Sending Money to Your Friend in India
Complete guide to sending USD to your friend in India. How it works, what you need, and how Root makes it simple.
Sending money to a friend in India is a meaningful way to support someone during tough times or help with shared expenses. Whether it’s for medical costs, education, or personal needs, this guide walks you through the process smoothly. You'll learn what details you need, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to send USD to INR quickly and securely. With the right information, your support can reach them reliably.
NRIs often send money to friends in India to assist with urgent needs like medical bills, tuition, or personal emergencies. These transfers are usually one-time or occasional, but sometimes regular when supporting someone long-term. Friends may not be immediate family, but trusted individuals relying on your support.
What You Need to Know
Valid Indian Bank Account
Your friend must have an active bank account in India — NRO, NRE, or regular savings account. Root currently supports NRO and regular accounts. Confirm the account type before sending.
Complete IFSC Code
The 11-character IFSC code is essential to route the transfer to the correct bank branch in India. An incorrect IFSC can delay or reject the transfer.
PAN for Large Amounts
If the transfer exceeds ₹7,00,000 in a financial year, your friend may need to provide their PAN to their bank for tax compliance, even though TCS applies at the sender level.
TCS Applies on Large Transfers
5% TCS is collected on cumulative remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (approx $8,400) in a financial year under LRS. This is deducted at source — factor it in when sending large amounts to a friend.
How to Send — Step by Step
Log in to Your Root Account
Access your Root account via the app or website. Ensure your profile is verified and up to date for seamless transfers.
Pro tip: If you're new, signup takes just a few minutes with your US ID and proof of NRI status.
Add a New Recipient
Select 'Add Recipient' and choose 'Friend' as the relationship. Enter their full name, Indian bank account number, and IFSC code exactly as registered with their bank.
Enter Transfer Amount in USD
Input the amount you wish to send in USD. The system will show the equivalent INR amount using the live interbank exchange rate.
Pro tip: Check if this transfer contributes to your annual TCS threshold (₹7,00,000).
Review and Confirm Details
Double-check your friend’s account and IFSC code. Confirm the transfer amount, fees, and expected delivery time.
Authenticate and Send
Complete authentication using your preferred method (e.g., 2FA). Once confirmed, the transfer is initiated instantly.
Track and Notify
Track the status in real time via the app. Notify your friend once sent so they can expect the INR credit within 1 business day.
Send Money to Your Friend in India
Zero fees, interbank rate. Simple and secure with Root.
Send with RootFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a friend in India using Root?
Yes, you can send money to a friend in India using Root. Just select 'Friend' as the relationship during recipient setup and provide their correct bank details, including IFSC code.
Does my friend need an NRE account to receive money?
No, your friend can receive funds in an NRO account, regular savings account, or current account. Root supports NRO and regular accounts today, with NRE support coming soon.
How much can I send to my friend in India?
There is no per-transaction limit for sending to a friend, but Indian banks may impose internal thresholds. Also, TCS at 5% applies if your total remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year.
What info do I need to send money to my friend?
You’ll need your friend’s full name (as per bank records), Indian bank account number, IFSC code, and bank branch name. Make sure all details match to avoid delays.
Do I need to prove my relationship with my friend?
No, Root does not require documentation to verify your friendship. However, transfers must be for legitimate purposes under FEMA guidelines — no gambling, illegal activities, etc.