Sending Money from Maryland to India
How NRIs in Maryland can send USD to INR. Bank options, fees, limits, regulatory notes, and the easiest way to transfer with Root.
Indian-Americans in Maryland are part of a growing NRI community with strong ties to family and financial goals back in India. This guide is designed for NRIs in Maryland navigating the USD to INR remittance corridor using Root. We cover how to send money quickly and securely from Maryland to India, while factoring in India-specific rules like TCS and IFSC requirements. Whether you're supporting family, paying bills, or investing in property, this resource helps you maximize value and compliance.
Maryland is home to a thriving Indian-American community, particularly concentrated near the Washington D.C. metro area, including cities like Rockville and Columbia. Many NRIs work in healthcare, biotech, and federal IT contracting, with strong employment ties to institutions like NIH, Johns Hopkins, and defense contractors. This professional stability fuels regular remittances to India for education, healthcare, and housing needs.
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 Maryland
How to Send — Step by Step
Download Root and Verify Your Identity
Sign up on the Root app or website and complete identity verification using your U.S. driver’s license or passport. Maryland residents must provide proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
Pro tip: Verification usually takes under 24 hours, so do this before initiating your first transfer.
Enter Recipient’s Bank Details in India
Provide your recipient’s full name, Indian bank account number, and correct 11-character IFSC code. Root supports transfers to NRO and regular savings/current accounts.
Pro tip: Double-check the IFSC code using your recipient’s bank website or the Reserve Bank of India’s IFSC directory to avoid failed transfers.
Enter Transfer Amount in USD
Choose how many U.S. dollars you want to send. Root will show you the live USD to INR exchange rate and the estimated INR amount the recipient will get.
Pro tip: If sending over $8,400 in a financial year (approx. ₹7 lakh), be aware that 5% TCS may apply on the excess amount.
Review and Confirm Transfer
Review the exchange rate, zero fees, and total INR delivery estimate. Confirm the transfer using your Root passcode or biometric authentication.
Pro tip: You’ll receive email and in-app notifications at each stage of the transaction.
Track Delivery to India
Root provides real-time tracking of your remittance. Most transfers reach Indian bank accounts within 1-4 business days.
Pro tip: Delays can occur during Indian bank holidays or if recipient details need manual verification.
Rules & Regulations
TCS Applies on Large Remittances
Under Indian tax rules effective October 2023, 5% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies to outbound remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year under the LRS. While NRIs are not restricted by LRS, Indian banks may still require PAN and apply TCS for compliance. This amount is adjustable against your final tax liability in India and is not an additional tax.
Ensure Correct IFSC and Account Type
Always confirm the recipient's IFSC code and account type. Transfers to incorrect branches or NRE accounts (not yet supported) may be rejected. Root currently supports NRO and regular savings/current accounts only. NRE support is coming soon.
Send Money from Maryland to India with Root
Zero fees, interbank rate, and fast delivery. Built for NRIs in Maryland.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send money from Maryland to India using Root without paying any fees?
Yes, Root charges zero transfer fees for sending money from Maryland to India. The only cost is the live USD to INR exchange rate, which is the interbank rate. This makes Root one of the most cost-effective options for NRIs in Maryland, especially compared to traditional banks or other services.
How long does it take to send money from Maryland to India via Root?
Most transfers from Maryland to India take 1-4 business days to arrive in the recipient’s Indian bank account. Processing times may vary slightly if initiated over weekends or U.S. federal holidays, which are common in the D.C.-area where many Maryland NRIs work.
Does TCS apply when I send money from the U.S. to India?
Yes, 5% TCS applies to cumulative remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a single financial year (April–March) if the Indian bank applies LRS rules. While NRIs are not bound by LRS, Indian banks may collect TCS and require the recipient’s PAN for reporting. You can claim credit for this TCS when filing Indian taxes.
Can I send money to an NRE account in India using Root from Maryland?
Not yet. As of now, Root supports transfers to NRO accounts and regular savings or current accounts in India. If you're in Montgomery County or Howard County and managing joint family accounts, ensure the Indian bank account is not classified as NRE. NRE account support is planned for future release.
Is there a limit on how much I can send from Maryland to India?
Root does not impose a monthly limit on transfers. However, Indian regulations may require additional documentation for large or frequent transfers. For transactions over ₹7 lakh in a financial year, TCS at 5% applies on the excess amount, collected by the Indian bank during credit.