Sending Money from Washington to India
How NRIs in Washington can send USD to INR. Bank options, fees, limits, regulatory notes, and the easiest way to transfer with Root.
Indian-Americans in Washington play a vital role in the USD to INR remittance corridor, often supporting family and managing finances across borders. This guide is tailored for NRIs in Washington who want to send money to India efficiently and affordably using Root. We cover everything from exchange rates and transfer times to regulatory considerations like TCS and account types. Whether you're in Seattle, Redmond, or Bellevue, this guide helps you make informed decisions when sending money home.
Washington hosts a large and thriving NRI population, concentrated in cities like Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond—home to major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and numerous startups. Many Indian-Americans in Washington are employed in high-skill IT and engineering roles, making regular remittances to family in India a common financial activity.
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 Washington
How to Send — Step by Step
Download Root and Create an Account
Sign up using your U.S. phone number and email. Verify your identity with your passport and U.S. address to comply with federal and Washington state regulations.
Pro tip: Use your Washington residential address for faster verification.
Link Your U.S. Bank Account
Connect your U.S. bank account via Plaid or manual entry. This enables ACH transfers from your Washington-based bank to fund your remittance.
Pro tip: ACH transfers from Washington banks typically settle in 1-2 business days.
Enter Recipient’s India Bank Details
Add the beneficiary’s full name, IFSC code, and account number. Root currently supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India.
Pro tip: Double-check the IFSC code—errors here can delay transfers by several days.
Enter Amount and Confirm Transfer
Input the USD amount you’d like to send. Review the INR amount based on the live interbank exchange rate and confirm the transaction.
Pro tip: For transfers exceeding $8,400 USD annually, remember 5% TCS may apply at the recipient end.
Track Your Transfer
Monitor progress in real time through the Root app. Most transfers reach India within 1-4 business days.
Pro tip: Root sends email and app notifications at every stage.
Rules & Regulations
TCS on High-Value Remittances
As per Indian tax law effective October 2023, 5% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies to remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year under the LRS. This is collected by the Indian bank receiving the funds. While NRIs sending from the U.S. aren’t restricted by LRS limits, recipients may face TCS if cumulative inflows to their account exceed the threshold.
Account Type and PAN Requirements
Root currently supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE accounts are not yet supported. For large transfers, the recipient’s bank in India may require their PAN for compliance. Ensure your beneficiary has it ready to avoid processing delays.
Prohibited Uses under FEMA
Under India’s Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), remitted funds cannot be used for prohibited purposes such as gambling, lottery, or real estate purchases by non-residents (unless via specific exceptions). Ensure the end use complies to prevent return or rejection of funds.
Send Money from Washington to India with Root
Zero fees, interbank rate, and fast delivery. Built for NRIs in Washington.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send money from my Washington bank account using Root?
Yes. Root supports ACH transfers from all major Washington banks, including Chase, Bank of America, and U.S. Bank branches in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. Link your account securely in the app to start sending.
Does Root work with Microsoft or Amazon employee payroll in Washington?
While Root doesn’t integrate directly with employer payroll, many Microsoft and Amazon employees in Redmond and Seattle use Root to send money after receiving their salaries. Just ensure your U.S. bank account is linked to transfer funds easily.
Is TCS applied when I send money via Root from the U.S.?
TCS (Tax Collected at Source) is not collected by Root. However, if the total remittances to a recipient’s India bank account exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year, the Indian bank may apply 5% TCS on the excess amount upon credit. You should inform your beneficiary to track this.
How long does it take to send money from Washington to India?
Transfers typically take 1-4 business days. Processing starts the next business day after funding, so timing your transfer early in the week from Washington helps ensure faster delivery in India.
Can I send money to my family’s NRE account in India using Root?
Currently, Root supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is planned for a future update. In the meantime, you can use an NRO account to receive funds.