Sending Money to India Monthly
How to send USD to India on a monthly basis. Set up recurring transfers, track limits, and save on every transfer with Root.
Many NRIs in the USA send money to India each month to support family, pay bills, or manage investments back home. Monthly transfers offer a reliable way to maintain financial stability for loved ones while keeping track of exchange rates and regulatory thresholds. Key factors include timing transfers wisely, monitoring annual limits like TCS, and ensuring smooth delivery. This guide walks you through setting up recurring transfers with ease and confidence.
Monthly transfers are common among Indian professionals working in the US who send between $1,000 and $5,000 each month. This pattern supports routine expenses like home loan payments, school fees, or elderly care, and helps families in India manage cash flow predictably without relying on irregular, large lump sums.
Key Considerations
Annual TCS Threshold
5% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies to cumulative remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year. This is collected at source by the remittance provider and can be claimed as a tax credit when filing in India. Track your total monthly transfers to anticipate this.
Exchange Rate Timing
The USD to INR rate fluctuates daily. Setting up recurring transfers lets you benefit from averaging out rates over time, reducing the risk of sending during a low point. Monitor trends and consider rate alerts to optimize timing.
Recipient Account Type
Root currently supports transfers to NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon. Confirm your recipient’s account type to ensure compliance and smooth crediting.
IFSC Code Accuracy
An incorrect IFSC code can delay or cancel a transfer. Always verify the 11-character code with the recipient’s bank branch before starting a recurring payment to avoid disruptions.
Convenience and Automation
Automated monthly transfers save time and ensure consistency. Choose a service that allows you to set, forget, and track recurring remittances without compromising on exchange rates or fees.
How to Set It Up — Step by Step
Register with Root
Download the Root app or visit the website and sign up using your US identification and NRI details. Verification is quick and secure.
Pro tip: Have your passport and US visa or green card ready for faster onboarding.
Add Recipient in India
Enter the recipient’s full name, Indian bank account number, and correct IFSC code. Select whether it's an NRO or regular savings account.
Pro tip: Double-check the IFSC code using your bank’s official website or a trusted IFSC lookup tool.
Set Up Recurring Transfer
Choose the amount in USD, preferred frequency (monthly), and the start date. You’ll see the estimated INR amount based on the current interbank rate.
Pro tip: Enable rate alerts to adjust the amount if the USD to INR rate moves significantly.
Review TCS and Compliance
If your annual total exceeds ₹7,00,000, Root will collect 5% TCS on the excess amount at the time of transfer. This is reported to Indian tax authorities and can be adjusted against your recipient's tax liability.
Pro tip: Keep a log of monthly transfers to share with your family for their Indian tax filings.
Confirm and Schedule
Link your US bank account or debit card and confirm the first transfer. Subsequent payments will be processed automatically on the schedule you set.
Pro tip: Try a one-time transfer first to verify delivery speed and amount received.
Monitor and Adjust
Use the Root dashboard to track each transfer, view exchange rates applied, and update or pause the recurring plan anytime.
Pro tip: Adjust the amount or date if your financial situation or family needs change.
Send Money to India Monthly with Root
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Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
How much can I send to India each month?
There’s no monthly limit. As an NRI, you can send up to USD 250,000 per financial year under FEMA guidelines for permissible purposes. Monthly transfers help spread this out without hitting thresholds abruptly.
When does 5% TCS apply on my remittances?
TCS is 5% on the amount exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a single financial year. For example, if you send $10,000 total in a year, TCS applies only to the amount over $8,400. This rule started in October 2023.
Can I schedule monthly transfers to multiple recipients?
Yes, you can set up separate recurring transfers to different family members or accounts in India. Each recipient must be added individually with their own bank and IFSC details.
Do I need the recipient’s PAN card?
For most personal transfers, PAN is not required by Root. However, Indian banks may ask for it for large transactions or compliance. It’s best to have it available for transfers above ₹50,000.
Are there fees for monthly transfers with Root?
Root charges zero transfer fees and offers the interbank exchange rate. You only pay the mid-market rate—no hidden markups or service charges on recurring transfers.
Is the US Excise Tax applied on my remittances?
As of early 2026, the proposed 1% US Excise Tax on international transfers has not been enacted. There is currently no federal tax on sending money abroad from the US, but monitor updates as policy could change.