Top 5 Money Transfer Services for NRIs in USA
A Comprehensive Guide for 2025
Find the best service to send money to India with competitive rates, low fees, and secure transfers
For the millions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the United States, sending money back home to family, managing investments, or maintaining property in India is a regular necessity. Choosing the right money transfer service can save you significant money in fees and exchange rates while ensuring your funds arrive safely and promptly.
With numerous options available, it can be challenging to determine which service offers the best combination of competitive exchange rates, low fees, security features, and convenience. This comprehensive guide examines the top 5 money transfer services specifically beneficial for NRIs in the USA.
Money transfer services help NRIs send funds from USA to India securely
After analyzing user reviews, market reputation, fee structures, exchange rates, and security features, we've identified these five services as the best options for NRIs in the USA looking to transfer money to India in 2025:
Quick Comparison: Top Money Transfer Services for NRIs
| Service | Transfer Fee | Exchange Rate Markup | Transfer Speed | Maximum Transfer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | $1-4 + 0.4-0.5% | No markup (Mid-market rate) | 1-2 business days | $1,000,000+ | Best overall value |
| Remitly | $0-3.99 | 1-2% | Economy: 3-5 days Express: Minutes |
$30,000/day | Fast transfers |
| Xoom | $0-4.99 | 1-3% | Minutes to 2 days | $50,000/transaction | Integration with PayPal |
| Western Union | $0-5 online Higher in-person |
2-4% | Minutes to 5 days | $50,000/transaction | Cash pickup options |
| MoneyGram | $0-4.99 online Higher in-person |
2-3% | Minutes to 3 days | $10,000/transaction | Global cash pickup network |
Detailed Reviews of Each Service
1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise has earned a stellar reputation among NRIs for its transparency, competitive rates, and reliability. Unlike traditional banks and many money transfer services, Wise offers the real mid-market exchange rate without markup, making it one of the most cost-effective options for sending money from the USA to India.
Key Features:
- Real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Transparent fee structure (small percentage + minimal flat fee)
- Multi-currency accounts available (hold and convert multiple currencies)
- Instant transfers between Wise accounts
- Debit card available for spending abroad
- High security standards with regulation by major financial authorities
Fee Structure:
Wise charges a transparent fee consisting of:
- A small fixed fee ($1-4 depending on payment method)
- A variable percentage fee (typically 0.4-0.5% of the amount transferred)
- No hidden exchange rate markups
Transfer Details
Pros
- Best exchange rates (mid-market rate)
- Transparent fee structure
- User-friendly platform
- Excellent security protocols
- Multi-currency accounts
Cons
- No cash pickup option
- Not the fastest for urgent transfers
- Customer service can be slow during peak times
User Reviews:
"I've been using Wise for over three years to send money to my parents in Delhi. The exchange rates are consistently the best I've found, and the app makes the process incredibly simple. Transfers typically arrive within 24 hours."
"Wise offers excellent rates and a very clean interface. The only downside is that transfers can sometimes take slightly longer than advertised, especially during Indian holidays. Still my go-to service for sending money home."
2. Remitly
Remitly has become increasingly popular among NRIs for its speed, reliability, and user-friendly service. The platform offers flexible delivery options and competitive rates, with a focus on speedy transfers that can reach recipients within minutes using the Express service.
Key Features:
- Two speed options: Economy (3-5 days) and Express (minutes)
- First-time user promotions with better exchange rates
- Money-back guarantee if funds don't arrive as promised
- Delivery tracking and notifications
- Customer service in multiple languages
- Option to send to mobile wallets in some regions
Fee Structure:
Remitly's fee structure varies based on:
- Transfer amount (larger transfers often have lower fees)
- Delivery speed (Express is more expensive than Economy)
- Payment method (credit card payments cost more)
- Promotional rates for new users
- Exchange rate markup of typically 1-2%
