The fastest and easiest ways to send USD from India to the US

Adeolu Titus Adekunle

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Sending USD from India to the United States can sometimes feel complex, especially with strict regulations and fluctuating exchange rates. Whether you’re supporting a family member, paying for education, or making payments, the key is finding a fast and convenient method.

With today’s emerging banking platform, it is now easy to transfer USD from India to the US with speed, transparency, and minimal hassle. We have curated the fastest and easiest ways to send money from India to the US.

Considerations when choosing a transfer method

India’s foreign exchange regulations under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limit how much you can remit annually. They may require extensive paperwork depending on your bank. Meanwhile, international wire transfers are often slow, expensive, and not transparent. That’s why it is essential to choose a platform that simplifies the process, offers speed, and remains compliant.

Here are the factors you should consider before selecting a platform. We also considered these points when curating this list.

  • Transfer speed: Some methods are instant; others may take 2–5 business days.
  • Fees: Look for transparent platforms that show you what you’re paying.
  • Exchange rates: Hidden markups can reduce the amount the recipient gets.
  • Transfer regulations: Review transfer regulations involving India and the US before initiating transactions. For instance, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) restricts foreign outward remittances to USD 250,000 per financial year for residents.
  • Ease of use: Platforms with digital onboarding and mobile apps can make repeat transfers easier.

Read also: India visa requirements for US citizens

Top platforms to send USD from India to the US

Here are some of the widely recommended global payment platforms for sending USD from India to the US.

1. Grey

Grey is a digital finance platform built for cross-border transactions. With a Grey account, users can open a virtual USD account and send, receive, or hold money in USD, EUR, or GBP— perfect for freelancers, remote workers, and anyone managing global payments. Users enjoy instant Grey-to-Grey transfers if both sender and receiver use Grey. With transparent currency conversion at competitive rates and low transaction charges, Grey remains one of the cheapest ways to send USD from India to the US. You can open and fund a USD account in minutes, and virtual USD debit cards are available for online payments.

Read also: How to open US, UK and Euro bank accounts in India

2. Western Union

This is one of the oldest and most reliable remittance services. Western Union allows you to send money online, via app, or at agents. It offers instant transactions with cash pick-up and bank transfers that take about 24 to 48 hours. The transaction fees depend on the mode of transfer.

3. Wise

Wise is a leading global money transfer service known for offering low transaction fees on international transfers with no hidden fees. The real-time exchange rates and user-friendly interface make Wise excellent for recurring payments.

4. Remitly

Remitly focuses on remittances and is ideal for smaller, fast transfers. The ‘express’ option completes transactions within minutes, while with ‘economy’, the transaction takes three to five days. The fee varies based on speed and transfer type. Users may, however, have limits based on verification level.

5. BookMyForex

BookMyForex is an Indian platform offering remittances through partnerships with major banks. International transactions are completed within 12–48 hours. They are RBI-compliant, and users get a transparent fee breakdown.

6. Banks (like ICICI, HDFC, SBI)

Many Indian banks offer international wire transfer (SWIFT) services through on-Resident External (NRE) accounts, Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts, or resident savings accounts under the LRS. It might take up to three business days to complete the transactions, and the fees depend on the bank and intermediary charges. They are usually highly secure and regulated. However, the cumbersome manual paperwork, poorer exchange rates, and higher processing times could be discouraging.

Read also: Grey vs. local banks: The best way to exchange currency in India

Sending USD from India to the US with Grey

Grey offers a convenient and cost-effective solution to international transactions from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re paying tuition, supporting family, or funding international purchases, Grey allows users in India to hold and send USD easily, with transparent pricing and fewer restrictions.

Visit Grey’s website or download the mobile app today and start sending USD from India to the US seamlessly.

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