bit of time in thinking about what will work best for you as the sender, and for the person you’re transferring money to in target-country. Use this guide to consider your options, thinking about the best balance of costs, convenience and speed.
Look at how payments arranged through your bank may work, but compare the services of specialists like Wiseand OFX too. Specialist money transfer services can often offer low costs, great exchange rates and fast payments to get your money moving as quickly as possible.