Need to send money in cash to someone in India from abroad? You do not have to send currency notes through the post or courier. International money transfer services can allow you to send money electronically while the recipient collects the amount as cash from an authorised location in India.
One of the mechanisms that enables such transfers is the RBI-regulated Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS). But there are limits on how much can be collected in cash, how often a person can receive money and what the money can be sent for. Here is a quick guide on MTSS inward money transfers.
Read More: MTSS Inward Remittances Guide- Limits, Process & Fees
Can You Send Physical Cash to Someone in India from Abroad?
Yes, through MTSS, the sender can transfer the money through a money transfer operator abroad and the funds reach an authorised Indian agent electronically. The recipient then visits the agent, verifies their identity and collects the equivalent amount as cash in Indian rupees.
What Is MTSS?
The Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS) is an RBI-regulated instant cash pickup system for sending personal remittances from overseas to individuals in India.
Overseas money transfer companies work with authorised Indian agents that disburse the funds to recipients in India.
However, MTSS is strictly for inward personal remittances and it cannot be used for outward remittances from India.
It exclusively includes purposes such as family maintenance and payments to foreign tourists visiting India.
How Does Cash Pickup in India Work?
- The sender must choose an authorised money transfer service abroad that supports cash pickup in India.
- Enter the recipient’s name exactly as shown on their ID and fill out the MTSS remittance form.
- Complete the transaction and get the reference number.
- Share the transaction details and reference number securely with the recipient.
- Within minutes, the assigned recipient can visit the designated agent location with a valid government-issued ID.
- After ID and reference number verification, the recipient can collect the money in Indian rupees.
How to Send Money to a Person in India Having No Bank Account?
The recipient generally does not need a bank account for an eligible MTSS cash-pickup transaction. But she shall need to satisfy the money-transfer operator’s KYC requirements.
Under the RBI’s current MTSS rules, only amounts up to ₹50,000 can be paid in cash to a beneficiary in India. Amounts above ₹50,000 have to be paid through an account payee cheque, demand draft, payment order or direct bank credit.
How Much Can You Send As Cash to India Through MTSS?
The maximum individual MTSS remittance permitted is USD 2,500. Under this, the maximum normal cash payout allowed per transaction is ₹50,000.
The maximum number of MTSS transfers that can be received by one beneficiary is 30 remittances per calendar year.
Amounts above ₹50,000 must be paid by non-cash methods such as an account payee cheque, demand draft, payment order, or direct credit to the beneficiary’s bank account.
However, higher cash payouts can be made in exceptional circumstances to foreign tourists.
What Purposes Can You Send Money for Through Cash Pickup?
The MTSS Master Direction by RBI currently follows a strict policy on both cash pickup and transfer purpose and exclusively limits the purpose to personal transactions, as updated on November 28, 2025.
The RBI expressly says trade-related remittances, property purchases, investments, donations/contributions to charities and transfers to NRE accounts cannot be made under MTSS.
| Purpose | MTSS Cash Pickup |
| Family maintenance | Permitted |
| Personal remittance | Permitted |
| Payments to a foreign tourist | Permitted |
| Freelance/service payment | Not permitted |
| Business/trade payment | Not permitted |
| Property purchase | Not permitted |
| Investment | Not permitted |
| Credit to NRE account | Not permitted |
| Donations to Charitable Trusts | Not permitted |
Popular MTSS Indian Agents and Overseas Principals
Indian Agents
- South Indian Bank
- ESAF Small Finance Bank
- YES Bank Ltd.
- Manappuram Finance Ltd.
- Muthoot Forex Ltd. and other Muthoot services
- Wizzmoni Financial Services Ltd.
- Trust Travel Pvt. Ltd.
- Ahalia Finforex Ltd.
- Capital India Finance Ltd.
- Alankit Forex India Ltd.
Overseas Principals
- Western Union Financial Services Inc.
- Muthoot Finserv USA Inc.
- MoneyGram Payment System
- Dandelion Payment Inc.
Pro Tip: Check with your bank or money transfer agent in advance to confirm they are RBI-approved for MTSS transfers to avoid last-minute hassle.
Can Overseas Clients Pay Indian Freelancers via Cash Pickup or Western Union?
No, MTSS cash pickup and transfers are not allowed for remuneration for freelance work or services.
RBI permits MTSS for personal remittances, while trade-related remittances are specifically excluded. A payment for freelance services is considered a commercial/service payment.
Freelance income should instead be received through an appropriate international bank transfer or payment/remittance service that supports commercial or service payments into India.
Also, remember that Western Union cash pickup is not MTSS automatically for every transfer purpose.
Western Union offers different payment methods and services across countries. Its Indian website currently confirms cash pickup for receiving money, but whether a particular transaction is permitted depends on the purpose, sending country and applicable Indian foreign exchange rules.
Also Read: Top 5 Apps for Indian Freelancers to Receive International Payments
Cash Pickup vs Bank Transfer
| Cash Pickup | Bank Transfer |
| Recipient requires no bank account | Recipient requires bank account |
| Recipient must visit agent | Funds arrive in account |
| Cash generally limited to ₹50,000 under MTSS | Suitable for larger eligible transfers |
| Exclusive for personal remittances | Supports a wider range of legitimate remittance purposes |
| ID required | Bank details and KYC required |
Sending money to someone in India without a bank account is possible through eligible cash-pickup services under MTSS. But it is important to understand that cash payouts are intended for personal inward remittances and are subject to transaction, cash payout and annual frequency limits.
But when it comes to sending money abroad from India, ExTravelMoney is the best option to compare forex providers and exchange rates so you can choose the easiest and pocket-friendly service provider for your transaction.
Also Read: 5 Best Ways To Transfer Money From UK To India
Ann Mariya Job is the Associate Content Writer at ExTravelMoney.com. Holding a Bachelor’s in Journalism, she excels in creating deeply researched, engaging, and crisp content. Her work helps readers understand the complexities of foreign exchange, overseas money transfers, and international travel.
