Sending Money to India Every Two Weeks
How to send USD to India on a every two weeks basis. Set up recurring transfers, track limits, and save on every transfer with Root.
Many NRIs in the USA receive paychecks every two weeks and prefer to send money to India on the same cycle to support family or manage expenses. This guide covers key considerations like exchange rate timing, TCS implications, and ensuring reliable delivery to Indian bank accounts. Sending every two weeks helps build consistency while staying below regulatory thresholds. Learn how to optimize your recurring USD to INR transfers with ease and transparency.
NRIs on biweekly pay schedules often send between $500–$1,500 per transfer, which supports household expenses, loan repayments, or savings in India. This pattern works well for those balancing U.S. living costs with financial obligations back home. It spreads out large annual remittances into manageable, predictable payments.
Key Considerations
Track Annual TCS Threshold
5% TCS applies to remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year (April–March) under LRS rules. Since Root reports to Indian tax authorities, ensure you track your total INR-equivalent outflows to anticipate tax liability.
Exchange Rate Timing
USD to INR rates fluctuate daily. By sending every two weeks, you benefit from rupee cost averaging—buying INR consistently regardless of market peaks or dips—reducing risk from sudden currency swings.
Recipient Account Type
Root currently supports transfers to NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon. Confirm your recipient’s account type to ensure smooth crediting.
IFSC Code Accuracy
An incorrect IFSC code can delay or bounce a transfer. Always verify the 11-character IFSC of the recipient’s bank branch before sending—this is crucial for successful bank-to-bank delivery in India.
Recipient PAN Requirements
Indian banks may require the recipient’s PAN for compliance, especially for larger or frequent transfers. Share this requirement with your family to avoid processing delays.
How to Set It Up — Step by Step
Download Root and Verify Identity
Create an account on Root’s app, complete KYC with your U.S. ID and proof of address. Verification ensures compliance with U.S. and Indian regulations like FEMA and anti-money laundering rules.
Pro tip: Have your passport, visa, and recent utility bill ready for faster approval.
Add a Recipient in India
Enter your recipient’s full name, Indian bank account number, and correct IFSC code. Indicate if it’s an NRO or savings account since Root does not yet support NRE accounts.
Pro tip: Double-check the account number and IFSC—errors here cause failed transfers.
Set Up a Biweekly Recurring Transfer
Choose the amount in USD or INR and select 'Recurring' with a schedule of every two weeks. Root uses the interbank exchange rate at the time of each transfer, with zero fees.
Pro tip: Start with a test transfer to confirm delivery before enabling automation.
Monitor TCS and Annual Total
Track your cumulative transfers in INR each financial year. Root provides transaction history and INR equivalents to help you stay aware of the ₹7,00,000 TCS threshold.
Pro tip: Export your history monthly to maintain your own records for tax planning.
Notify Recipient of Transfer Status
Root sends real-time status updates. Share estimated credit timing with your recipient—most transfers arrive within 1 business day after processing.
Send Money to India Every Two Weeks with Root
Zero fees every time. Interbank rate. No transfer limits hassle.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
How much can I send to India every two weeks?
There’s no limit per transfer via Root. However, if you're sending to someone in India who receives funds into their account, they may be subject to Indian tax rules. Track your annual total—TCS of 5% applies if you send more than ₹7,00,000 in a financial year (April–March).
Does TCS apply to every two weeks transfers?
Yes, TCS applies cumulatively. If your total remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year, 5% TCS will be collected on the excess amount. Root reports these transfers to Indian tax authorities as required by law.
Can I send to an NRE account every two weeks?
Root currently supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is on the way. Check Root’s updates for when NRE transfers will be available.
How long does each transfer take?
Most transfers sent via Root arrive in 1 business day after processing. Ensure the recipient’s bank details (especially IFSC) are correct to avoid delays.
Is there a fee for recurring transfers?
No. Root charges zero fees for all transfers, including recurring ones. You get the interbank exchange rate with no hidden markups or transfer charges.