Sending and receiving money for helping out a friend, paying for a purchase or settling your bills has never been easier. With the availability of electronic fund transfer methods like the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), you can now make quick money transfers from the comfort of your home.
Another popular method of sending and receiving funds is Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS). RTGS transfers can be extremely useful if you want to carry out large-value transactions without any delay. Not sure what this facility is and how it works? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more, so you can better understand RTGS transfer times, charges, limits and more in India.
What is RTGS?
Introduced in 2004, RTGS or Real Time Gross Settlement is a method of transferring money electronically from one bank account to another. As the name indicates, these electronic fund transfers are processed in real time instead of in batches, as is the case with NEFT. RTGS transfers are best suited for transactions with high values. So, if you want to transfer an amount securely, you can opt for this method.
Before we get into the specifics of this electronic mode, let us see how RTGS compares against other fund transfer methods.
| Particulars | RTGS | NEFT | IMPS |
| Settlement | Real-time, gross settlement | Batch-wise settlement | Real-time settlement |
| Speed | Instant | Up to 2 hours | Instant |
| Minimum Transfer Limit | ₹2 lakhs | ₹1 | ₹1 |
| Maximum Transfer Limit | No upper limit (varies by bank) | No upper limit (varies by bank) | Generally ₹5 lakhs (but varies by bank) |
| Best for | High-value transactions | General bank transfers | Urgent, small-value transactions |
| Operated By | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) | National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) |
RTGS Timings in India
Earlier, RTGS transfer times were limited. However, now, you can use this facility round-the-clock. RTGS transactions can be carried out 24/7 on all 365 days of the year. Since the transfers are settled in real time, most RTGS transactions are instant. However, it may take up to 30 minutes to reflect in the beneficiary’s account.
That said, despite the 24/7 availability, banks may have specific cut-off times during which this facility may not be available. So, if you plan to visit a bank branch to initiate your RTGS transfer, you will have to be mindful of these bank-specific variations. You should also keep yourself updated about the current operational hours of your bank.
Bank branches will also be closed on banking holidays. So, if you want to use the RTGS system to send money by submitting the form at a bank branch, this facility will be unavailable on such declared banking holidays. Ensure that you are aware of such holidays to avoid the hassle of limited availability. Alternatively, you can opt for online RTGS fund transfers instead, since this facility is available 24/7.
How to Initiate an RTGS Transfer
If you want to send funds to a beneficiary’s account using the RTGS system, you can either do this online or offline. Let us take a closer look at the general procedure involved in both cases.
- Online RTGS Transfer
Here is how you can carry out a quick money transfer via RTGS online.
- Step 1: Sign into your account on your bank’s mobile app or internet banking portal.
- Step 2: Head to the ‘Funds Transfer’ section. Different apps and platforms may have different names for this facility.
- Step 3: Add the beneficiary’s details if you are sending money to a new recipient. Otherwise, choose the recipient account from the list of existing beneficiaries in your account.
- Step 4: Enter the amount you wish to send.
- Step 5: Submit the purpose of the transfer and accept the terms and conditions.
- Step 6: Confirm the details you have entered and proceed with the transaction.
- Step 7: Your transfer will be complete and you will be notified accordingly.
- Offline RTGS Transfer
If you prefer in-person transactions, you can opt for the offline RTGS transfer facility available at bank branches. Here is what you must do.
- Step 1: Visit your nearest bank branch.
- Step 2: Obtain the RTGS form from the bank counter. You can also download this form from the bank’s website.
- Step 3: Enter the details required in the form accurately and completely.
- Step 4: Verify the information entered in the form.
- Step 5: Place your signature on the form and submit it at the bank branch, along with the cash or cheque needed to fund the transaction.
- Step 6: This completes the process of offline transfer via the RTGS system.
RTGS Transaction Limits
Remember that RTGS is specifically suited for high-value money transfers. So, the minimum amount you can send by this mode is ₹2 lakhs. However, the central bank has not specified any definite upper limit for the amount you can send via RTGS.
