Sending Money from Illinois to India
How NRIs in Illinois can send USD to INR. Bank options, fees, limits, regulatory notes, and the easiest way to transfer with Root.
Indian-Americans in Illinois are part of one of the largest NRI communities in the United States, with many sending hard-earned dollars back home to India. This guide is tailored for NRIs in Illinois navigating the USD to INR remittance corridor with low fees and reliable service. We cover everything from transfer steps and exchange rates to India's regulatory landscape like TCS and IFSC compliance. Learn how Root makes sending money from Illinois to India fast, transparent, and cost-effective.
Illinois, especially the Chicago region, is a major hub for Indian professionals due to strong ties with tech companies, universities, and healthcare institutions. Many NRIs in Illinois work at firms like Motorola, AbbVie, and Northwestern University, contributing to stable inflows of remittances to India. The well-established Indian community supports cultural networks and financial behaviors centered around regular cross-border transfers.
Quick Facts
Transfer Fee
$0 — Root charges zero fees
Exchange Rate
CHECK_LIVE (interbank rate)
Transfer Time
1-4 business days
State Regulation
Root is licensed as a Money Transmitter in Illinois
How to Send — Step by Step
Download Root & Create Account
Sign up using your U.S. phone number and provide basic ID details like passport and U.S. visa status. Root verifies Illinois residents quickly using state-issued documentation.
Add Recipient in India
Enter the recipient’s name, Indian bank account number, and correct IFSC code. Double-check digits — errors here are the top cause of failed transfers.
Pro tip: Use your relative’s NRO or savings account; NRE support is coming soon.
Enter Transfer Amount in USD
Input how many dollars you’d like to send. Root shows the live INR equivalent using the interbank rate with zero markups.
Review Exchange Rate & Confirm
Verify the amount, rate, and fees (none with Root). You’ll also see if TCS applies based on the recipient’s annual remittance total.
Send & Track
Complete the transfer using your linked bank account or debit card. Track progress in-app — most transfers arrive in 1–4 business days.
Rules & Regulations
TCS Applies After ₹7,00,000 Annually
If the total remittances to a recipient in India exceed ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year (April–March), Indian banks may collect 5% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on the excess amount. This does not apply to the sender in Illinois directly, but impacts how much the recipient receives. Keep records to help your family file returns.
Purpose Code Compliance
All remittances must comply with FEMA regulations. Funds can be sent for family maintenance, education, or investment, but not for restricted activities like gambling or purchasing lottery tickets in India.
Send Money from Illinois to India with Root
Zero fees, interbank rate, and fast delivery. Built for NRIs in Illinois.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send money from my Illinois bank account to India using Root without fees?
Yes, Root charges $0 in fees for USD to INR transfers from Illinois. The amount you see minus the interbank exchange rate is what reaches the recipient. No hidden costs.
Do NRIs in Chicago need to pay TCS when sending money to India?
TCS is collected on the recipient side in India if total incoming remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year. If you're sending regularly to the same account, the recipient's bank may apply 5% TCS on amounts over the threshold. Illinois senders aren’t required to deduct it upfront.
How long does it take to send money from Illinois to an Indian bank via Root?
Most transfers from Illinois to India via Root are completed in 1–4 business days. Timing depends on the recipient bank’s processing speed and whether the IFSC code and account number are accurate.
Can I use Root to send money to an NRE account in India?
Currently, Root supports transfers to NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is under development and expected soon.
Is my money safe when I send from Illinois to India using Root?
Yes. Root is licensed as a Money Transmitter in Illinois and complies with U.S. and Indian financial regulations. Your funds are safeguarded through trusted banking partners both in the U.S. and India.