Sending Money to Your Siblings in India
Complete guide to sending USD to your siblings in India. How it works, what you need, and how Root makes it simple.
Sending money to your siblings in India is a meaningful way to support family, whether helping with daily expenses, medical needs, or special milestones. This guide walks you through everything you need to send USD to INR safely and easily, ensuring your brother or sister receives the full amount without delays. We cover required details, regulatory considerations like TCS, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Stay informed and stay connected with seamless transfers.
NRIs often send money to siblings to support aging parents, contribute to household expenses, or assist with education and medical costs. Transfers are typically recurring—monthly or quarterly—and reflect shared family responsibilities. Siblings may use the funds for bill payments, investments, or emergency needs, making timely and full receipt essential.
What You Need to Know
Valid Bank Account
Your sibling must have a valid Indian bank account—NRO or regular savings/current account. Root currently supports NRO and standard accounts; NRE support is coming soon.
IFSC Code Accuracy
The 11-digit IFSC code is mandatory for routing the transfer correctly. Double-check this with your sibling to avoid failed or delayed transactions.
TCS on High-Value Transfers
If your total outward remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year, 5% TCS applies. This is collected at source and refundable if total taxes paid meet thresholds.
PAN Card Requirement
Indian banks may require your sibling's PAN for large transfers (usually above ₹50,000 per transaction) for regulatory reporting under FEMA.
How to Send — Step by Step
Log In to Root
Access your Root account via the app or website. Ensure your identity and address are verified for compliance with U.S. and Indian regulations.
Pro tip: Keep your passport and visa details handy during setup if prompted.
Select 'Send to India'
Choose India as the destination country and enter the amount in USD you wish to send to your sibling.
Enter Recipient Details
Input your sibling’s full name as per bank records, Indian bank account number, and correct IFSC code. Confirm they’re receiving funds into an NRO or savings account.
Pro tip: Ask your sibling to confirm the IFSC using their bank’s website or mobile app.
Review Exchange Rate & Fees
Check the live USD to INR rate and confirm Root charges zero fees. Amount shown should reflect the interbank rate with no hidden costs.
Pro tip: Transfer during weekday banking hours for best rates and fastest processing.
Confirm & Send
Authorize the transfer using your security method. Once sent, you’ll receive a tracking ID and estimated delivery time (usually 1–2 business days).
Send Money to Your Siblings in India
Zero fees, interbank rate. Simple and secure with Root.
Send with RootFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to my sister’s NRE account?
Root currently supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is planned for a future update.
Do I need to prove my sibling is my brother or sister?
Root does not typically require relationship proof for personal transfers under LRS limits. However, maintain records in case of bank queries under FEMA compliance.
How much can I send to my brother in a year?
As an NRI sending to India, you’re not subject to RBI's LRS limit. However, transfers exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year attract 5% TCS under Indian tax rules.
What if I enter the wrong IFSC code for my sibling’s account?
If the IFSC is incorrect, the transfer may fail or go to the wrong branch. Root will flag the error and return the funds, but this may take 3–5 business days.
Is there a U.S. Excise Tax on my transfer to my sibling?
A 1% U.S. Excise Tax on international wires was proposed but not enacted as of early 2026. No such tax currently applies—always verify with updated IRS guidance before sending.