Sending Money to Your In-Laws in India
Complete guide to sending USD to your in-laws in India. How it works, what you need, and how Root makes it simple.
Sending money to your in-laws in India is a meaningful way to support family, share responsibilities, and honor commitments across borders. Many NRIs use remittances to help with household expenses, medical bills, or special occasions like weddings. This guide walks you through the process, what recipient details you’ll need, and how to send funds securely and efficiently to their Indian bank account.
NRIs often send money to in-laws to contribute to joint family expenses, support aging relatives, or assist during emergencies. These transfers are typically recurring or event-based—such as for festivals, home repairs, or medical treatment—and reflect a deep sense of duty and care beyond immediate family.
What You Need to Know
Correct Bank Account Type
Root supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon. Confirm with your in-laws which type of account they have before initiating the transfer.
IFSC Code Accuracy
The 11-character IFSC code is critical for delivering funds to the correct bank branch in India. Even a small error can delay or misroute the transfer. Double-check this with your in-laws directly.
TCS on Large Remittances
If your total remittances to India exceed ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year (April–March), 5% TCS will be collected at source. This applies regardless of recipient relationship, so plan accordingly for larger transfers.
Recipient PAN Requirement
Indian banks may require your in-laws’ PAN for high-value transactions as part of KYC compliance. While not always mandatory, providing it helps prevent delays and aligns with FEMA guidelines.
How to Send — Step by Step
Gather Recipient Details
Collect your in-laws’ full name as per bank records, Indian bank name, account number, and IFSC code. A phone number helps ensure smooth delivery.
Pro tip: Ask them to confirm these details through their net banking or passbook to avoid typos.
Open Your Root App
Log in to your Root account. If you’re new, sign up with your US ID and link your US bank account or debit card.
Start a New Transfer
Select 'Send to India' and enter the amount in USD or INR. The app will show the real-time exchange rate and total fees (often zero).
Add Your In-Laws as a Recipient
Input their bank details carefully. Choose account type (NRO or savings) and verify all information matches exactly.
Pro tip: Save them as a recipient for faster future transfers.
Review and Confirm
Check the final amount, exchange rate, and TCS implications if applicable. Confirm the transaction using your authentication method.
Track the Transfer
You’ll receive updates as the money is processed and credited. Most transfers reach the recipient’s account within minutes to one business day.
Send Money to Your In-Laws in India
Zero fees, interbank rate. Simple and secure with Root.
Send with RootFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prove my relationship when sending money to my in-laws in India?
No, Root does not require documentation to prove your relationship with your in-laws. However, all transfers must comply with FEMA regulations and cannot be used for prohibited purposes like gambling or real estate purchases.
Can I send money to my in-laws’ NRE account using Root?
Currently, Root supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon. For now, ensure your in-laws provide their NRO or general account details.
Is there a limit on how much I can send to my in-laws in India?
There’s no limit imposed by Root, but Indian tax rules apply. If your total outward remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year, 5% TCS will be collected. This applies regardless of recipient relationship.
Will my in-laws need to pay tax on the money I send?
No, remittances sent by NRIs to family members in India are generally not taxable in India for the recipient, as long as they’re not used for prohibited activities. Always consult a tax advisor for personal guidance.
What should I do if the transfer to my in-laws’ account fails?
Failed transfers are usually due to incorrect IFSC or account number. Double-check with your in-laws and reinitiate. Root will refund the amount to your US account if the transfer fails.