Forex

Understanding outward remittance from India charges

We are all well aware of the money we lose due to outward remittance charges from India.

A few transactions are all it takes to erode the hard-earned money that the finance team diligently manages.

So here is where the question arises - what really are the outward remittance from India charges? 

How can you save more when sending money from India to another country?

Read on to find out more… 

Outward remittance from India charges

Generally, in the case of business outward remittance charges from India, several factors influence this, including the bank you opt for,  the amount being transferred, the destination country (more in the case of the US, UK, etc ), and the chosen method of remittance (wire transfers are the cheapest). 

Some outward remittance charges that you need to be aware of are as follows:- 

  • Transaction Fee: Many banks and fintechs charge a transaction fee for processing outward remittances. This fee can be a flat rate or a percentage of the transaction amount.

  • Foreign Exchange Conversion Fee: If the remittance involves converting Indian Rupees to another currency, a foreign exchange conversion fee may apply. This fee is a percentage of the amount being converted.

  • Service Charges: Financial institutions may impose service charges to cover the cost of processing the outward remittance transaction.

  • Correspondent Bank Charges: When intermediary banks are involved in the international transfer process, their fees may be passed on to the sender. These charges can vary based on the banks involved in the transaction.

  • Documentation Fees: Depending on the type of outward remittance, there might be charges associated with document processing and verification.

A1 Outward remittance from India charges

The charges for A1 outward remittances from India can vary depending on the financial institution or service provider involved. Some common components of charges associated with A1 outward remittances may include:

  • Transaction Fee: Many banks or financial institutions charge a transaction fee for processing A1 outward remittances. In India, the NOSTRO bank commission for outward remittance India charges maybe 0.15-0.25% of the gross transaction volume. 

  • Foreign Exchange Conversion Fee: If the remittance involves converting Indian Rupees to another currency, a foreign exchange conversion fee may apply. This may vary between 22 paise per USD to Re 1.5 per USD. 

  • Service Charges: Additional service charges may be applicable, covering the costs of handling the A1 outward remittance transaction, which includes a SWIFT commission of Rs 500- Rs 750.  

  • Correspondent Bank Charges: If intermediary banks are involved in the international transfer process, their fees may also be a factor.

A2 Outward remittance from India charges

The charges for A2 outward remittances from India can vary based on the financial institution or service provider involved. Here are some common components of charges associated with A2 outward remittances:

  • Transaction Fee: Many banks or financial institutions charge a transaction fee for processing A2 outward remittances. In India, the NOSTRO bank commission for outward remittance India charges maybe 0.25 - 0.50 % of the gross transaction volume. 

  • Foreign Exchange Conversion Fee: If the remittance involves converting Indian Rupees to another currency, a foreign exchange conversion fee may apply. This may vary between 30 paise per USD to Re 1 per USD. 

  • Service Charges: Additional service charges may be applicable, covering the costs of handling the A2 outward remittance transaction which may be around Rs 500- Rs 750. 

  • Documentation Fees: Depending on the type of A2 outward remittance, there might be charges for document processing and verification. In India, Chartered Accountants prepare Form 15CA and 15CB, required for outward remittance transactions.  The charges for these forms can range from Rs 2000 to Rs 4000, depending on the fintech service provider. Make, note that banks DO NOT offer CA services, which may lead to additional time and costs if your business chooses a bank-based service.

How to minimize outward remittance from India charges on foreign currency payments

#1 Upload multiple invoices at one time

If a vendor issues a single invoice, you can consolidate multiple invoices into one transaction. This way, outward remittance charges like SWIFT and NOSTRO don't have to be paid separately; they can all be covered in a single transaction, maximizing your savings.

#2 Consider hedging to reduce outward remittance from India charges

While not entirely ethical, hedging can be a great way to save money. The majority of outward remittance charges from India are due to the mark-up fee. The forex margin that is offered by banks is almost always higher than the ones offered by fintechs. Moreover, it is quite obvious that banks offer higher forex margins compared to fintech platforms. There is a big difference in markup fees and this is where banks consume a huge chunk of the outward remittance charges from India.

