Various ways to send money to India includes the following:

1. Xoom.com

Xoom.com is an online-to-offline instant money transfer service. It offers a secure, fast, and inexpensive means of sending money from USA to India. Recipients do not require a bank account or an Internet connection to receive funds. All money transfers made from USA are available for pick up in cash in India within minutes of the online transaction. Xoom is partnered with Paypal, one of the leading transaction processors in the world, and local distribution partners in India who handle the cash disbursement.

2. Wire Transfer

It is the most popular way to transfer money worldwide. Most of the banks in USA have this service available. You can transfer your fund directly to any foreign bank account. It is a quick and easy service. Contact your bank for further details. Wire transfer service charges vary from bank to bank. Shop around with different banks to get the best deal.

3. Through your NRI-NRE Account

Preferred by most of the Indians, it is a trusted and efficient way to send money to India. You need to open an NRE account in order to use this service.

You can deposit money in dollars here in USA, and the authorised person back in India can withdraw it in Indian rupees. It takes about a weeks time. This is non-taxable.

Most of the banks in India provide NRI/NRE account facilities. Few of them provide online service as well.
Checkout more on NRI accounts.

Banks providing money transfer through NRI accounts: SBI, CITIBANK, HDFC.

4. Personal Checks

Personal Checks are your usual checks against your checking/saving account with any US Bank. It takes lot of time in clearance. Few Indian banks do not charge a service fee. It is better to send them through a reliable mailing service.

5. Cashier's Check or Money Order

This can be done at any local Bank. It may involve service charge and some delay to encash out side USA.

6. Bank Draft in $'s

Usually, a $10 service fee (in a US Bank) is involved. Ask your nearest bank for more details.

7. Bank Draft in Indian Rupees

SBI (State Bank of india) and Citibank (1-800-CITINRI) have the facility for Bank draft made in Indian rupees, which can be encashed instantly in India. SBI draft is free if the amount is more than Rs 50,000, else a flat charge of $10 will apply. Checkout the locations of SBI in USA.

8. Money Orders

Most banks accept these money orders and can pay in equivalent Indian rupees. This is one good, safe, inexpensive, and fast method, as in this case if it gets lost, full money with a very little deduction is recoverable. Service charge is of 50-99 cents, depending where you are in USA.

9. Western Union

This organization provides services to send and receive funds around the world. They have agents located throughout the world. Sending money through them is also fast. Charges depends on the amount and the country. Checkout their website for more details.

Related Information:

Indian Banks and their branches in USA:

Bank Name

Telephone

E-mail

State Bank of India

212-521-3200

 

CitiBank

1-800-CITINRI

 

Bank of Baroda

212-78 4550

 

 

Tips

  • All aforementioned have different ways of operations, time limit and criteria. Choose and decide the best suitable service for you.
  • If it is a Money order/Draft make a copy of it and keep safely, atleast till it reaches to the destination.
  • Always get proper receipts of whatever media you choose for money transfer.
  • Follow up with the bank or agency, in case of any delay.