Top 5 Apps to Send Money to India Without Hidden Charges
The Ultimate Guide for 2025
In today's interconnected world, sending money to India has become a common necessity for many people. Whether you're supporting family back home, paying for services, or investing in property, finding a reliable money transfer app that doesn't eat into your hard-earned money with hidden charges is crucial.
This comprehensive guide analyzes the top 5 money transfer applications that offer transparent pricing, competitive exchange rates, and reliable service for sending money to India. We've done the research so you can make informed decisions and get more rupees for your dollars.
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top 5 Money Transfer Apps
- 1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
- 2. Remitly
- 3. Xoom (PayPal Service)
- 4. Xe Money Transfer
- 5. Ria Money Transfer
- How to Identify and Avoid Hidden Charges
- Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Money Transfer App
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Money Transfer Apps
Before diving into the details, here's a comparative overview of our top 5 picks for sending money to India without hidden charges:
| App | Exchange Rate Markup | Transfer Fee | Transfer Speed | Maximum Transfer Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | None (mid-market rate) | Varies by amount: $8.12 (ACH), $67.01 (credit card) for $1000 | Minutes to 3 working days | Private: INR 100M Business: INR 1.5M |
Competitive exchange rates |
| Remitly | 0.24% | $3.99 for <$1000, free for >$1000 | Minutes to 5 working days | $30,000 | Safe transfers with refund guarantee |
| Xoom | 0.91% | Free (PayPal balance, bank), $7.24 (debit), $37.99 (credit) for $1000 | Minutes to 2 hours | $10,000-$50,000 depending on level | Fast transfers with PayPal integration |
| Xe | 0.58% | $3 for <$500, free for >$500 | Minutes to 4 working days | $535,000 | High transfer limits |
| Ria | 0.30% | Varies: $0.99 (bank) to $7.0 (cash) for $100 | Minutes to 5 working days | $495 (cash), $14,999 (other methods) | Tracking transfers |
Note: The information is accurate as of May 2025. Exchange rate markups and fees may vary based on current market conditions.
1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
Wise Money Transfer
Wise stands out in the international money transfer arena with its commitment to transparency and fair rates. Founded in 2011, Wise has revolutionized the way people send money abroad by eliminating hidden fees and offering the mid-market exchange rate.
Key Features
- Uses the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup
- Transparent fee structure clearly displayed before transfer
- Multi-currency account for holding and managing different currencies
- Option to transfer to bank accounts or UPI IDs in India
- Mobile app with intuitive interface and tracking features
- Strong security measures including 2-factor authentication
Fees and Exchange Rates
Wise is renowned for using the real mid-market exchange rate without adding any markup. This transparency gives users the true value of their money. However, Wise does charge a variable fee based on the amount sent and the payment method used.
Example Fee Structure for $1000 USD to INR:
- ACH bank transfer: $8.12 total fee
- Wire transfer: $11.72 total fee
- Debit card: $18.50 total fee
- Credit card: $67.01 total fee
Note: Fees may vary based on current exchange rates and service conditions.
Transfer Speed
The transfer speed with Wise depends on your payment method and destination bank processing times:
- ACH bank transfers: 1-3 business days
- Wire transfers: Usually within 24 hours
- Debit/Credit card: Minutes to a few hours
Pros
- True mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Completely transparent fee structure
- Fast transfers, especially with card payments
- Excellent mobile app experience
- Regulated by financial authorities across multiple countries
Cons
- Higher base fees than some competitors
- Credit card payments have substantial fees
- No cash pickup option in India
- Customer service can be slow during peak times
2. Remitly
Remitly Money Transfer
Remitly has gained popularity for its user-friendly approach to international money transfers, focusing on safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. It offers a straightforward process for sending money to India with competitive rates and a strong commitment to security.
