Few years ago, Rahul arrived in the US to pursue his higher studies in computer science. Today, he has happily settled into his course and even manages to earn some extra money working on the weekends, helping his professor grade papers.
Having seen his parents try their best to make his overseas education dreams come true, Rahul now wants to repay them. He wants to send some of his part-time work money back home as an expression of gratitude and love to his parents; for all that they have sacrificed for him.
Now, comes the big question! What’s the best way for Rahul to send money to India? Here, in this post, we take a look at the options available to him, and the pros and cons of each method.
Popular Options to Transfer Money to India from overseas:
Demand Draft (DD)
As the name suggests, this method of transfer is initiated by getting a demand draft issued in the name of the receiver. This is an excellent method to surprise your parents. In fact, Rahul used a Demand Draft to surprise his mom with a monetary gift with his first salary.
How Does it Work – To use this method, you have to visit your bank’s nearest branch. Specify the amount you wish to transfer. This amount is automatically debited from your account and the bank issues you a DD in the name of the receiver. You can then courier (airmail) this DD to your parent’s address in India.
Once they have received the DD, they can take it to their bank to encash it. While this may seem straightforward, this method of transfer is time-consuming and requires a visit to the bank on both the sender’s and receiver’s ends. Additionally, it’s slow and takes around 10-15 days for the process to be completed.
Instant Transfer
This one is mostly used for emergency situations when the receiver needs cash immediately. While this method of transfer is quick, there is a limit on the amount you can send. What more, the exchange rates are pretty high, and the transfer cost is also a bit steep. However, the receiver can receive the amount instantly.
How Does it Work – You have to visit the outlet of a transfer service provider. Once you pay the transfer amount, the agent provides you with a Pin. Specify this Pin number to the receiver. The receiver can then visit the nearest outlet of the service provider in India. Specify the Pin, verify his/her identity and receive the cash immediately.
Automatic Clearing House (ACH) Transfer via Bank Accounts
This is one of the most widely used methods to transfer money to India from overseas. This method is also referred to as a direct deposit. The amount you wish to send is automatically debited from your bank account in the US and credited to the bank account of the receiver in India.
How Does it Work – You can initiate the transaction by logging into your bank’s website or mobile app. You have to add the receiver’s bank details and then click on transfer. This method of transmission is quicker when compared to sending a demand draft. And, you can complete the entire transaction with just a few clicks on your Smartphone. No need to visit the bank either on the sender’s end or the receiver’s end.
Final Thoughts
These are the three popular methods to transfer money to India from overseas by working students. Choose the right one that meets your specific requirements and enjoy safe transactions.
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