How to send money to an Indian bank account from the US
If your recipient in India has a bank account, sending directly to that account can be one of the simplest ways to get money there.
Your loved ones don’t have to worry about pickup trips or cash to manage. The funds land in the account, and your recipient can use them for UPI payments, bills, savings, debit card spending, or everyday needs.
This guide explains how to send money to an Indian bank account from the US with MoneyGram, with notes for common destination banks including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Kotak Mahindra, and Bank of Baroda. The process is similar across banks, but a few details are worth checking before you send.
Five pieces of information are important for a successful bank transfer to India. Getting them right can help avoid delays, holds, or returned transfers.
Use the name exactly as it appears on the bank account. Not a nickname, shortened version, or family name they use casually. If the account says “Rajesh Kumar Sharma,” enter “Rajesh Kumar Sharma,” not “Raj Sharma.”
Use the full bank name shown in MoneyGram’s bank list, such as State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, or Axis Bank.
Enter the full account number from your recipient’s account. Indian bank account numbers vary by bank and may range from 9 to 18 digits, so do not assume a standard length. Your recipient can find the number on a check, bank statement, or in their banking app.
The IFSC is an 11-character code that identifies the specific bank branch where the account is held. It usually starts with four letters for the bank, followed by a zero, then six characters for the branch. Every bank transfer to India needs an IFSC code.
A mobile number may not be required for every transfer, but it’s helpful. Indian banks often send SMS alerts when funds arrive, and those messages go to the mobile number registered to the account.
Open the MoneyGram app or visit MoneyGram.com. New customers can create a profile and verify their identity with a US government ID. Returning customers can log in.
Enter the amount you want to send. Choose India as the destination and Direct to Bank as the delivery method. You’ll see the exchange rate from USD to INR, transfer fee, estimated timing, and exact amount that will arrive in rupees before you confirm.
Choose your recipient’s bank from the list. Enter their full legal name, account number, and IFSC code. Double-check the account number and IFSC before moving forward.
Pay with a US bank account, debit card, or credit card. Review the summary and confirm. Save your 8-digit reference number so you can track the transfer.
Note: When using a credit card, your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee and interest charges.
State Bank of India is India’s largest bank, with an extensive branch network. SBI account numbers are often 11 digits, though older accounts may differ. IFSC codes start with SBIN.
HDFC Bank is one of India’s largest private banks. HDFC account numbers are often 14 digits, and IFSC codes start with HDFC. Many recipients may receive SMS or email notifications when funds post, depending on their settings.
ICICI Bank is another major private bank. ICICI account numbers are often 12 digits, and IFSC codes start with ICIC. Recipients can usually confirm incoming credits through the ICICI mobile app.
Axis Bank is a major private sector bank in India. Account numbers can vary, often ranging from 14 to 18 digits. IFSC codes start with UTIB.
Punjab National Bank is a public sector bank with broad reach, especially across northern India. Account numbers are often 16 digits, and IFSC codes start with PUNB.
Kotak Mahindra Bank is a private sector bank known for its digital banking experience. Account numbers are often 13 to 14 digits, and IFSC codes start with KKBK.
Bank of Baroda is a major public sector bank. Account number length can vary. IFSC codes start with BARB.
Bank transfers to India may post within the same business day if sent during banking hours. Transfers sent on weekends, US holidays, or Indian banking holidays may take longer and typically clear on the next business day.
MoneyGram shows the expected timing for your transfer before you confirm. Once the transfer is on its way, you can track it in the MoneyGram app.
A held or delayed transfer is often caused by a name mismatch, incorrect account number, or incorrect IFSC code. Check the status in the MoneyGram app and contact customer service if needed.
A bank in India may return a transfer if it cannot match the details to an account, if compliance review is required, or if the account cannot receive international transfers. If that happens, you’ll be notified and may be able to resend with corrected details, choose a different account, or use cash pickup.
If the transfer has not yet been received in the account, you may be able to cancel it through the app or customer service. Once funds have been credited to a bank account, cancellation is no longer possible through MoneyGram.
Not for most ordinary personal remittances. PAN, or Permanent Account Number, is India’s tax identification number and may be required for certain transactions within India, but it is not typically needed to send to a standard bank account from abroad.
Yes. NRE and NRO accounts can receive inward remittances. The process is similar to sending to a standard bank account: you’ll need the bank name, account number, and IFSC code.
IFSC is India’s domestic branch routing code. SWIFT, or BIC, is used for international bank wires. With MoneyGram, you provide the IFSC and account details, and MoneyGram handles the international transfer process.
Check the transfer status in the MoneyGram® app first. If the app shows the transfer as complete but your recipient does not see it, ask them to check the account directly and review any SMS or email notifications from the bank. If the funds still do not appear, contact MoneyGram customer service with your reference number.
Yes. Once the transfer posts to the bank account, the funds are available for normal account use, including UPI transfers, debit card spending, bill payments, and withdrawals.