Key Features
- Two delivery options: Express (faster) and Economy (cheaper)
- Delivery guarantee with tracking and notifications
- Cash pickup options throughout India
- First-time user promotional rates
- Secure PCI-certified platform
- Refund promise if money isn't delivered on time
Fees and Exchange Rates
Remitly applies a modest markup of approximately 0.24% on the exchange rate. Their fee structure is straightforward:
Fee Structure:
- Transfers below $1,000: $3.99 fee
- Transfers above $1,000: No fees
Note: While the fee structure is simple, always check the exchange rate offered against the mid-market rate to understand the total cost.
Transfer Speed
Remitly offers two speed options:
- Express: Money typically arrives within minutes, though this depends on the recipient's bank processing time. Higher fees apply.
- Economy: Transfers take 3-5 business days but come with lower fees or no fees for transfers over $1,000.
Transfer Limit
Remitly allows transfers up to $30,000 from the US to India, making it suitable for both small personal transfers and larger transactions like property payments or investments.
Pros
- Lower fees for large transfers (free over $1,000)
- Excellent tracking system and delivery updates
- Express option for urgent transfers
- Cash pickup availability across India
- Strong customer support with money-back guarantee
Cons
- Exchange rate markup, though relatively small
- Economy transfers can take up to 5 days
- First transfer promotional rates may mask regular costs
- App experiences occasional technical issues
3. Xoom (PayPal Service)
Xoom Money Transfer
Xoom, a PayPal service, offers fast and reliable money transfers to India with the backing of a globally recognized payment platform. Its integration with PayPal makes it especially convenient for existing PayPal users.
Key Features
- Seamless integration with PayPal accounts
- Fast transfers, often completed within minutes
- Multiple delivery options: bank deposit, UPI, and cash pickup
- 24/7 fraud monitoring and transaction protection
- Real-time tracking of transfers
- Fee calculator available before account creation
Fees and Exchange Rates
Xoom applies a markup of approximately 0.91% on exchange rates, which is higher than some competitors. However, their fee structure can be advantageous depending on your payment method:
Fee Structure for $1,000 USD to INR:
- PayPal balance: No fee
- PYUSD (PayPal's stablecoin): No fee
- Bank account: No fee
- Debit card: $7.24
- Credit card: $37.99
Note: While some payment methods have no explicit fees, be aware of the exchange rate markup which affects the total amount received.
Transfer Speed
Xoom is known for its speed, with most transfers processed quickly:
- Bank deposits: Within minutes for transfers up to 5 lakhs INR, within 2 hours for larger amounts
- Cash pickups: Typically available within minutes
- UPI transfers: Usually instant
Transfer Limits
Xoom offers a tiered system with increasing limits based on verification level:
- Level 1: Up to $2,999 daily, $6,000 monthly, $9,999 per 180 days
- Level 2: Up to $10,000 daily, $20,000 monthly, $30,000 per 180 days
- Level 3: Up to $50,000 daily for bank transfers, $20,000 monthly for cash pickup, $100,000 per 180 days for bank transfers
Pros
- Very fast transfers, often within minutes
- No fees when using PayPal balance or bank account
- Easy integration with PayPal accounts
- Multiple delivery options in India
- Strong security and customer protection
Cons
- Higher exchange rate markup (0.91%)
- Expensive fees for credit card payments
- Verification process for higher limits can be time-consuming
- Customer service can be difficult to reach at times
4. Xe Money Transfer
Xe Money Transfer
Xe has evolved from a currency information provider to a comprehensive money transfer service. With over 30 years of experience in foreign exchange, Xe offers reliable international transfers with competitive rates and impressive transfer limits.
Key Features
- High transfer limits (up to $535,000)
- Wide network with 115,000+ pickup locations in India
- Multiple payment options: debit card, credit card, ACH, bank transfer
- Free currency alerts and rate monitoring
- Mobile app with currency conversion tools
- Option for mobile wallet transfers in India
Fees and Exchange Rates
Xe applies a markup of approximately 0.58% on the mid-market exchange rate, which is moderate compared to other providers. Their fee structure is simple:
Fee Structure:
- Transfers below $500: $3 fee
- Transfers above $500: No fee
Note: While the explicit fees are straightforward, remember to factor in the exchange rate markup when calculating the total cost.
