Canada to India

How To Send INR from Canada: Step-by-Step Transfer Guide

You can send money from Canada to India for different reasons, like: you could be helping a loved one in need, you could be paying off some GIC back home, or you could be an Indian expatriate, an international student, or a working professional and need to invest back home. On the bright side of things, it has never been speedier, less costly, or more comfortable with the associated tools supplied by the digital realm.

This is your guide that will offer you a simplified step-by-step way to send INR to Canada, platforms compared with their fees, exchange rates, safety checks, and all the tricks of the trade to save money and send efficiently.

Why INR Transfers from Canada Are So Common?

Canada is home to over 1.4 million people of Indian origin, many of whom regularly send funds to India for:

  • Family support

  • Loan repayments

  • Education expenses

  • Real estate investments

  • GIC refunds after study permit completion

Transferring in INR (instead of USD) helps recipients avoid conversion charges and receive exact amounts in Indian currency. It’s legal, fast, and regulated under FINTRAC (Canada) and RBI (India) remittance laws.

Methods to Send INR from Canada: Comparison

 

Some of the best ways to send money from Canada to India are:

  1. Bank Wire Transfer
    • Speed: 2 to 5 days
    • Cost: High
    • Best For: Large one-time transfers
  2. Online Platforms (Wise, Remitly)
    • Speed: Same day to 2 days
    • Cost: Low to Medium
    • Best For: Frequent remittance
  3. Forex Agents (Western Union, MoneyGram)
    • Speed: Instant to 2 days
    • Cost: Medium
    • Best For: Cash pickup
  4. Indian Banks in Canada (ICICI, SBI)
    • Speed: 1 to 3 days
    • Cost: Medium
    • Best For: Transfers to NRI/NRE accounts

Step-by-Step: How to Send INR from Canada?

Step 1: Choose a Transfer Method

Select a transfer service based on your:

  • Budget (fees)

  • Speed (urgent vs regular)

  • Recipient type (bank account or cash pickup)

Step 2: Set Up an Account

You’ll need:

  • A valid Canadian ID (Passport, PR card, Driver’s License).

  • Canadian address proof.

  • Email & mobile verification.

Step 3: Add the Recipient’s Details

Make sure you enter:

  • Full name (as per ID or bank account).

  • Bank name in India.

  • Account number and IFSC Code.

  • SWIFT/BIC code (for some bank transfers).

Step 4: Enter the Amount to Send

  • You can enter in CAD or INR.

  • Most apps show real-time exchange rates.

  • Check for the transfer fee and the final INR amount.

Step 5: Review & Confirm Transfer

  • Verify all details.

  • Some services offer fee discounts for first-time users or referrals.

  • Double-check the estimated delivery time.

Step 6: Track Transfer Status

You can track your transfer via:

  • Mobile apps

  • Email/SMS notifications

  • Web dashboards

Best Platforms to Send INR from Canada

Here are some of the most trusted and frequently used platforms:

1. Wise (TransferWise)

  • Transparent fee structure.

  • Real-time mid-market exchange rate.

  • Fast delivery within 24 to 48 hours.

2. Remitly

  • Choice between Economy (low fee) and Express (instant).

  • Good for emergency transfers.

  • Regular promotions for new users.

3. Western Union

  • Ideal for cash pickups across India.

  • Instant transfers are possible.

  • Available at retail agents, too.

4. SBI Canada & ICICI Bank Canada

  • Suitable for account-to-account transfers.

  • Direct INR remittance to NRE/NRO accounts.

  • Better exchange rates for account holders.

Is It Safe & Legal to Send INR from Canada?

Yes. It’s completely legal to send INR from Canada as long as you use RBI-licensed and FINTRAC-registered platforms.

Always ensure the provider:

  • It is regulated in Canada

  • Has transparent fee breakdowns

  • Encrypts personal and banking data

Avoid sending cash with unverified agents or informal channels (Hawala), which are illegal.

Tips to Maximize INR Received

  • Compare platforms using tools like Monito.

  • Use Wise or Remitly for the best CAD–INR rates.

  • Send on weekdays for better rates.

  • Check referral bonuses or first-transfer fee waivers.

  • Split large transfers into smaller ones to save on fees.

To Summarize

Sending INR to India is more convenient, secure, and quicker than before. Sending money to your relatives, educational institutions, or bank account won’t be a problem with platforms such as Wise, Remitly, or Indian banks. You should always make sure to compare the fees and exchange rates, to be compliant, and use the step-by-step process mentioned above to make your remittance expeditious and safe. However, if you are an avid traveler from Canada, then you don’t need to worry about the flight-booking process. You can book flight tickets from Toronto to Delhi conveniently through the AirfareBooking platform. 

 

FAQs

Q1. What’s the cheapest way to send INR from Canada?

A: Online platforms like Wise or Remitly Economy offer the lowest fees and competitive exchange rates.

Q2. How long does it take to transfer INR from Canada?

A: Online transfers usually take 1–2 business days, while wire transfers may take 3–5 days.

Q3. Can I send INR directly to an Indian bank account?

A: Yes, you can send INR to any Indian savings account using IFSC codes through most platforms.

Q4. Is there a limit on how much money I can send to India from Canada?

A: Most services allow up to CAD 9,900 per transfer, but larger transfers may require identity verification.

Q5. Do I need an NRI account to receive money in India?

A: No. Regular Indian savings accounts can also receive INR from abroad. However, NRE/NRO accounts may be better for tax and repatriation benefits.