The Best Way to Transfer Money from Bahrain to India in 2025: Fast, Secure, and Affordable Options
Sending money abroad has always been an essential part of many people’s lives, especially for those who have families or business connections in other countries. One of the most common corridors for international remittances is from Bahrain to India. Whether you’re sending money for family support, paying bills, or helping loved ones with a financial emergency, finding the right method to transfer funds is crucial.
Money Transfer service to India
In 2025, there are a plethora of services available to transfer money to India. However, choosing the best service can be challenging, given the wide variety of available options—each offering different fees, transfer speeds, and security levels. In this guide, we’ll review the best ways to send money from Bahrain to India, focusing on fast, secure, and affordable options.
Why Selecting the Right Money Transfer Service Matters for Sending Money from Bahrain to India?
Sending money internationally, especially across countries like Bahrain and India, can be an expensive and time-consuming process if you’re not careful. Depending on the service you choose, you may end up paying high fees, facing long wait times for your transfer, or worrying about the security of your funds.
Choosing the right transfer service is essential for several reasons:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Transfer fees can vary significantly across different services, and a small difference in price can make a big impact if you’re sending money regularly.
- Speed: How long it takes for the money to reach the recipient can be a deciding factor, especially in emergencies.
- Security: You want your hard-earned money to be transferred safely and securely, especially when dealing with a trusted service.
- Convenience: Some methods may require you to visit physical locations, while others allow you to complete the entire transaction online or through mobile apps.
Now that we understand the importance of selecting the right method, let’s dive into the best ways to transfer money from Bahrain to India in 2025.
1. Bank Transfers (Wire Transfers)
One of the most traditional and commonly used ways to send money internationally is through bank transfers. In Bahrain, major banks such as Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), Ahli United Bank, and National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) all offer remittance services to India.
Pros:
- High Security: Bank transfers are generally secure, especially for large sums of money.
- Reliability: Banks have long-standing relationships with financial institutions across the world, ensuring that the transfer process is well-established.
- Convenience: Many people already have bank accounts, making it easy to send money without needing to set up new services.
Cons:
- High Fees: Bank transfers can be expensive, especially if you’re sending a smaller amount. The fees for international transfers typically include a flat fee plus a margin on the exchange rate.
- Slow Speed: Bank transfers may take 2-5 business days to process, making them less ideal for urgent transfers.
Best For:
- Large transfers (e.g., for business purposes or significant financial assistance).
- People who value reliability and already use bank accounts for international transactions.
2. Online Money Transfer Services (Wise, Remitly, Xoom)
Online money transfer services have rapidly gained popularity in recent years due to their ease of use, competitive fees, and fast transfer times. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remitly, and Xoom (a PayPal service) allow you to send money from Bahrain to India using an app or website.
Wise (formerly TransferWise):
Wise is a leader in low-cost international money transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees, making it an affordable option for sending money.
Remitly:
Remitly offers two types of services: Express (for fast transfers) and Economy (for slower but cheaper transfers). It allows recipients to receive the money in cash, bank accounts, or mobile wallets in India.
Xoom (PayPal):
Xoom is a PayPal service that offers fast transfers, with funds often arriving within minutes. It supports bank account transfers, cash pickup, and mobile wallet deposits in India.
Pros:
- Fast Transfers: Money can be transferred in minutes or hours, depending on the service.
- Low Fees: Compared to banks, these services typically charge much lower fees, especially for smaller transfers.
- Convenience: Transfers can be done 24/7 from your computer or smartphone, making them highly convenient.
Cons:
- Limits on Amount: Some services may have transfer limits, especially for new users.
- Availability of Pickup Locations: Depending on the service, cash pickups may not be available everywhere in India.
Best For:
- Smaller or mid-sized transfers.
- People who need to send money quickly.
- Recipients who prefer using mobile wallets or need cash pickup.
3. Mobile Money Transfers (e.g., Paytm, Google Pay)
In 2025, mobile money will be increasingly popular as a way to send money across borders, especially in countries like India, where mobile wallets are widely used. Services like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe allow users in Bahrain to transfer money directly to the recipient’s mobile wallet.
Pros:
- Instant Transfers: Transactions are usually completed within minutes.
- Ease of Use: Sending money is as simple as sending a text or making a mobile payment.
- Low Fees: These services tend to have lower fees than traditional bank transfers.
Cons:
- Internet Access: Both the sender and the recipient must have access to a smartphone and the internet.
- Limited to Mobile Wallets: The recipient must have an active mobile wallet to receive the funds.
Best For:
- People sending smaller amounts.
- Recipients who are familiar with digital wallets and prefer mobile-based transactions.
4. Cash Transfer Services (Western Union, MoneyGram)
For those who need to send cash quickly or don’t have a bank account, Western Union and MoneyGram are two of the most well-known cash transfer services. These services allow you to send cash that can be picked up at physical locations across India.
Pros:
- Cash Pickup: Ideal for recipients who don’t have bank accounts or mobile wallets.
- Global Availability: Both services have vast networks of locations in India, allowing recipients to pick up cash in person.
Cons:
- High Fees: Cash transfer services can charge significant fees, especially for fast transfers.
- Limited Online Access: While some services are online, many users still need to visit a physical location.
Best For:
- Emergency transfers or cash assistance where the recipient doesn’t have access to digital services.
- People who need to send cash directly.
5. Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Though it’s not the most mainstream option, cryptocurrency is becoming a viable alternative for sending money internationally. Using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, users can transfer funds from Bahrain to India at lower fees and faster speeds than traditional bank transfers.
Pros:
- Low Fees: Cryptocurrency transactions often have much lower fees than traditional banking.
- Fast Transfers: Transactions can be completed in minutes.
- Decentralized: Cryptocurrency doesn’t rely on banks or third-party services, making it more accessible in certain situations.
Cons:
- Volatility: Cryptocurrencies can fluctuate in value, making it a less stable method.
- Technical Knowledge Required: Both the sender and recipient need to be familiar with cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges.
Best For:
- Tech-savvy users who are comfortable with digital currencies.
- Smaller transfers where speed and cost are critical.
Which Is the Best Method to Transfer Money from Bahrain to India?
Choosing the best Money Transfer service to India from Bahrain in 2025 depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize speed, low fees, security, or convenience.
For low-cost and fast transfers, online money transfer services like Wise and Remitly are excellent options. If you need to send cash quickly, Western Union and MoneyGram are reliable choices. For those who are tech-savvy, cryptocurrency might be worth exploring for its low fees and speed.
Regardless of the method you choose, it is essential to prioritize using a trusted service with robust security measures. By evaluating your priorities—whether cost, speed, or convenience—you can ultimately make the most informed decision when sending money from Bahrain to India in 2025.
