
Wire transfers are a popular way to send money to India, and for good reason - they're generally fast and secure.
The fees for wire transfers can vary depending on the sender's bank and the amount being sent, but on average, you can expect to pay around 3-5% of the transfer amount as a fee.
To send a wire transfer to India, you'll typically need to provide your recipient's bank account details, including their bank name, account number, and IFSC code.
The entire process usually takes around 1-3 business days, depending on the transfer method and the recipient's bank's processing time.
Sending Money to India
Sending money to India is a safe and secure process, especially with wire transfers. A wire transfer is an electronic mode of sending money from one account to another in any part of the world.
You can use a wire transfer to send money overseas, including to India, and it's a fast and convenient option. Banks may charge a fee for a wire transfer, so be sure to check with your bank for any associated costs.

IDFC FIRST Bank offers an online fund transfer option that allows you to send money from the USA to India. You can add an IDFC FIRST Bank account holder as a beneficiary to send money online.
Alternatively, you can use the wire transfer option at your local bank and choose an IDFC FIRST Bank account holder as the beneficiary.
Fees and Charges
IDFC FIRST Bank doesn't charge anything for funds sent from the USA to India, but GST will be levied on the converted amount.
The remitting bank may charge fees for routing funds through their correspondent banks, but these are not IDFC FIRST Bank's responsibility.
Some transfer types have different fees, which are usually tiny, and you'll always see the total cost upfront.
Fees for US Fund Transfers with IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Bank doesn't charge anything for sending funds from the USA to India. However, GST will be levied on the converted gross INR amount, as per the existing Tax slab.

The bank doesn't have control over the correspondent banks that route funds through their arrangement, and these banks may levy certain charges for their services.
If funds in USD are routed through IDFC FIRST Bank's USD Nostro partner JP Morgan Chase, they won't charge anything for the transfer.
The recipient gets the money in INR directly from Wise's local bank account, but IDFC FIRST Bank's fees and charges are not applicable in this case.
Fee Varies by Type
Fees can vary depending on the transfer type you choose. For instance, Wise charges a small flat fee of 7.17 USD plus 0.46% of the converted amount.
Some transfer types have different fees, which are usually tiny. IDFC FIRST Bank doesn't charge anything for funds sent from the USA to India if funds in USD are routed through their partner JP Morgan Chase.
The remitting bank may levy certain charges for rendering their services, which are neither in the control of nor the responsibility of IDFC FIRST Bank. These charges can be unpredictable, so it's essential to check with your bank.
The recipient gets money in INR directly from Wise's local bank account, which can be a cost-effective option.
Benefits and Features

With wire transfers, you can send money from anywhere in the USA to India, making it a convenient option for those who need to transfer funds across borders.
One of the key benefits of wire transfers is that they are fast and secure, with money reaching the recipient quickly, often within 24-48 hours.
You can initiate wire transfers from your bank branch or online banking, eliminating the need to carry cash and making the process even more convenient.
Wire transfers also allow for large transfers, which can be beneficial for those who need to send significant amounts of money.
Here are some key features and benefits of wire transfers:
With these features and benefits, wire transfers are a reliable and efficient way to send money to India.
Understanding the Process
Wire transfer is an affordable way of international fund transfers, for example sending money from the USA to India.
To initiate a wire transfer, you'll need to provide your recipient's name, address, contact details, bank account details, and the receiving bank's information, including their SWIFT code. This information is used to verify the transaction and ensure the money reaches the right person.

Your bank will then initiate the transfer by sending a secure message to the recipient's bank with the transfer instructions. This message includes the amount you want to send and the reason for the transfer.
The recipient's bank receives the message, verifies the details, and deposits the money into their account. This process is usually quick and efficient, with the funds available to the recipient shortly after the transfer is initiated.
3 Easy Steps Guide
Understanding the Process can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a simplified 3 Easy Steps Guide to help you navigate it.
First, clarify your goals. This will help you identify what you want to achieve and make the process more manageable. For example, if you're looking to improve your physical health, setting specific goals like exercising for 30 minutes a day or eating five servings of fruits and vegetables can make a big difference.

Second, break down the process into smaller tasks. This will make it feel less daunting and more achievable. For instance, if you're trying to learn a new language, breaking it down into smaller tasks like practicing vocabulary for 10 minutes a day or listening to a podcast in the target language can help you stay on track.
Finally, create a schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key when it comes to making progress. By allocating specific times for each task, you'll be more likely to stay on track and make progress towards your goals.
What Does Mean?
Wire transfers are an affordable way to send money internationally, such as from the USA to India. In fact, they're often cheaper than other methods.
Intermediary banks play a crucial role in wire transfers, providing low or negligible overhead charges that make the process cheap.
How It Works
To understand how wire transfers work, let's break it down step by step.

You'll need to provide your sender's bank with the recipient's information, including their name, address, contact details, bank account details, and the receiving bank's information, such as their name, address, and SWIFT code. This is a crucial step in initiating the transfer.
Your bank will then send a secure message to the recipient's bank with the transfer instructions. This message contains all the necessary details for the transfer to be completed.
The recipient's bank receives the message, verifies the details, and deposits the money into their account. This process is usually quick and secure.
Here's a simplified overview of the wire transfer process:
As you can see, wire transfers involve a few key steps that ensure the transfer is completed quickly and securely.
Important Considerations
When sending money to India through wire transfer, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Fees apply for both domestic and international wire transfers, so be sure to check with your bank for the specific fees involved.