Transfer Speed
Transfer times with Xe vary based on payment method and destination:
- Bank deposits: 1-4 business days
- Mobile wallets: Usually within 24 hours
- Cash pickup: Often available within minutes to a few hours
Transfer Limits
Xe offers impressive transfer limits:
- Maximum limit: $535,000
- Minimum limit for bank transfers: $3,000
These high limits make Xe suitable for large transfers such as property purchases or business transactions.
Pros
- Extremely high transfer limits
- No fees for transfers above $500
- Extensive cash pickup network in India
- Trusted brand with 30+ years of forex experience
- Easy-to-use website and mobile app
Cons
- Moderate exchange rate markup at 0.58%
- Slower transfer times than some competitors
- High minimum limit ($3,000) for wire transfers
- Customer service can be inconsistent
5. Ria Money Transfer
Ria Money Transfer
As a subsidiary of Euronet Worldwide, Ria Money Transfer offers a well-established service with extensive reach and competitive rates. Ria particularly excels in providing diverse delivery options in India, including bank transfers, UPI, and cash pickup.
Key Features
- One of the lowest exchange rate markups (0.30%)
- Multiple delivery methods: bank account, UPI, or cash pickup
- Various payment options: bank, debit card, credit card, or cash
- Comprehensive tracking system with email notifications
- Physical locations available for in-person services
- User-friendly mobile app
Fees and Exchange Rates
Ria offers one of the lowest exchange rate markups at approximately 0.30%. However, their fee structure varies based on multiple factors, including transfer amount, payment method, and delivery option:
Fee Structure for $100 USD to INR:
| Payment Method | Bank Deposit | Cash Pickup | UPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Account | $0.99 | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| Debit Card | $6.00 | $3.90 | $6.00 |
| Credit Card | $4.00 | $4.90 | $4.00 |
| Cash | $4.00 | $7.00 | $4.00 |
Note: Fees increase with higher transfer amounts but may represent a smaller percentage of the total transaction.
Transfer Speed
Ria's transfer speed varies based on payment and delivery methods:
- Bank deposits: 1-5 business days
- UPI transfers: Usually within 24 hours
- Cash pickup: Often available within minutes
Transfer Limits
Ria has different limits based on payment method:
- Cash payment transfers: $495 per transfer
- All other payment methods: $14,999.99 per month
Pros
- Low exchange rate markup (0.30%)
- Very low fees for bank account transfers
- Multiple delivery options in India
- Option for in-person service at physical locations
- Good tracking system
Cons
- Complex fee structure that varies by multiple factors
- Bank transfers can take up to 5 days
- Lower transfer limits than some competitors
- Mobile app occasionally has technical issues
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Money Transfer App
When selecting the right money transfer app for sending funds to India, consider these critical factors:
1. Total Cost of Transfer
Look beyond the advertised fee and calculate the total cost including both explicit fees and exchange rate markups. The lowest upfront fee doesn't always mean the best value.
2. Transfer Speed
Consider how quickly you need the money to arrive. While instant transfers are convenient, they often come with higher fees. If the transfer isn't urgent, you might save money by choosing a slower option.
3. Transfer Limits
Ensure the service can handle the amount you need to send. For smaller, regular remittances, most apps will suffice, but for large transfers like property purchases, you'll need a service with higher limits like Xe or Wise.
4. Receiving Options
Consider how your recipient prefers to receive funds. Bank deposits are common, but cash pickup, UPI transfers, or mobile wallet options might be more convenient depending on their location and needs.
5. User Experience
An intuitive interface and reliable customer service can make a significant difference, especially if issues arise. Consider reading reviews about the app's ease of use and customer support quality.
6. Security Measures
Ensure the service has strong security protocols like encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud monitoring. Check if they're properly licensed and regulated in both the US and India.
7. Payment Methods
Consider which payment methods are available and which are most convenient and economical for you. Bank transfers often have lower fees than credit cards, but cards offer more convenience and faster processing.
