Moved abroad but still have an Indian credit card? You’re not alone. Many NRIs continue to use their Indian credit cards to maintain credit history, pay subscriptions, or help family back home. But when your income shifts overseas, a simple question arises: “How to pay Indian credit card bills from the USA?”
The good news, it’s completely possible and easier than you think. Let’s break down every method and the exact steps.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pay Indian Credit Card Bills from the USA
Option 1: Pay Using an NRE/NRO Bank Account
If you have an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account in India, this is the simplest route.
Steps:
- Log in to your Indian bank’s net banking (e.g., HDFC, ICICI, SBI).
- Go to the Credit Card Payment section.
- Choose ‘Pay via Savings/NRE/NRO Account’.
- Select the credit card and enter the amount.
- Confirm payment using OTP/email authentication.
Pro tip: NRE accounts are repatriable — meaning you can freely transfer money to and from the US, making this the cleanest option for NRI card payments.
Option 2: Use International Money Transfer Services (e.g., Wise, Remitly, Western Union)
If you don’t have an NRE/NRO account, you can send money directly from your US bank to your Indian bank account, then use it to pay your credit card.
Steps:
- Sign up for a reliable remittance platform like Wise, Remitly, or Western Union.
- Add your Indian bank account as the recipient.
- Transfer the required amount (bill + small buffer).
- Once funds reflect in your Indian account, log in to your Indian bank and pay your credit card bill using NEFT, RTGS, or BillDesk.
Processing time: 1–3 business days (so send money early to avoid late fees).
Option 3: Pay Directly via BillDesk or PayTM (Using Indian Account)
If you maintain an Indian account (even with a small balance), online platforms like BillDesk, Cred, or PayTM can make direct credit card payments.
Steps:
- Log in to www.billdesk.com or your bank’s BillDesk link.
- Enter your credit card number and bank details.
- Choose payment mode: NetBanking, Debit Card, or UPI.
- Confirm payment.
Tip: You can schedule payments or use autopay features for convenience.
Option 4: Pay Using a Joint Indian Account with Family
Many NRIs keep a joint account with their parents or spouse in India. If you send money to them, they can pay the bill for you in India directly.
Steps:
- Transfer funds from your US account via Wise/Remitly to your joint Indian account.
- Have your family member log in and pay the credit card bill via NetBanking/UPI.
- Save the confirmation email/SMS for records.
Bonus tip: You can automate this monthly transfer through recurring international transfers.
Option 5: Pay Through Foreign Currency Drafts or SWIFT Transfers
This is the traditional route — slower but accepted by some banks.
Steps:
- Ask your US bank for an international wire transfer (SWIFT).
- Use your Indian bank’s SWIFT code, IFSC, and account details.
- Once money reaches your Indian account, pay the credit card bill via net banking.
Caution: High fees ($20–40) and longer transfer time (5–7 business days).
Supported Banks for NRI Credit Card Payments
Most major Indian banks support NRI-friendly payment channels:
- HDFC Bank: NRI NetBanking, SmartHub, BillDesk
- ICICI Bank: Money2India, iMobile App
- SBI: SBI Anywhere Global, NRI NetBanking
- Axis Bank: Axis Remit, QuickPay
- Kotak Mahindra: BillPay via NRI accounts
💡 Check your bank’s NRI services page for the most current instructions and remittance links.
What’s the Best Option to Pay Indian Credit Card Bill from the USA?
| Situation | Recommended Method | Processing Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| You have an NRE/NRO account | Pay directly via NetBanking | Instant to 1 day | Nil |
| You don’t have Indian account | Transfer via Wise/Remitly + pay from India | 1–3 days | Low |
| You share a joint account with family | Family pays via UPI | Same day | Nil |
| You want to send directly from the US bank | SWIFT Transfer | 5–7 days | High |
Important Tips Before You Pay
- Always pay in INR — Indian banks don’t accept USD payments directly to cards.
- Avoid late fees by paying at least 3–4 days before the due date (especially with remittances).
- Don’t use US credit cards to pay Indian ones — it’s considered a cash advance by US banks.
- Track exchange rates to save on conversion costs.
- Keep a backup plan — such as linking your card to a joint Indian account for emergencies.
Automate Your Payments
Many banks (HDFC, ICICI, Axis) now let you set auto-debit from your NRE/NRO account.
This ensures:
- No missed due dates
- No forex transfer delays
- Consistent credit score maintenance
💡 To set this up, contact your Indian bank’s NRI Relationship Manager or use NetBanking → Manage Autopay.
Example: Paying Your HDFC Credit Card from the US
Let’s take an example.
You live in New York and have an HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card in India.
- Open your Wise app and send INR 25,000 to your HDFC NRO account.
- Log in to HDFC NetBanking → Cards → Credit Card Payment.
- Choose Pay from NRO Account.
- Enter ₹25,000 and confirm with OTP.
- Done — your payment reflects in 24 hours.
For NRIs: Maintaining Indian Credit Score
Even if you live abroad, maintaining your Indian credit score (CIBIL, Experian) matters. It helps when:
- You return to India and apply for loans
- You maintain long-term banking relationships
- You continue to hold Indian financial assets
Paying your bills on time (even from abroad) keeps your CIBIL score healthy and prevents account suspension.
Final Thoughts
Paying your Indian credit card bills from the US isn’t complicated; it just needs the right setup.
If you have an NRE/NRO account, use it directly. If not, transfer money using Wise or Remitly, and pay from India.
Once you set it up, future payments take less than 5 minutes. No stress, no missed due dates.
