How Can Working Students Send Money back Home?

Are you a student working part-time overseas? Wondering how you can transfer money to your parents back home in India? Check out the top ways to initiate overseas transfers.

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.

Need To Send Money To Loved Ones? Six Tips To Make Sure Your Money Is Protected

Sending money is always a bit worrisome. There is a loss of control when it leaves your account and you want to make sure that it gets to the right place without any major fees or security problems. In the past, some systems have been hacked and people have lost money. For that reason, it is important to send money securely. There are six important tips to keep in mind.

Secure Platform

Firstly, use a secure platform such as a bank or credit card to send funds. Do not use third party systems where you lose control and hand your money to someone else to hold for a period of time, no matter how brief. The major banks and credit card systems such as Visa and Mastercard are preferred.

Electronic Payment

Do not use cash. If you want to send cash, first put it on to a card or have it converted into an electronic payment at a payment service location. Do not simply send money in a package or through a friend. It is too easy to disappear without accountability.

Fast

Use a reputable, online service that is extremely fast so the recipient will immediately receive the funds. For example, if sending money to Mexico you can use sharemoney.com. Your recipient will often get the money very quickly, especially if it’s during the hours of the banks you’ve selected.

Cheap

Make sure that the service is cheap. Compare the rate you are receiving for the currency conversion as well as any upfront payments to other services. The cost should not be more than a few percent of the transfer, no matter how small it is. For larger fund transfers, the cost should be less than a percent.

Track Record

Use a platform that has a successful track record of multiple transfers in the past. With this track record you know that your funds will be secure.

Referral

If you have a friend that has used a money transfer service in the past, you may want to seek a referral from them. Using this referral, you can be more trusting of the service and feel confident that you can complete it safely. Otherwise, you can ask your friend for help with any problems that arise.

Overall, the tips above help to make sure that the money you send is safe, secure and protected. IT’s important to take extra security steps when it comes to your money.