How to send money to India from the US: Bank account, UPI, and cash pickup options

Evidence tier: A1 Evidence type: Auto-discovered official publication Source: MoneyGram Corporate News Official publication date: 2026-06-22 Captured: 2026-07-21T10:18:30.290Z

June 22, 2026

The United States to India remittance corridor is one of the largest in the world by value. Families, students, and professionals in the US send billions of dollars to India every year for parents, property, tuition, everyday support, and important life moments.

India also has one of the most advanced receive networks of any major remittance market, with a large banking system, UPI for domestic digital payments, and cash pickup options across the country.

This guide walks through how to send money to India with MoneyGram, including the receive options available, what information you’ll need, how long transfers may take, and what to expect on cost.

The India corridor at a glance

India receives more remittances than any other country in the world, and a meaningful share comes from senders in the US. The Indian diaspora in the United States is large, established, and spread across major metro areas.

For senders, that scale usually means more options. Providers like MoneyGram have built India-specific infrastructure, including support for major Indian banks, cash payout options, and customer support for common India corridor questions.

How your recipient can receive money in India

MoneyGram supports three main delivery methods to India. The right one depends on your recipient’s needs, preferences, and how quickly they need access to the funds.

Bank account transfer

Bank transfer is one of the most common options for sending money from the US to India. MoneyGram supports direct transfers into accounts at many major Indian banks, including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Kotak Mahindra, Bank of Baroda, IDFC FIRST Bank, and more.

Bank transfers work well for recipients who want money to land in the account they already use for savings, bill payments, EMIs, UPI transfers, or everyday spending. They can also be a better fit for larger transfers, when cash pickup may be less practical.

Cash pickup at a partner location

Cash pickup is also available across India through MoneyGram’s network. Your recipient can collect funds in rupees at a participating partner location with a valid government-issued photo ID and the 8-digit reference number from your transfer.

Cash pickup may be the right choice when your recipient does not have a bank account, prefers cash for immediate spending, lives closer to a pickup location than a bank branch, or needs the money quickly. Cash pickup is often available within minutes of confirmation.

Debit card transfer

Funds can also be sent directly to an eligible debit card in India. Once the money arrives, your recipient can spend or withdraw it as they normally would. Card eligibility depends on the issuing bank.

What about UPI?

UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is India’s instant-payment system and one of the most common ways people move money domestically. International remittances into India may not always be credited directly through UPI. In many cases, the money arrives in the recipient’s bank account first, and the recipient can then use UPI from that account.

In practice, if your recipient wants to use the funds through UPI, you can select UPI under the bank account option during your money transfer. Once the transfer posts, they can use the funds through UPI as they normally would.

Step-by-step: How to send money to India with MoneyGram

Step 1. Sign up or log in

Open the MoneyGram app or visit MoneyGram.com. Create a profile with your basic personal details and a valid US government ID, or log in if you already have an account.

Step 2. Enter the transfer details

Enter how much you want to send. Choose India as the destination. Then choose the delivery method: bank transfer, cash pickup, or debit card.

Before you confirm, you’ll see the exchange rate from USD to INR, the transfer fee, estimated delivery time, and the exact amount your recipient will receive in rupees.

Step 3. Add your recipient’s details

For a bank transfer, you’ll need your recipient’s full legal name as it appears on the account, the bank name, account number, and IFSC code. For cash pickup, you’ll need the recipient’s full legal name as it appears on their ID. For debit card transfers, enter the card details as prompted.

Step 4. Pay and confirm

Pay with a US bank account, debit card, or credit card. Review the transfer summary and confirm. You’ll receive an 8-digit reference number, which you can use to track the transfer. Share it with your recipient if they are collecting cash.

Note: When using a credit card, your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee and interest charges.

Information you will need for bank transfer to India

Bank transfers to India require a few specific details because India uses branch-level routing.

• Recipient’s full legal name as it appears on the bank account. Even small differences, like a missing middle initial or alternate spelling, can cause delays.
• Bank name.
• Bank account number. Make sure this is the full account number.
• IFSC code. This 11-character code identifies the recipient’s bank branch. Your recipient can find it on a check, in their banking app, on a statement, or through the bank’s website.

How long does it take to send money to India?

Delivery timing depends on the method and receiving bank. Cash pickup is often available within minutes of confirmation. Bank transfers to major Indian banks may clear the same business day when sent during Indian banking hours, but can take longer if sent on a weekend or Indian banking holiday.

MoneyGram shows the expected delivery time during setup, before you confirm. You can also track the transfer using your reference number.

Sending larger amounts to India: What to know

India has reporting and regulatory requirements for certain inward remittances, especially for larger amounts or non-personal transfers. For ordinary family support, the standard process usually applies.

If you’re sending a larger one-time amount or sending for a purpose outside personal family support, your recipient’s bank may request additional documentation before crediting the account. It’s a good idea to have your recipient check with their bank before you send.

What it costs to send money to India

The total cost of a transfer includes the MoneyGram transfer fee and the exchange rate from USD to INR. Both vary based on the amount, payment method, and delivery method.

Before you confirm, you’ll see the fee, exchange rate, estimated timing, and exact amount your recipient will receive in rupees. New MoneyGram customers can send their first transfer with no fee.

Frequently asked questions

What is an IFSC code and where do I find it?

The IFSC, or Indian Financial System Code, is an 11-character code that identifies a specific bank branch in India. Your recipient can find it on their checkbook, in their banking app, on a statement, or through the bank’s branch locator.

Can I send money to India without my recipient’s bank details?

Yes. You can send money for cash pickup. Your recipient can collect the funds in rupees at a participating partner location with a valid photo ID and the 8-digit reference number from your transfer.

How much money can I send to India?

Send limits depend on your verification status, payment method, and where you’re sending from. The limit shown during setup is the one that applies to your transfer.

Is there a US tax on money I send to India?

There may be a US federal remittance tax on certain international transfers, depending on current regulations at the time of your transfer. Check MoneyGram’s help center for current details before sending larger amounts.

Will my recipient pay tax on money I send to them?

Family remittances to India are generally not treated as taxable income for the recipient, but larger gifts or repeated transfers may have reporting implications. Your recipient should consult a qualified Indian tax advisor if this applies.

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The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial, legal, or tax advice.