Sending money to India from the United States shouldn’t cost you a fortune in hidden fees and unfavorable exchange rates. Yet every day, millions of dollars are lost by NRIs and H1B visa holders who don’t compare their options carefully. In 2024 alone, India received over $125 billion in remittances, with the US being the largest source. This guide cuts through the marketing noise to show you exactly what you’ll pay with each major provider.
The True Cost of Sending Money: What You’re Really Paying
Most people focus only on the transfer fee displayed upfront. But the real cost hides in the exchange rate markup. Here’s how it works: when you see the USD/INR rate on Google (the mid-market rate), that’s the fair benchmark. When a provider offers you a rate that’s 1-2% lower, they’re essentially charging you an invisible fee. On a $5,000 transfer, even a 1% markup means losing $50 to $100.
Head-to-Head Comparison: December 2025
| Provider | Transfer Fee | Rate Markup | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crobo | $0 (ACH) | Near mid-market | 1-2 days | Regular senders, H1B workers |
| Wise | $4-15 | 0% | 1-2 days | One-time large transfers |
| Remitly | $0-4 | 0.5-1.5% | Minutes-5 days | Express delivery needs |
| Aspora | $0-3 | 0% | Same day | UK/UAE senders |
| Bank Wire | $25-50 | 2-4% | 3-5 days | Never recommended |
Real-World Example: Sending $5,000 to India
Let’s break down what happens when you send $5,000 to your family in India. Assuming a mid-market rate of 84.50 INR per USD, your family should receive approximately ₹4,22,500. However, using a traditional bank wire at a 3% markup plus $45 fee, they’d receive only around ₹4,05,000, losing over ₹17,000. With Crobo’s competitive rates and zero-fee ACH transfers, that money stays in your family’s pocket.
Why Exchange Rate Matters More Than Transfer Fees
Here’s a quick math lesson: A provider offering “free transfers” but taking 1.5% on the exchange rate costs you $75 on a $5,000 transfer. Another provider charging a $10 fee but using the mid-market rate saves you $65. Always calculate the total amount received in INR, not just the advertised fee.
Crobo’s Advantage for the US-India Corridor
Built specifically for young tech workers and recent immigrants sending money home, Crobo focuses exclusively on the US-India corridor. This specialization means faster transfers to major Indian banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and Axis Bank, competitive rates that rival the mid-market, zero fees on ACH transfers, and a mobile-first experience designed for busy professionals.
When to Use Which Provider
For regular monthly transfers under $3,000: Crobo offers the best combination of rates and convenience. For one-time large transfers over $10,000: Compare Crobo and Wise on the day of transfer. For urgent same-day transfers: Remitly Express or Crobo, depending on current rates. For cash pickup needs: Remitly has broader agent networks.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let inertia cost you money. If you’re sending $1,000 monthly to India, optimizing your transfer provider could save you $500-1,000 annually. Take 5 minutes to compare rates before each transfer, or better yet, set up with a provider like Crobo that consistently offers competitive rates without the need to shop around every time.