How to Send Money from Canada to India: Smart and Easy Tips for 2025

If you’re living in Canada and need to send money to India, you’re not alone. Whether you’re supporting family, paying bills, or investing back home, international money transfers are a regular part of life for many people. But with so many services out there, the process can feel confusing or more expensive than necessary. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand how to send money from Canada to India, including what your options are, what to watch for, and how to choose the best service for your needs.

Choosing the Best Way to Send Money to India

When it comes to transferring money to India, you have several options:

1. Bank Wire Transfers

Secure, but often the slowest and most expensive. Transfers can take 1–5 business days, with high fees and poor FX rates. Banks may use a correspondent bank or intermediary bank that can add additional hidden charges. This method is typically used by major banks and financial institutions. Bank Transfers also often require detailed documentation and are commonly used for international transfers.

2. Online Money Transfer Services

Online services often offer faster transfers and better rates than banks. After creating an account and verifying your identity, you can send money using a debit or credit card or from a bank account. These platforms support electronic payments, card payments, mobile devices, and online banking, giving users flexible choices of money transfer options. However, always check rates with Google or a mid-market exchange rate to avoid hefty exchange rate markups. These services are ideal for both smaller and larger transfers and support international transfers with ease. Some services don’t have markups but charge hefty service fees. Many times, these service fees end up being higher than services that use FX markups

3. Money Transfer Apps

Apps are the fastest and most user-friendly way to send money. For example, My Beacon is launching a new UPI transfer feature that allows you to send money directly to any UPI ID in India. With no hidden charges, low FX rates, and zero markup costs, this is one of the cheapest options for 2025. UPI ensures immediate delivery, secure transactions, and easy, stress-free transfers. Users can also choose delivery methods such as direct debit or bank deposit, with access to online banking and correspondent bank connections when needed.

What You Need to Send Money to India

Depending on your transfer method, you’ll need different information:

• Bank Transfers: This is the slowest way to send money. You’ll need the recipient’s full name, bank name/address, account number, SWIFT/BIC code, account type, and possibly correspondent bank details. For large or business transfers, ID and income documentation may be required. Many major banks rely on correspondent bank networks for international delivery.
• Online Services: Same as above, with support for card rate or card payments and credit to the beneficiary account. Always review financial transactions carefully. Many services offer the ability to send transfers via Interac e-Transfers. Some platforms provide monthly payment options and connect to correspondent banks for backend settlement.
• Apps with UPI: UPI is the fastest and most adopted payment method in India. So you just need the recipient’s UPI ID. No bank account or SWIFT details are needed. Beacon provides UPI transfers to send money from Canada to India. Once your Beacon account is funded, the transfer can be completed in seconds. Users can track the transfer process and get a Money Transfer Control Number. These apps also support direct debit and prioritize ease of money transfer.

 Key Factors to Consider Before You Transfer

1. Purpose of Transfer

All international transfers must comply with RBI rules. Common approved reasons include family maintenance, education fees, medical treatment, and insurance. Transferring money to friends or family through trusted remittance services ensures your money stays safe.

2. Exchange Rates

The applicable exchange rate you get directly affects how much your recipient receives. Look for awesome rates, bank-beating rates, or special promotional rates. Many platforms provide reliable exchange rates and enable you to verify them before finalizing your transfer. Some platforms also offer rate alerts or notifications about changes in exchange rates, helping you choose the best time to send money. The mid-market exchange rate is often considered the fairest and most competitive benchmark. Beacon has a marginal markup on mid-market rate, which is often the lowest compared to others. This makes Beacon the most affordable rates for sending money to India from Canada.

3. Transaction Fees

Fees vary by provider. Some charge a flat fee (e.g., CAD 1.99) for transfers below $500 and a percentage of the total. Beacon offers “fee-free” transfers on all amounts, even below $500. This allows you to send money without having to worry about combining multiple payments just to avoid the flat fees.

4. Transfer Speed

Delivery time can range from seconds to 48 business hours, depending on delivery speed and method selected. However, since Beacon uses UPI, most transactions done through Beacon are completed within one minute. Beacon uses cutting-edge technology to your advantage with real-time tracking. 

5. Amount Limits and Reporting

Transfers over $10,000 CAD in 24 hours are monitored by FINTRAC. Be aware of maximum limits. Some platforms display maximum limits and track previous transfers to help users stay compliant. Beacon allows $2,000 CAD per transaction due to limits imposed by UPI. However, you can send money in installments since the money transfer is almost instant.

Transparent Pricing and Avoiding Hidden Fees

To avoid surprises, choose money transfer companies with a dedication to transparency. Look for:

• Upfront fees for money transfers and a clear cost of transfer breakdown
• Clear distinction between foreign currency exchange rates and card rate options
• Direct links with correspondent banks and major bank partners are important to avoid fees that your recipient might be charged.
• Personalized service through customer service centers through in-app chat and WhatsApp.
• Extra-secure transactions and dependable service.

Tips for First-Time Users

• You’ll have to register using a valid ID and verify your profile. This is the standard process imposed by regulators. Beacon’s registration process takes around 5 minutes and is entirely digital.
• Double-check bank details or UPI ID to avoid mistakes. Beacon displays the name of the recipient to reduce such errors.
• Choose the right delivery option: direct bank deposit, app transfer, or cash payment. Watch for additional fees that many services charge for using different options.
• Review previous transfers, eligible CAD transactions, and your account’s daily debit card limits.
• Use tools like a Money Transfer Control Number for tracking.
• Consider the ease of money transfer and mid-market exchange rate when selecting your provider.

Helpful Resources

• Learn more about how Beacon’s India Bill Pay feature helps immigrants manage their money seamlessly across borders.
• As covered in this BetaKit article, Beacon has launched a remittance solution to help Canadian newcomers receive money from India more easily.
• Discover how Beacon is transforming newcomer finances in Canada’s first purpose-built wallet for immigrants.

Final Thoughts

Sending money to India from Canada in 2025 is easier, faster, and more affordable than ever, especially with apps like Beacon. Before sending:

• Know your purpose of transfer and choose a trusted remittance service.
• Have the correct bank accounts, bank details, and recipient information.
• Use a reliable money transfer provider with bank deposit or cash pickup locations.
• Compare with mid-market or Google FX rates to avoid exchange rate markups.
• Monitor rate alerts and avoid hidden fees or inflated card rates.
• Ensure your provider supports correspondent banks and major banks for seamless international transfers.

With smart choices, digital convenience, and innovative services like Beacon’s UPI feature, you can enjoy secure, efficient, and bank-beating transfers with total confidence.

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