8. Tracking Features
Good tracking features provide peace of mind, especially for important or time-sensitive transfers. Look for services that offer real-time updates and notifications at each stage of the transfer.
Finding Your Best Match
The "best" money transfer app depends on your specific needs:
- For the best exchange rates: Wise stands out with its mid-market rate policy.
- For large transfers: Xe offers the highest limits for substantial transactions.
- For fast transfers: Xoom provides some of the quickest delivery times, especially for existing PayPal users.
- For budget-conscious transfers: Ria offers very competitive rates with low bank transfer fees.
- For reliability and tracking: Remitly's comprehensive tracking system offers peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and the USA, money transferred to India is not taxed if the sender has already paid US income tax. Only a minimal service tax applies. If the sender is not a relative, they need to pay gift tax on amounts over $14,000.
For the recipient in India, transfers from close relatives are not taxable. However, if the sender is not a relative, transfers above $700 are considered income, and the recipient is liable to pay income tax on the excess amount.
For basic transfers, you'll typically need:
- A valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license)
- Your recipient's full name (as it appears on their bankaccount)
- Recipient's bank account details (account number, IFSC code)
- Recipient's contact information
For larger transfers (usually over $10,000), additional documentation may be required to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, such as proof of funds source, purpose of transfer, or relationship to the recipient.
Neither India nor the USA imposes official limits on how much money can be sent to India. However, each money transfer service has its own limits:
- Wise: Varies by state, typically up to $1 million for personal transfers
- Remitly: Up to $30,000 per transfer
- Xoom: From $2,999 to $50,000 depending on verification level
- Xe: Up to $535,000
- Ria: Up to $14,999.99 per month for electronic transfers, $495 for cash payments
For very large transfers, you may need to complete additional verification steps or contact the service directly.
Money transfer apps are typically faster than traditional bank transfers. While bank wire transfers can take 1-5 business days, specialized money transfer apps offer various speeds:
- Instant or same-day transfers (Xoom, Wise with debit card payment)
- Express options (Remitly's Express service)
- Economy options (1-5 days, similar to bank transfers but often cheaper)
The speed often depends on your payment method, with card payments processing faster than bank account transfers.
Yes, several services now support sending money directly to UPI IDs in India:
- Wise offers transfers to UPI IDs with limits of INR 200,000
- Ria allows UPI transfers
- Xoom supports UPI transfers
- Remitly also provides UPI transfer options
UPI transfers are typically faster than traditional bank transfers and provide a convenient option for recipients who prefer mobile banking.
All five apps in our list provide tracking features:
- Wise: Real-time tracking through the app or website with email notifications
- Remitly: Comprehensive tracking system with status updates and delivery confirmation
- Xoom: Real-time tracking with SMS and email notifications
- Xe: Transfer status updates via the app or website
- Ria: "Track a Transfer" feature with email notifications
Most services will provide a transaction ID or reference number that you can use to check status. Many also send notifications to both sender and recipient at key transfer stages.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Sending money to India shouldn't cost you more than necessary. By choosing one of the top apps detailed in this guide, you can avoid excessive fees and hidden charges while ensuring your money reaches its destination safely and quickly.
To summarize our recommendations:
- Wise is best for those who value transparency and want the true mid-market exchange rate.
- Remitly offers an excellent balance of speed, safety, and reasonable fees, especially for transfers over $1,000.
- Xoom stands out for PayPal users who want fast transfers with seamless integration.
- Xe is ideal for large transfers with its impressive limits and modest fees.
- Ria provides competitive rates with low bank transfer fees and versatile delivery options.
The best choice for you depends on your specific needs, including transfer amount, speed requirements, and how your recipient prefers to receive funds. By being vigilant about exchange rates and understanding the full fee structure, you can maximize the value of every dollar you send to India.
Remember to regularly compare services as rates and fees can change. What works best for you today might not be the optimal choice six months from now.
Have you used any of these money transfer apps to send money to India? What has been your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer
This article was last updated in May 2025. Fees, exchange rates, and services may change over time. Always check the current rates and terms on the official websites of the money transfer services before making a transaction.
