Sending Money from Houston to India
How NRIs in Houston, Texas can send USD to INR. Zero fees, interbank rate, and fast delivery with Root.
For Indian-Americans in Houston, Texas, sending money from the US to India is a regular part of supporting family and managing finances back home. Houston's large NRI community, anchored in tech, healthcare, and energy sectors, relies on fast, low-cost remittances across the USD to INR corridor. This guide covers everything you need to know about securely transferring funds to India, including regulatory updates like TCS, account types, and how to maximize value with zero-fee services like Root.
Houston attracts skilled Indian professionals with opportunities at major employers like NASA, Texas Medical Center, and energy firms such as ExxonMobil. The city’s strong Indian community, supported by cultural associations and temples, maintains deep ties to India—leading to regular remittances for household expenses, medical costs, and property investments.
Quick Facts
Transfer Fee
$0 — Root charges zero fees
Exchange Rate
CHECK_LIVE (interbank rate)
Transfer Time
1-4 business days
Minimum Amount
$10
How to Send — Step by Step
Download the Root App
Sign up using your email or phone number and complete a quick identity verification using your U.S. visa, passport, or green card.
Add Beneficiary in India
Enter the recipient's full name, Indian bank account number, and correct IFSC code. Double-check for NRO or savings account compatibility.
Pro tip: Avoid errors by confirming the IFSC via your bank’s website or mobile app
Enter Transfer Amount in USD
Choose how many dollars you want to send. The app shows you the live INR equivalent and highlights if TCS may apply.
Review Exchange Rate and Zero Fees
Root locks in the interbank exchange rate with no hidden margins or transfer fees—what you see is what your recipient gets.
Confirm and Send
Pay via bank transfer (ACH) or debit card. Once confirmed, track your transaction in real time within the app.
Local Tips
Houston is in Central Time (CT), 10.5 hours behind IST—schedule transfers early in the day to align with Indian banking hours.
Many Houston NRIs use remittances for children's education in India or to support aging parents—planning around TCS thresholds helps avoid surprise tax collections.
Local banks like Chase and Wells Fargo in Houston allow easy ACH pulls for remittance apps, but ensure your account is linked securely.
Send Money from Houston to India with Root
Zero fees, interbank rate. Built for NRIs in Houston.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay TCS when sending money from Houston to India?
Yes, 5% TCS applies if your total remittances under LRS exceed ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year. This is collected at source by the financial institution facilitating the transfer.
Can I send money from Houston to an NRE account in India using Root?
Currently, Root supports NRO and regular savings/current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon, so check for app updates.
Why is the exchange rate better on Root than my Houston bank?
Banks in Houston and elsewhere often markup exchange rates by 3–5%. Root offers the real interbank rate with zero fees, saving you hundreds per transfer.
What if I enter the wrong IFSC code for a bank in India?
Incorrect IFSC codes can delay or cancel transfers. Always verify the code via your recipient’s bank website or passbook. Root also validates IFSC during setup to reduce errors.