How to Send Money to India: Fees, Speed, and Best Methods  

India received $129 billion in remittances in 2024, making it the top destination for money transfers worldwide. Whether you’re supporting family or covering urgent expenses, choosing the right transfer method can save you time and money. 

This guide breaks down the most common ways to send money to India—including costs, delivery times, and how to get started with Ria. 

Ways to Send Money to India  

There are various ways to send money to India, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here’s an overview of the most used methods:  

Bank Transfers  

Traditional bank transfers are secure and widely used for large amounts. However, they tend to be slower and more expensive compared to other options.  

• How it works: Transfer money directly between bank accounts using online banking or visiting your branch.  

• Pros: Reliable, secure, ideal for high-value transfers. 

• Cons: Slower (1–3 business days) with higher fees and less favorable exchange rates.  

Ria partners with major Indian banks like ICICI, HDFC, and State Bank of India, to ensure smooth and secure transfers. 

Money Transfer Companies  

Services like Ria Money Transfer make it easy to send money to India quickly and securely. We offer several payout options, including cash pickups and bank account deposits.  

• How it works: Transfer funds online, via the Ria app, or at an agent location.  

• Pros: Fast (often within minutes), multiple payout options, competitive fees.  

• Cons: Fees and exchange rates vary based on payment methods and transfer speeds.  

Digital Wallets  

Digital wallets  have transformed the way money moves. These are great for tech-savvy users familiar with electronic payments.  

• Pros: Instant transfers, available 24/7, easy to use. 

• Cons: Limited to users with compatible digital wallets; may require linking bank accounts.  

Paytm is one of the most popular digital wallets in India, and you can send money to it with Ria today. 

Debit Card Transfers  

Using platforms like Visa Direct  you can deposit money directly onto a recipient’s debit card.  

• How it works: Funds are sent to the recipient’s debit card from your account.  

• Pros: Speedy (can be completed in minutes), convenient, and easy for the recipient. 

• Cons: Not all banks accept these transfers; fees may apply.  

Cash Pickup Services  

Not everyone has access to a bank account in India. Cash pickup services allow recipients to collect money in person at designated locations.  

• How it works: Use an online portal or agent to send money; the recipient collects cash at a pickup location.  

• Pros: Perfect for recipients without bank accounts or digital access.  

• Cons: Requires travel to a pickup point and may involve local fees.  
  

How Much Does It Cost to Send Money to India?  

total cost of your transfer depends on a few key factors: 

• Your payment method (bank account, debit card, or credit card) 

• The delivery method (bank deposit, cash pickup, etc.) 

• Exchange rates at the time of the transfer 

• Transfer amount 

With Ria, you can always check the exact fees and exchange rates before confirming your transfer with our Ria calculator. 

Example Cost Comparison: 

How Long Does It Take to Send Money to India?  

Speed varies based on the provider and payment method. Here’s what you can expect:  

Fast Transfers  

Many services, such as Ria, offer transfers that can be completed in just a few minutes.  

Same-Day Transfers  

Bank transfers sent early in the day often process by the same evening.  

Standard Transfers (1–3 Business Days)  

Traditional bank deposits or providers with slower processes typically operate within this timeframe.  

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Money to India with Ria  

Ria makes sending money internationally simple, fast, and secure. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps:  

1. Sign Up for an Account  

• Go to the Ria Money Transfer website or download the Ria app.  

• Create an account using your email address, and set a secure password.  

• You may need to verify your identity by uploading a valid ID, especially for higher transfer amounts.  

2. Begin a New Transfer  

• Click “Send Money” and select India as the destination.  

• Enter the amount you’re sending in either USD or INR.  

3. Choose a Delivery Method  

• Bank Transfer: Send funds directly to the recipient’s account.  

• Cash Pickup: Recipients can collect cash from thousands of Ria agent locations across India.  

• Unified Payments Interface: funds are sent directly to a recipient’s UPI-linked bank account using their UPI ID, mobile number, or bank account details. 

4. Enter Recipient Information  

• For bank deposits: Provide the recipient’s account number, bank name, and full name as it appears on official documents.  

• For cash pickup: Enter the recipient’s full name accurately to match their ID.  

5. Select a Payment Method  

• Pay via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.  

• Bank transfers tend to have the lowest fees, while credit cards may incur higher costs for faster payments.  

6. Review & Confirm  

• Double-check all details: 

• Transfer amount.  

• Fees and exchange rates.  

• Recipient information.  

• Confirm the transfer and submit your payment.  

7. Track Your Transfer  

• You’ll receive a tracking PIN to monitor the status of your transfer.  

• For cash pickups, share this PIN with your recipient.  

8. Notify the Recipient  

• Ensure your recipient knows where and when to collect their funds.  

• For cash pickups, they must present their ID and the tracking PIN at designated locations.  
  

FAQs About Sending Money to India  

Is it safe to send money online? 

Yes. Ria uses encryption, identity verification, and secure systems to protect your transfer every step of the way. We’ve helped millions of people send money across the globe for over 35 years. 

What is the cheapest way to send money to India? 

Generally, paying with your bank account and sending to a recipient’s bank account in India is the most cost-effective option. This method usually has lower fees and strong exchange rates. 

Can I send money to a debit card in India? 

Ria doesn’t currently support transfers directly to Indian debit cards. However, you can send funds to your recipient’s bank account, which is typically linked to their debit card for easy access. 

How much money can I send to India at once through Ria? 

Limits vary depending on your location, how you pay, and your recipient’s payout method. You’ll see the exact limit when setting up your transfer. If you need to send a large amount, additional verification may be required for your safety. 

Send Money to India with Ria Today 

Whether you’re sending funds for family expenses, emergencies, or special occasions, choosing the right transfer service is key. Ria offers fast, cost-effective, and secure options to send money to India, making it one of the best choices for your international remittance needs.

Start your transfer to India today.