International money transaction is getting increasingly common in India.
India remains the world’s largest recipient of remittances, with an estimated US $125 billion received in 2023.
HDFC Bank is a top choice for such transactions. As of June 30, 2025, it operates through 9,499 branches across 4,153 cities and towns, making it one of India’s most extensive banking networks.
HDFC Bank offers both:
• Outward remittance (sending money abroad), and
• Inward remittance (receiving money into India).
But when it comes to costs, the process can get complex. With opaque fee structures, exchange rate markups, and procedural requirements, there’s plenty of room to lose value if you're not careful.
In this guide, we'll walk you through:
• Detailed breakdowns of the transfer fees HDFC charges.
• The step-by-step process for both sending and receiving funds via HDFC Bank.
• Processing times and documentation requirements.
HDFC Bank International Transaction Charges
HDFC Bank charges for both outward and inward remittance, which means the cost can vary depending on the amount you send or receive.
HDFC International Transfer Fees for Sending Money
When you send money abroad through HDFC Bank, the following charges apply:
• Up to USD 500 or equivalent: ₹500 + applicable taxes
• Above USD 500 or equivalent: ₹1,000 + applicable taxes
These charges are applicable whether you're sending money for personal or business purposes. It's essential to note that the charges are a flat rate, meaning the bank doesn't increase them based on the amount you send (until you exceed USD 500).
For example:
• If you send USD 400 (₹30,000 approximately) to a family member, you will pay ₹500 plus taxes.
• If you send USD 1,000 (₹75,000 approximately), you’ll pay ₹1,000 plus taxes.
HDFC International Transfer Fees for Receiving Money
HDFC does not charge any processing fees for receiving money from abroad, which is great if you’re the recipient. However, there are a few caveats:
• Exchange rates: The amount you receive will depend on HDFC's exchange rate. Banks often use a TT buying rate that differs from the mid-market rate (the real rate). As a result, you may not receive the exact equivalent of the amount sent.
Example: If someone sends you USD 1,000, you might get ₹75,000 based on HDFC’s TT buying rate, but this rate could be less favorable than the actual mid-market rate (approximately ₹82,000). So, while you might think you’re receiving ₹82,000, the difference in exchange rate means you’ll get less.
• FIRC charges: If you need to get a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) for documentation or tax purposes, HDFC charges ₹200 per certificate.
HDFC Bank International Transfer Limits
Understanding the limits is crucial before initiating a transfer to avoid any surprises.
• Maximum transaction limit: You can send up to USD 50,000 or its equivalent in any foreign currency per transaction. This is the highest amount allowed per transaction via HDFC Bank’s NetBanking or branch service.
• Minimum transaction limit: The minimum amount you can send is USD 100 or its equivalent. If you want to send less than this amount, the bank won’t process the transaction.
• Daily limit: The maximum you can send in a single day is USD 50,000 or its equivalent. However, if you need to transfer more than this, you’ll have to visit a branch to complete the transaction.
If you plan to send above the maximum value, you’ll need to visit a branch, as this exceeds the daily limit.
HDFC Bank International Transfer Processing Time
HDFC Bank aims to process transactions efficiently, but the timing can vary depending on the day of the week or holidays.
Outward Remittance
• Processing time: Transactions can be initiated 24/7, but they will not be processed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) or Maharashtra bank holidays.
• Multiple transactions: You can send multiple transfers on the same day, but each transaction must adhere to the daily limit of USD 50,000. The actual processing time after submitting a transfer can take up to 30 minutes on business days.
Inward Remittance
• The time it takes for you to receive money depends on the sender's bank and the country they are sending money from. Generally, it can take anywhere from 1 to 5 business days.
How to Make an International Transfer from HDFC Bank
You can send money internationally either through NetBanking or by visiting an HDFC branch.
Using HDFC NetBanking
- Log into NetBanking: Access your HDFC NetBanking account on the website or via the mobile app.
- Add Beneficiary: In the ‘Money Transfer’ section, click on ‘Add Payee’ (or find it directly on the app’s homepage). You’ll need to enter the recipient’s bank details:
o Name
o Account number
o SWIFT/BIC code
o Bank address - Verify Payee Details: Ensure that all details are correct before proceeding. Incorrect information could delay the transfer or lead to funds being sent to the wrong recipient.
- Initiate the Transfer: Once the payee is added, select them, enter the amount you wish to send, and choose the currency. Review the transaction details, including fees, exchange rates, and estimated delivery time.
- Confirmation: After confirming the transaction, you’ll need to enter your NetBanking password to authorize the transfer. The transaction will be processed, and you should receive confirmation within a few minutes.
- Processing Time: Typically, it will take 30 minutes for the transaction to be processed, though it can be longer on non-business days.
Using HDFC Branch
- Visit Your Nearest Branch: Make sure you bring the necessary documents:
o Proof of identity (Aadhar, passport, etc.)
o Proof of address
o Recipient’s bank details
o Purpose of remittance - Fill Out the Form: Complete the Outward Remittance Form with the required details. Make sure all the information matches what the recipient's bank needs.
- Pay Fees: You’ll need to pay both the transfer fees and the amount you wish to send. Payment can be made using cash, cheque, or through NetBanking.
- Confirmation: After the transfer is processed, you will receive a receipt and tracking details to track the money.
Can I Transfer Money from HDFC to an International Bank?
Yes, you can easily transfer money from your HDFC Bank account to an international bank. The transfer can be made in foreign currencies, and you have the flexibility to send money for personal, business, or educational purposes.
What to Expect When Sending or Receiving Money from HDFC Bank?
While HDFC Bank offers a simple and efficient service, there are hidden costs and potential losses you need to consider:
• Exchange rate loss: The exchange rates offered by Indian banks are less than the real market rate, meaning you'll lose money on the conversion.
Example: If someone sends you USD 1,000, HDFC won’t deduct any fees from the receiver as service fees. But banks like HDFC usually apply a 2–3% markup on the exchange rate. So instead of getting the full mid-market value (around ₹83,000 if USD/INR is 83), you could end up receiving only about ₹80,500–₹81,400 or less.
