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Why Remitting Money from Italy to India via Banks May Cost You More

Why Remitting Money from Italy to India via Banks May Cost You More?

01 May 2025


Did you know that over €6.2 billion was sent from Italy as remittances in 2023? A significant share of this came from the Indian diaspora, many of whom unknowingly lose money due to poor banking options. If you're an Indian expat in Italy looking to send money online to India from Italy, relying on traditional banks might be costing you more than you realize. Between high fees, unfavorable exchange rates, and hidden charges, the actual cost of bank transfers can quickly add up, reducing the funds your loved ones receive.

Many expats report experiencing hidden charges, unfavorable exchange rates, and long wait times with bank transfers. These issues often arise during emergencies, when speed and transparency are most crucial. On the other hand, mobile-based digital platforms are emerging with smarter, faster, and more cost-effective alternatives.

The Hidden Costs of Using Banks for Remittance 

While banks may feel like a secure option, they often come with undisclosed or underestimated costs that cut into your remittance value.

High Transfer Fees

  • Most banks charge a flat transaction fee ranging from €10 to €25 per transfer
  • Some also add a percentage-based fee depending on the transfer amount
  • These charges vary across institutions, making it hard to predict the total cost

Such fees accumulate over time, especially for expats who send money monthly.

Poor Exchange Rates

  • Banks usually offer less favorable EUR to INR conversion rates
  • Even a 1% difference can result in thousands of rupees lost each year
  • These losses are often hidden from the sender, as banks rarely display real-time rates

Additional Receiving Charges

  • Many banks in India may impose fees on the recipient, further reducing the final amount
  • This is particularly problematic for families in rural areas relying on every rupee

Time Is Money: Don’t Let Slow Transfers Steal Yours

Bank transfers are not always fast, and in emergencies, speed can mean everything. When timing is critical, delays of even a day or two can make a huge difference in someone’s well-being or financial stability.

Delays in Processing

Transfers via traditional banks can take anywhere from 2 to 5 business days to reach recipients. However, weekends, bank holidays, and internal processing times can cause further delays, making the wait even longer. For families in India relying on timely support for essentials like medical expenses, tuition fees, or household needs, these delays can create unnecessary stress and financial strain, especially in urgent situations.

Missed Opportunities

Foreign exchange rates fluctuate constantly, and when you send money to India from Italytiming can make a big difference. Even a one-day delay in the transfer process can result in your recipient receiving significantly less in INR due to unfavorable rate changes. This means you’re not just losing money through bank fees, but also through poor timing caused by slow processing—reducing the overall value of your remittance.

No Real-Time Tracking

Loved ones are often left guessing when the money will actually arrive, especially when you send money to India from Italy through traditional banks. This uncertainty can add unnecessary stress to an already frustrating process, particularly when the funds are needed urgently for essentials like bills, education, or medical care.

Why Mobile Remittances Apps Are a Better Choice?

Digital platforms offer faster and more efficient ways to send money from Italy to India.

Lower Fees, Better Rates

When you send money to India from Italy using mobile transfer services, you benefit from transparent fee structures that make it easier to understand exactly what you're paying. These platforms typically provide real-time exchange rates, helping you maximize the amount your family receives in INR. Unlike traditional banks, which often hide extra costs within unfavorable conversion rates, mobile transfer services are upfront about their pricing, ensuring your money goes further.

Fast Transfers

Funds are typically delivered within minutes to a few hours when using modern money transfer services, making them ideal for emergencies or time-sensitive needs. This speed ensures that your loved ones in India can access the money quickly, whether it’s for a medical situation, urgent bills, or other immediate expenses.

Multiple Delivery Options

When you send money to India from Italy using modern transfer services, you can choose from a range of delivery options such as cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet, or even home delivery. These flexible choices ensure convenience for your family, no matter where they are located—whether in a major city or a remote village—making it easier for them to access the funds without hassle.

Secure and Regulated

Services that allow you to send money to India from Italy are licensed and regulated by both European and Indian authorities, ensuring they adhere to strict legal frameworks designed to protect both you and your recipients. Additionally, these services use end-to-end encryption to safeguard your money and personal data, offering peace of mind that your transaction is secure and confidential at every stage of the process.

How to Switch from Bank Transfers to a Better Option?

Changing the way you send money doesn’t have to be complicated.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download the money transfer app (available on Android and iOS)
Step 2: Sign up and complete ID verification securely
Step 3: Add your recipient’s details (bank or mobile wallet in India)
Step 4: Enter the transfer amount and confirm — rates and fees are visible upfront

Bonus Perks of Digital Transfers

There’s more to switching than just savings.

Referral Rewards and Promo Codes

  • Invite your friends and earn free transfers or discounted rates

Seasonal Campaigns

  • Look out for promotions during Ramzan, Eid, or Independence Day

24/7 Customer Support

  • Get help anytime through live chat, phone, or email
  • Support is available in multiple languages for your convenience

Ditch the Banks, Delight Your Wallet: India Transfers Made Easy!

Sending money to India should be simple, secure, and cost-effective — but if you're using banks, that’s rarely the case. From high fees and slow delivery times to poor exchange rates, traditional banking transfers can silently drain your money and your peace of mind.

In a time where financial decisions matter more than ever, choosing the right method to send money from Italy to India can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. So stop losing value with traditional banks — switch today and send money smarter, faster, and safer.

FAQs

Why do banks charge high fees for international money transfers?

Banks often apply flat fees, service charges, and handling fees for international transfers. These can add up, especially for smaller amounts, making the transfer disproportionately expensive.

How do exchange rates affect the cost of sending money to India?

Banks typically use marked-up exchange rates, offering less favorable rates than the mid-market rate. This hidden margin can significantly reduce the amount received in India.

Are there hidden charges in bank transfers?

Yes, aside from visible fees, banks may impose hidden costs such as receiving bank fees, intermediary bank charges, or inflated currency conversion rates, which are not always disclosed upfront.

How long do bank transfers from Italy to India usually take?

Bank transfers can take 3–5 business days or more, especially if intermediary banks are involved. This delay can be frustrating, especially for urgent remittances.

Are there cheaper alternatives to sending money via banks?

Yes, money transfer services and online platforms like Wise, Remitly, or Xoom often offer better exchange rates, lower fees, and faster transfers compared to traditional banks.


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