Initiating the transfer before the cut-off time can help ensure faster processing. In fact, banks typically have cut-off times for processing wire transfers, so make sure you initiate the transfer before the cut-off time.
Accuracy is also crucial when sending wire transfers. Double-check all details before sending the transfer, as any mistakes can delay or even prevent the transfer.
Here are some key things to consider when sending wire transfers:
- Fees: Wire transfers typically involve fees from both your bank and the receiving bank.
- Accuracy: Double-check all details before sending the transfer.
In rare cases, due to various factors, the transfer may take longer than expected. But with careful planning and attention to detail, you can help ensure a smooth and efficient transfer.
Security and Time
Wire transfers to India can be a convenient and reliable way to send money, but it's essential to consider the security and time involved in the process. Most banks and money transfer services have strong security measures in place, like verifying the identity of both the sender and receiver.

Transfers typically happen through secure banking networks, making it difficult for hackers to intercept the information. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) also monitor international wire transfers to prevent fraud and illegal activities.
To minimize risks, only use legitimate and trusted banks or money transfer services, and double-check the recipient's details before confirming the transfer. Be wary of unsolicited requests for wire transfers, and inform your bank immediately if you suspect any suspicious activity.
Here are some key points to keep in mind for increased security:
- Only use legitimate and trusted banks or money transfer services.
- Double-check the recipient's details before confirming the transfer, especially their account number and name.
- Be wary of unsolicited requests for wire transfers, especially from unknown individuals or companies.
- Inform your bank immediately if you suspect any suspicious activity related to your wire transfer.
Secure Transfers
Making secure transfers is a top priority when sending money abroad. Most banks and money transfer services have strong security measures in place, such as verifying the identity of both the sender and receiver.
This helps prevent unauthorized transactions and ensures money reaches the right person. Transfers typically happen through secure banking networks, making it difficult for hackers to intercept the information.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) monitor international wire transfers originating from India to prevent fraud and illegal activities.
To minimize risks, only use legitimate and trusted banks or money transfer services. Double-check the recipient's details before confirming the transfer, especially their account number and name.
Here are some key security measures to keep in mind:
- Verify the identity of both the sender and receiver
- Use secure networks for transfers
- Only use legitimate and trusted banks or money transfer services
- Double-check the recipient's details before confirming the transfer
- Be wary of unsolicited requests for wire transfers
- Inform your bank immediately if you suspect any suspicious activity
International Payment Processing Time
International Payment Processing Time is a crucial aspect to consider when sending or receiving funds across borders. Domestic transfers within India typically take 1-2 business days to reach the recipient's account.
For international transfers, the processing time varies greatly depending on several factors. These can take anywhere from 1-5 business days, depending on the destination country, bank processing times, and weekends/holidays.
If you're sending money internationally, it's essential to factor in these potential delays to avoid any inconvenience. Domestic transfers, on the other hand, are generally faster and more reliable.
Here's a breakdown of international payment processing times:
Alternatives

If you're looking for ways to send money to India besides wire transfers, you're in luck. There are several alternatives you might find easier.
Always check with your bank or chosen service provider for any fees or limitations before sending money. This will help you avoid any surprises down the line.
Here are some options you might find useful:
- There are at least 3 alternatives to wire transfers mentioned in the article.
- It's essential to check with your bank or chosen service provider for any fees or limitations before sending money.
IDFC FIRST Bank and NRI Remittance
IDFC FIRST Bank offers a convenient way to send money to India through wire transfers. This involves your bank acting as an intermediary to transfer money to the beneficiary’s account.
The process is quite straightforward: senders require certain details such as your full name, address, bank’s SWIFT code and purpose of transfer. Upon receiving the information, senders will initiate the transfer.
You'll be notified via email or phone when you receive the inward remittance. This is a big plus, as you'll know exactly when the money has arrived.

It takes 3-5 business days to complete the wire transfer, so plan accordingly if you're sending money to India. This might seem like a long time, but it's a common timeframe for international transactions.
You can also opt for electronic funds transfer, which is a faster option. Money can be transferred within a day, making it a great choice if you're in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we zelle to India from the USA?
Unfortunately, Zelle is not suitable for international transactions, including sending money to India from the USA, as both sender and recipient must have a US bank account. For international money transfers, consider alternative services like PayPal or Western Union.
Which Indian bank is best for international wire transfers?
For international wire transfers, ICICI and Axis banks are often preferred due to their efficient and reliable cross-border payment services. However, it's recommended to check with your specific bank and transfer requirements for the best option.
Do I need a swift code to send money to India?
To send money to India, you'll need a SWIFT code to ensure your transfer arrives safely. Find out more about how to obtain a SWIFT code and complete your international money transfer.
Sources
- https://www.dbs.com/in/treasures/nri-banking/remittance/send-money-to-india/wire-transfer
- https://www.idfcfirstbank.com/nri-banking/remittance/send-money-to-india/money-transfer-from-usa-to-india
- https://www.indusind.com/iblogs/manage-your-finance/guidelines-to-transfer-money-from-abroad-to-india/
- https://easebuzz.in/explainers/features-and-updates/wire-transfers/
- https://wise.com/in/send-money/send-money-to-india-from-the-usa
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