National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) is a widely used method for transferring money between bank accounts in India, regulated by the RBI. While most online transfers are free, charges may apply in some cases based on the bank and transaction type. Understanding these charges helps in managing transfers more effectively.
Key Highlights
- Charges: Online NEFT is usually free, while offline transactions may have capped fees.
- Receiving Funds: No charges for receiving money through NEFT.
- Fee Range: Charges vary by amount, typically from ₹2.5 to ₹25 plus GST.
- Bank Variation: Fees differ across banks and account types.
- Usage: Cost-effective option for regular bank-to-bank transfers.
There are no charges for receiving money through NEFT, and most online transactions via internet or mobile banking are free. Charges may apply when transfers are initiated through bank branches.
| Transaction Amount | Maximum Charge (Excluding GST) |
| Up to ₹10,000 | ₹2.50 |
| Above ₹10,000 to ₹1 Lakh | ₹5.00 |
| Above ₹1 Lakh to ₹2 Lakhs | ₹15.00 |
| Above ₹2 Lakhs | ₹25.00 |
Charges can vary by bank and account type. Some banks may waive fees for a limited number of transactions, so it is useful to check with the bank before making a transfer.
NEFT charges can differ across banks based on their policies and the transaction amount. While many banks offer free online NEFT transfers, offline transactions may have nominal fees.
The table below highlights the NEFT charges applicable for different banks in India:
| Name of the Bank | Minimum NEFT Charges | Maximum NEFT Charges |
| HDFC Bank | ₹2 + GST | ₹10 + GST |
| Axis Bank | ₹2.50 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| ICICI Bank | ₹2.50 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| IndusInd Bank | ₹2.5 + GST | ₹50 + GST |
| Canara Bank | ₹2.25 + GST | ₹24.75 + GST |
| Union Bank of India | ₹2.5 + taxes | ₹25 + taxes |
| State Bank of India (SBI) | ₹2 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Bank of India | ₹2.5 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Federal Bank | ₹2.5 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| South Indian Bank | ₹1.25 + GST | ₹22 + GST |
| Yes Bank | ₹2.5 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | ₹2.5 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Bandhan Bank | ₹2 + GST | ₹14 + GST |
| Central Bank of India | ₹2.5 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Bank of Baroda | ₹2.50 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
NEFT transactions can be done easily through a bank branch or online banking.
Once verified, the bank processes the transaction. NEFT can also be done through internet or mobile banking.
The NEFT transfer can be completed through internet banking, mobile banking, or by visiting a bank branch, depending on convenience.
The online and offline methods for NEFT fund transfer include:
NEFT can be used by individuals, businesses, and corporations with bank accounts. Even those without a bank account can deposit cash at a bank branch that offers NEFT services.
Funds can be sent only to accounts in NEFT-enabled banks, and both sender and receiver must be part of this network. NEFT also supports transfers between India and Nepal. The list of participating banks is available on RBI’s website.
NEFT Fund Transistion does not involve any charges levied by the Reserve Bank of India. For customers, most banks offer free NEFT transfers through internet and mobile banking channels. Charges, if applicable, are usually limited to branch-initiated transfers.
The benefits of NEFT are as follows:
NEFT can also be used to pay credit card bills directly. Payments can be made to credit card issuers using specific details such as the account number or required codes along with the IFSC code. These details are usually available on the bank’s website or at the branch.
NEFT payments usually take place in half-hourly batches. Thus, considering how the bank functions, your beneficiary expects to receive the payment within a defined period.
Here is a detailed overview of the process that takes place while authorising an NEFT payment:
Once these steps are completed, the transfer is successfully processed.
NEFT is a simple and widely used way to transfer money between bank accounts in India. It offers secure transactions with low or no charges for most online transfers, while offline transactions may have nominal fees. Understanding how charges work helps in using the service more effectively.
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