Different banks may impose their own specific limits for the maximum amount of RTGS allowed. This limit may also vary for offline and online RTGS transactions. So, make sure you are aware of the limits set by your bank, if any.
RTGS Charges and Fees
The RBI has removed all charges on RTGS fund transfers carried out via internet banking and mobile banking platforms. The move aims to encourage digital and electronic payments in India. However, offline or in-person RTGS transactions may still be subject to certain nominal fees.
The exact amount charged for each offline RTGS money transfer may vary from one bank to another. However, the RBI has capped the charges that can be levied, as outlined below:
- Transfers from ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs: Fee up to ₹25 + Time varying charges up to ₹30
- Transfers above ₹5 lakhs: Fee up to ₹50 + Time varying charges up to ₹55
Note: Inward remittances via RTGS are entirely free for the recipient.
Benefits of Using RTGS
The RTGS system offers a number of advantages to bank account holders. Take a closer look at how this method of fund transfer can be beneficial.
- Secure Fund Transfers
When you transfer money via RTGS, the process is safe and highly secure. The RBI oversees these transactions and has sufficient safety mechanisms in place. So, as long as you enter the beneficiary details correctly and avoid password-sharing, you can rest assured that your funds and personal information will be safe and inaccessible to third parties without authorised access.
- Round-the-Clock Availability
The timings for RTGS are also highly convenient. Since the facility is now available at all hours and on all days, you can send and receive funds without any delays. While banks may have specific downtimes, they are not very common. What’s more, online RTGS transfers can be made even on banking holidays. So, you can benefit from the 24/7/365 availability of this facility.
- Suitable for Large Transactions
This mode of electronic fund transfer is best suited for large-value transactions. The minimum limit for RTGS transfers is ₹2 lakhs. Thus, it provides a convenient alternative to cheques or cash-based transactions. In the case of high-value payments, this is particularly useful because it ensures large amounts are transferred securely.
- No or Minimal Charges
Quick money transfers through the RTGS system are free of cost if you opt for online transactions. This makes the entire process highly cost-effective, as you do not have to pay any additional charges. Even if you opt for physical or offline RTGS transfers, the maximum amount that your bank can charge is capped by the RBI.
- No Loss or Theft
Since the Real Time Gross Settlement mode of transferring funds online does not involve cash or cheques, the possibility of loss or theft is nearly eliminated. That said, this benefit may not extend to physical transfers done via bank branches. So, if you opt for in-person RTGS, ensure that you keep your cash or cheques safe till you submit them at the bank.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While there is no doubt that the RTGS money transfer system has made transactions easier, there are some common issues that you must be prepared for. Here are some such roadblocks that need troubleshooting.
- Delayed Transactions
Although extremely rare, it is possible that your RTGS payment time may be delayed because of unexpected technical issues. This is often the case if the bank in which the beneficiary has an account is experiencing some technical glitches. However, with response times being shorter than ever before, banks today quickly fix such issues to ensure that your RTGS payment is completed successfully.
- Failed Transactions
RTGS transactions may fail or be invalid if you do not enter the correct beneficiary details before you send money. Any errors in the beneficiary’s account information, like their branch name or IFSC, may invalidate the transfer. Alternatively, a locked account may also lead to failed transfers. So, ensure that these issues are fixed before you initiate the RTGS transaction to the beneficiary bank account again.
- Bank-Specific Cut-Offs
Although not exactly a major issue, this is another key aspect that you should factor into your RTGS fund transfer plans. The RBI has not specified any time limits for RTGS, meaning that it is available 24/7. However, banks may impose their own cut-offs. In addition to this, banks may also impose maximum limits on the amounts that can be transferred. So, be mindful of these factors before you transact.
Conclusion
This sums up all you need to know about the RTGS money transfer system. If you want to send or receive money exceeding ₹2 lakhs, you can always rely on this method. However, to minimise the possibility of transaction failures, ensure that you enter all the details of the beneficiary’s account correctly and completely. This will make your RTGS transfers seamless and successful.