#3 Automated Services help you save up on outward remittance from India charges 

Here, the savings aren't just about tangible money but also about the time you save in the process. Outward remittance charges from India can become expensive when you factor in the time spent going back and forth with documentation at the bank for a single remittance process.

Automated options, like the one that comes from Karbon Forex, are your best bet against all others in terms of effort. Contact us to know more!  

#4 Negotiate forex markup fee 

To reduce the outward remittance for India charges, you must be able to negotiate your forex mark-up fee. This may be done in the following ways. 

  1. Understand Market Rates:

Before negotiating, research and understand the current market rates for forex markup fees since your debit advice for previous outward remittance transactions will be demanded by the bank or service provider. 

  1. Leverage Relationship:

If you have a good relationship with the bank or fintech, use it. Banks often value customer loyalty and may be open to negotiation.

  1. Highlight Transaction Volume:

Remember, higher transaction volume, lowers the outward remittance from India charges. If you frequently engage in forex transactions, highlight the same. Financial institutions generally negotiate fees for clients with significant business.

  1. Compare with Competitors:

Be aware of the offerings of other financial institutions. If you can show that competitors are offering better rates, it will encourage your current provider to adjust their fees.

  1. Consider Package Deals:

Explore whether the institution offers package deals or premium services that include favorable forex rates. Sometimes, bundling services can result in better terms.

  1. Negotiate During Renewals:

If you are renewing or considering renewing your banking services, take advantage of this opportunity to negotiate forex markup fees as part of the overall agreement.

  1. Engage in Direct Communication:

Reach out to your relationship manager or a relevant contact directly. Express your concerns and intentions to negotiate, and inquire about any available options.

  1. Explore Corporate Rates:

Bottom Line 

All in all, outward remittance from India charges can be not-so-pocket-friendly, if the right service provider is not chosen. GST, bank NOSTRO commissions, and SWIFT charges all differ from one bank to another.

Moreover, you might be shocked to discover that a big portion of these charges is concealed until the end of the outward remittance transaction process.

In the end, picking the right fintech provider can be your best bet to save real money.


FAQs on  outward remittance from India charges

What are remittance payment fees?

Remittance payment fees are charges you pay when sending money to another country. They help cover the costs of making sure the money gets to the right place and is handled securely.

Are you charged for documentation as part of the outward remittance from India charges? 

No. All the documents required (eg: PAN, Aadhaar, GST certificate, etc ) are generally in possession already and need to be shared. However, charges may be applicable for form 15CA and form 15CB which are for services catered by the chartered accountant and not the bank itself. 

Can I use Karbon Forex to send money overseas?

Yes. Karbon Forex, under RBI guidelines, partners with IDFC Bank to enable secure overseas fund transfers through a zero-balance current account. Your funds remain untouched by Karbon, ensuring a swift end-to-end bank transfer.

Is there a possibility of my remittance request being rejected?

No. It's highly unlikely for your outward remittance request to be rejected unless the processing bank identifies inconsistencies in the remittance. As long as the bank doesn't initiate an enhanced due diligence (EDD) process, your remittance will proceed smoothly within the specified timeline.

What are the documents required to send money overseas?

The documents required to send money overseas without incurring extra outward remittance from India charges are as follows:- 

For A2 (services) outward remittance from India transactions, the following documents may be applicable:- 

  • Invoice (mandatory)
  • Form 15CA
  • Form 15CB 
  • TRC 
  • Form 10F 
  • No PE 
  • Form A2 
  • FEMA Declaration 

For A1 (services) outward remittance from India transactions, the following documents may be applicable:- 

  • Proforma Invoice (if Advance Payment) or CI (if Direct Payment)
  • Service Level  Agreement (if applicable and available)
  • Bill of Entry (BOE ) 
  • Transport Document (If Direct Payment)

 

When will my beneficiary receive the funds?

It's highly unlikely for your outward remittance request to be rejected unless the processing bank identifies inconsistencies in the remittance. As long as the bank doesn't initiate an enhanced due diligence (EDD) process, your remittance will proceed smoothly within the specified timeline.

The views expressed in the blogs on this page are solely the opinions of the authors and do not constitute expert advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

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