HDFC charges for international transactions can often be confusing and filled with hidden costs. Whether you’re sending money abroad, receiving funds from overseas, or shopping online in foreign currencies, understanding how much HDFC actually charges is key to saving money and avoiding unpleasant surprises.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down all the important aspects of HDFC’s international transaction fees, including outward and inward remittance costs, conversion charges, exchange rate markups, and a detailed comparison with HOP Remit by moneyHOP, a more transparent alternative.
Receiving International Payments in HDFC Bank
Receiving money into your HDFC account is fairly straightforward. However, while HDFC does not charge direct fees for receiving money from abroad, there are indirect charges you must consider:
Charges to Be Aware of:
- Intermediary Bank Fees: These are third-party fees deducted before the money reaches your account. They’re not controlled by HDFC but affect the final amount received.
- Exchange Rate Markup: HDFC usually applies a 2–3.5% markup on the exchange rate offered. This “hidden cost” can reduce the value of the amount you receive.
- Processing Time: Typically 2–3 working days, depending on the country of origin and intermediary banks involved.
Example: If someone sends you $1,000 and the mid-market rate is 1 USD = ₹85.73, but HDFC offers 1 USD = ₹83.16, you lose ₹2,570 just in the exchange rate difference.
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Sending Money Abroad: HDFC Outward Remittance Charges
HDFC Bank facilitates international transfers under RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS). Here’s the current fee structure:
HDFC Outward Transfer Charges:
Transaction Amount | Flat Fee (INR) | GST (18%) | Total Cost (Excl. Markup) |
Up to USD 500 | ₹500 | ₹90 | ₹590 |
Above USD 500 | ₹1,000 | ₹180 | ₹1,180 |
Additional 3.5% markup is applied to the exchange rate for foreign currency transactions (like transfers or card usage).
Want to know how much TCS is applied to foreign remittances? Here’s a detailed look at TCS on international money transfers.
Transfer Time:
- 2-3 working days if the request is made before 2:30 PM on a business day.
- Transfers made post-cutoff are processed the next working day.
For a detailed look at the HDFC transfer timeline, step-by-step process, and how to track your SWIFT payment, visit our Ultimate Guide to Sending Money Abroad with HDFC.
HDFC Foreign Exchange Services: Complete Charges Table
HDFC offers several forex services, including:
- Outward & inward remittances
- Forex card loads
- Currency cheque collections
Detailed Charges:
Service | Fees |
Remittance Outward (≤ USD 500) | ₹500 + GST |
Remittance Outward (> USD 500) | ₹1,000 + GST |
Remittance Inward | No charge (intermediary fees may apply) |
FCY Demand Draft Issuance | ₹200–₹500 + taxes (based on amount) |
FCY Cheque Collection | 0.25% of value (min ₹250) + ₹50 courier |
FCY Cheque Return (Cash Letter) | ₹100 per cheque |
FCY Cheque Return (Final Credit) | ₹250 per cheque |
USD Cheque | $10 per cheque |
FIRC Issuance | ₹200 per FIRC |
In addition to the standard fees, HDFC also applies a Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the commission for currency exchanges. Below is the GST rate structure:
Amount of Currency Exchanged (ACE) | GST Rates | Minimum GST | Maximum GST |
Up to ₹1 lakh | 0.18% of ACE | ₹45 | ₹180 |
Between ₹1 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh | ₹180 + 0.09% of ACE | ₹180 | ₹990 |
Above ₹10 lakh | ₹990 + 0.018% of ACE | ₹990 | ₹10,800 |
The Hidden Cost: HDFC’s Exchange Rate Markup
While HDFC’s flat fees may appear manageable, the real cost often lies in the exchange rate markup.
Let’s compare:
- Mid-market rate: 1 USD = ₹85.73
- HDFC’s rate: 1 USD = ₹83.16 (approx. 3% markup)
- Loss on $1,000: ₹2,570
Multiply that across multiple transfers, and the impact becomes significant.

Looking to compare with other banks? See how ICICI Bank charges for international transactions.
HOP Remit by moneyHOP: A Smarter, Transparent Alternative
If you’re tired of hidden charges and want a faster, cheaper, and more transparent international transfer experience, HOP Remit offers a strong alternative.
Feature | HDFC Bank | HOP Remit |
Exchange Rate Markup | 2–3.5% | Near-zero |
Transfer Fees | ₹500–₹1,000 + GST | Transparent, often lower |
Processing Time | 2–4 days | Within 24–48 hours |
Transparency | Low (hidden charges) | High (no surprises) |
Bonus: HOP Remit by moneyHOP uses real-time mid-market rates, which ensures maximum value for your money.
Why pay more for international money transfers when moneyHOP is here?
- NO hidden fees
- ZERO convenience fees
- Real-time updates
- Lowest exchange rates
Conclusion: Don’t Let Hidden Fees Drain Your Money
HDFC Bank is undoubtedly a reliable choice for international transactions, but reliability should not come at the cost of transparency. With hidden charges like inflated exchange rate markups and third-party deductions, you could be losing thousands without even realizing it.
If you are someone who values clarity, lower fees, and faster transfers, it is time to make a smarter choice.
Switch to HOP Remit by moneyHOP, a modern alternative designed to help you send money abroad with real exchange rates, minimal fees, and complete transparency.
Why pay more when you can send smarter?
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