Best Way to Send Money to India in 2026

Sending money from the USA to India has never been easier—but choosing the wrong provider can cost you hundreds of dollars in hidden fees and poor exchange rates.

Quick Answer

For bank transfers, Wise offers the best exchange rate (closest to mid-market rate) with transparent fees. For instant cash pickup, Remitly and Western Union are your fastest options.

Top 5 Providers Compared

1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Best for: Bank transfers with the highest exchange rate
Typical rate: ₹88.90 per USD (as of Feb 2026)
Fee: $7-10 depending on amount
Speed: 1-2 business days

Wise uses the real mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google) and charges a small upfront fee. This transparency makes it the cheapest option for most transfers over $500.

2. Remitly

Best for: Fast cash pickup or instant bank deposits
Typical rate: ₹89.50-90.00 per USD
Fee: $0 (fee built into exchange rate)
Speed: Instant to 30 minutes

Remitly offers two tiers: "Economy" (lower rate, slower) and "Express" (better rate, instant). Great for emergencies when your family needs money immediately.

3. Western Union

Best for: Cash pickup at 100,000+ locations in India
Typical rate: ₹90.50-91.00 per USD
Fee: $0-5
Speed: Minutes

Western Union's massive agent network makes it ideal for sending to rural areas. However, the exchange rate markup can be higher than digital-first services.

4. Xoom (PayPal)

Best for: Existing PayPal users
Typical rate: ₹89.00-89.50 per USD
Fee: $0-5
Speed: Minutes to hours

Xoom is PayPal's international money transfer service. Convenient if you already use PayPal, but not always the cheapest option.

5. Ria Money Transfer

Best for: Smaller transfers under $500
Typical rate: ₹90.00-90.50 per USD
Fee: $0
Speed: Minutes

Ria offers zero fees on many transfers, but makes money through the exchange rate spread. Good for small, urgent transfers.

How to Choose the Right Service

If you're sending $1,000+

Use Wise. The fee is fixed, so larger transfers get you more value. A $1,000 transfer might only have a $10 fee, making it the cheapest option.

If you need instant delivery

Use Remitly Express or Western Union. Both can deliver money to Indian bank accounts or cash pickup locations within minutes.

If your recipient doesn't have a bank account

Use Western Union cash pickup. They have the largest agent network in rural India.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

1. Exchange Rate Markup: This is where providers make most of their money. Always compare the rate to the mid-market rate (Google "USD to INR").
2. Receiving Bank Fees: Some Indian banks charge incoming wire transfer fees (₹200-500).
3. "Promotional Rates": Many providers offer great rates for first-time users, then increase markups on subsequent transfers.

Real Example: $1,000 Transfer

*Rates as of February 2, 2026. Use our live comparison tool for current rates.

Final Recommendation

For most people: Start with Wise for the best exchange rate on regular transfers. Keep Remitly as a backup for emergencies when you need instant delivery.

Pro tip: Set up accounts with 2-3 providers and use our comparison tool before each transfer. Exchange rates change by the hour, and the "best" provider can vary.

Disclaimer: Rates and fees mentioned in this article are accurate as of the publication date but are subject to change. Always verify current rates before making a transfer.