NEFT Timings: How Much Time Does NEFT Take for Transactions?

National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) is India's most commonly used payment system. It enables customers to carry out seamless electronic transfers between banks. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provides NEFT services, ensuring reliability and accessibility. 

NEFT works in batches and helps process transactions at specific times of day on weekdays and weekends. The service operates 24/7 and is extremely convenient for both individuals and businesses. However, the transaction timings for each bank depend on various factors, such as network efficiency and bank schedules. 

Continue reading this blog to gain detailed insights about the NEFT transaction time, NEFT transfer time, etc. 

NEFT Timings in 2025

Following the RBI guidelines, NEFT services remain available 24/7 and 365 days. NEFT timings in 2025 include the following transfer limits:

• Working Days NEFT Time (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.): No limits on each transaction
• Weekends and Holidays: Available 24x7 with an upper limit of Rs. 1 crore for each transaction
• After-hours NEFT time (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.): Transactions of up to Rs. 1 crore are allowed per transaction

The majority of NEFT transactions are carried out in half-hourly batches at regular intervals. For instance, a NEFT transfer initiated at 11:02 a.m. expects to settle by 11:30 a.m., and similarly, a transfer requested at 11:25 a.m. expects to be processed by 11:30 a.m. 

For physically availing NEFT services from bank branches, the NEFT timings usually followed are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Saturdays. However, customers cannot avail of NEFT services at respective bank branches on the 2nd and 4th Saturday and Sunday, though they can be accessed through online mode.

How Much Time NEFT Takes for Transactions?

NEFT transactions are usually settled instantly or within 30 mins. The amount might be credited to the respective beneficiary account in a maximum of two hours. 

Following the RBI guidelines, the time of NEFT payment varies from one bank to another. If you transfer money via NEFT for the very first time to someone, it usually takes 2 hours as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) requires at least half an hour to verify a beneficiary’s account. 

After banking hours, NEFT transactions are carried out by banks via the Straight Through Process (STP) mode. The status of the NEFT payment can be tracked through a bank’s NEFT CFC (Customer Facilitation Centre) by entering all the relevant details.

NEFT Transaction Timings (Old Vs New)

Before December 2019, banks were able to process NEFT transactions between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Saturday. On particular bank holidays, payments related to NEFT are processed during official banking hours. 

However, since 2020, no specific restrictions are imposed on transferring through NEFT online. Online transfers via NEFT work 24/7 and 365 days, with settlement delivery in half-hourly batches. 

NEFT Transaction Timings Bank Wise

While the RBI allows online NEFT transactions at any time of the day. Individual banks may impose some limits on offline transactions. NEFT transaction timings may vary from one bank to another. The table below displays the NEFT transaction time applicable for some leading banks of India:

Features of NEFT

The distinguishing features of NEFT are as follows:

Near Real-Time Transfer

• Through NEFT, money can be sent instantly to a beneficiary’s respective account. 
• The transfer takes only a few minutes, but the receiver gets relatively quick access to money. 
• Thus, transfers are as quick and affordable as possible. 

Pan India Coverage

• You can visit almost all bank branches across India to use NEFT services. 
• This widespread coverage ensures easy initiation of fund transfers to beneficiaries in different parts of the country, making NEFT one of the most accessible payment solutions. 

Penal Interest Provision

• The NEFT charges banks late fees and interest on specific transactions that are returned late. 
• Thus, banks process payments as soon as possible, as they are considered responsible if there are any further delays or mistakes. 

Wide Availability

• NEFT services are convenient and available 24/7, allowing customers to transfer funds anytime or night. 
• Thus, people can gain freedom with ease of access. 
• Moreover, it enables them to do business whenever convenient, irrespective of banking hours.

No Charges for Savings Accounts

• Customers with a savings account can carry out NEFT transfers online without additional charges, subject to certain limits. 
• For this advantage, individuals prefer NEFT to transfer money without paying extra fees. 
• This makes NEFT inexpensive and simple for carrying out everyday transactions. 

When to Use NEFT Transfer?

NEFT can be used under certain conditions detailed below: 

Bank Details of the Recipient

To successfully carry out an NEFT transfer, provide the account number of beneficiaries, branch location and IFSC code. Moreover, you may need to enter the beneficiary’s name and contact details. 

Bank Account with NEFT

Both the sender and receiver’s accounts should have NEFT access. This information can be obtained from the RBI’s official website or by visiting the bank directly.

Whether the Bank is NEFT-enabled

All banks do not allow NEFT transactions, and some charge a significant fee. The required list of banks can be found on the RBI’s official website. 

How to Transfer Funds Using NEFT?

To transfer funds using NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), customers can choose between online banking and branch-based transactions.

Online NEFT Transfer

To transfer funds online through NEFT, log in to your internet banking account and navigate to the funds transfer section. Select NEFT and enter the beneficiary’s details, including name, account number, IFSC code, and bank branch. Enter the transfer amount and authenticate the transaction using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

NEFT Transfer at a Bank Branch

For an offline NEFT transaction, visit your bank branch and fill out the NEFT application form. Provide the beneficiary’s details, including name, account number, IFSC code, and bank details. Authorize the bank to debit your account for the requested amount, and the transaction will be processed accordingly.

To ensure a smooth transaction, make sure to have the beneficiary’s name, account number, IFSC code, branch name, and account type. The IFSC code can be found on the bank’s website, chequebook, or the Reserve Bank of India’s website.

How Secure is NEFT Transfer?

NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) is secure and trustworthy. It is a safe and secure way of sending money through online mode. Here are the main underlying reasons:

• NEFT transactions follow a strong encryption and authentication procedure to protect financial-related data throughout the transfer process. This prevents unauthorised access to personal and financial details during transactions.
• NEFT transactions use secured methods such as mobile and Internet banking. Moreover, to prevent unauthorised access and fraud, advanced security measures are initiated, including a transaction validation system and multi-factor authentication.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) oversees NEFT operations and ensures compliance with stringent rules and regulations to guarantee the system’s security.
• NEFT transactions enable a tracking process that generates different identification numbers to check transaction status. It allows users to follow the transfer progress over time.

NEFT Holidays 2025

The table below showcases a complete and detailed list of the NEFT holidays 2025 in India:

Final Word

NEFT has revolutionised banking in India by offering an efficient and user-friendly platform for transferring a lump sum. With its 24x7 availability, NEFT caters to the needs and preferences of individual customers, ensuring a smooth transaction process at any time. NEFT transaction time is limited to two hours, which makes it a convenient mode of quick online transfer. With gradual technological advancement and broader adoption, people increasingly use NEFT for their daily transactions. Stay up-to-date on the non-operational days of NEFT transactions to plan your transactions effectively. 

Related Article:
1. NEFT Limit