In this article, I will cover the best ways to transfer money from India to the USA legally, efficiently, and safely.
There are several methods that one can use to send money overseas, either for educational purposes, family aid, or business purposes, and understanding the essentials and the RBI guidelines is imperative. Consider this your guide to global transfers.
Introduction International Money Transfers
Moving money around the globe has advanced into one of the new necessities of life. This is so because banking has made it easier to transfer funds. For international students or business men with families in India and USA, transferring money is a normal yet complex challenge.
Digital banking now allows the money to be sent internationally, in a faster and lless risky manner in comparison to the old systems. Regardless of the platform you use, it is always better to grasp the legal conditions set by the respective countries first.

These include the restrictions placed, the fees to be paid, paying in cash or cheque, and the applicable exchange rates.
It is to be noted that having a sound legal understanding will lessen the complexity associated with transferring funds internationally. In this post, we will provide guidance towards the simplest yet safe techniques to ensure a successful transfer from India to USA.
How To Transfer Money from India To The USA By Wise
Wise simplifies international transfers of funds as compared to other service providers. Although the procedures might seem complicated, Wise steps in and transforms transparent payments into speedy and easy ones. Here’s the process of sending money from India to the USA using Wise:
Step 1: Create a Wise Account

- Download and install Wise’s application, or simply visit wise.com
- You can register using a Google or Apple account; alternatively, just add your email.
- Provide genuine documents for identity verification. A PAN card and an Aadhaar can serve, coupled with a relevant address.
Step 2: Start a New Transfer
- On the Wise dashboard, select the “Send Money” option.
- Wisely estimate how much you’d want to send expressed in INR.
- Toggle select your desired currency to be exchanged to USD. (Remember, the receiving country is the USA).
- Wise, in this step is promising to display the true exchange price, all to be deducted fees and expected date of money transfer.
Add recipient
Step 3 entails adding the description of the recipient. Decide if you need to send the money to yourself or to a third party.
- Fill in the recipient’s bank account information in the USA:
- Name on the Account ll
- Account number
- Bank Name
- Routing number, if it is a US bank
Step 4: Select a Method of Payment
In India, Wise allows payment through:
- Bank transfer (NEFT/RTGS)
- UPI
- Credit or debit cards
Keep in mind: Bank transfers are usually the most cost-effective option.
Step 5: Confirm, Then Send
- Ensure all details are correct and the recipient information is accurate.
- Click confirm and allow for the transaction to be initiated.
- A tracking link will be provided to follow the progress of the transfer.
Time for Transfer
Using Wise, transfers to the United States will take on average 1 – 2 working days, and may be faster based on the chosen method of payment.
Fees and Exchange Rate
Wise will charge a low, transparent fee for the service, as well as offering the mid-market exchange rate, which is the stated rate of exchange on google. There will not be any surcharges for converting currency, and no hidden fees.
Is Wise Safe to Use?
Of course! Wise is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom and is compliant with the RBI rules from India pertaining to remittances outside the nation under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Transfer Method

Transfer Fees
Every provider has different transfer fees according to the amount being transferred, destination and mode of payment. Some have flat fees, while others have a mark up fee per amount being paid.
Exchange rates Offered Per Provider
The amount of money receivers receive depend a lot on the exchange rates. Even small percentages of differences could become huge value losses when dealing with large transfers. Check these websites that offer exchange rates in real time or mid market rate.
Transfer Speed
Depending on provider’s methods of transfers some transfer money in minutes while some take days. While choosing a provider it is critical to assess the level of urgency required with the funds.
Transfer Limits
There are minimum and maximum bounds for almost every service on the market per transaction, as well as daily limits. Ensure that the transfer amount lies within the limits before proceeding.
Payment Methods
Find out how you can fund the account through a bank transfer, UPI, debit card, or credit card. Certain payment methods may have quicker processing times or better rates.
Receiving Methods
Think about how the recipient will receive the money: is it through a direct bank deposit, a mobile wallet, or cash withdrawal? Go with the option that suits them best.
Customer Service
Quality customer service is very important if there are problems. Check that solutions have 24/7 customer support and varied methods of being contacted.
Compliance and Security
Make sure the service is registered with the RBI and has secure encryption protocols. Also, verify that it adheres to the LRS (Liberalised Remittance Scheme) of India.
Is it legal to transfer money from India to USA?
Sure, it is permissible to move funds from India to the USA as long as the policies given by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are followed.
The RBI allows residents to remit funds as specified under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which permits remittances up to USD 250,000 reservable per financial year for permitted expenses like education, medical expenditures, travel, family maintenance, or even gifts.
The transfer must be done through affiliated banks or financial entities that require documentation, including a PAN card and a purpose code. It is critical to send funds via RBI prescribed pathways, ensuring the reason for the transfer is well stated.
Regulated channels do not impose undue fines and also ensure the reason for sending funds is well articulated to avoid issues with Indian statutes. It is essential that the proper purpose codes are referenced to guarantee that the transaction is compliant with laws governing India.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is safety and legality when transferring money from India to the USA through verified channels.
Understanding your preferred method of transfer and A) analyzing the fee and rate structure B) the guidelines established by the RBI will help you ensure a seamless transfer.
Using a reputable provider while supplying relevant information will help you get the most out of international remittances.