RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) is a secure and fast electronic method for transferring high-value funds. RTGS timings are 24/7, ensuring funds are transferred quickly. The RTGS transfer time is typically under 30 minutes. Users can initiate transactions anytime.
Key Highlights
- RTGS operates 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.
- Internet banking and mobile banking make initiating RTGS transfers simple and flexible.
- Ideal for transactions with no upper limit, unlike cheques or demand drafts.
RTGS Timings in 2025
The RTGS timings are 24/7, and you can access it 365 days, including public holidays, weekends, and bank holidays. After the transfer is initiated, your bank will credit the recipient's account within 30 minutes of receiving the funds transfer message.
Many banks provide online RTGS services, further facilitating the possibility of fund transfer without any visit to the bank.
How Long Does RTGS Transfer Take?
Under normal circumstances, the RTGS transfer time is real-time. As mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the beneficiary bank receives the amount within 30 minutes of receiving the transfer message. The amount is reflected on the receiver's account within a few seconds.
If the transaction fails, the originating bank is liable for all transactions as per the guidelines of the Income Tax Department. In the event that the beneficiary's bank cannot credit the funds, the money will automatically be collected back by the remitter's account. For example, SBI guidelines suggest that in case of a failed transaction, funds must be returned to the remitter's account within two hours.
Things to Remember When Using RTGS Transfer
Although RTGS acts as a secure and rapid mode of transferring funds, you must know the following things when using the RTGS transfer after understanding the RTGS transaction time:
- The amount will only be transferred to the account mentioned in the RTGS form.
- You cannot cancel the RTGS payment transaction after initiating the process.
- You must carefully review the RTGS form and proceed with the process before initiating the transaction.
- When you fill out the fund transfer form, you must select between RTGS and NEFT. If you do not mention anything, the bank will choose the fund transfer mode.
- The bank is not responsible for any misinformation in the beneficiary’s details. In addition, it is not liable for the consequences arising from such scenarios.
- If the RTGS transaction fails, the amount will be transferred to the sender’s bank account. If compensation is not provided, the sender can receive an amount equivalent to the current repo rate plus 2%.
Features of RTGS
Apart from RTGS timings and RTGS transfer time, you must know its features. The following are the key features of RTGS:
Safety and Security
- RTGS is a highly secure mode of transferring funds.
- The electronic nature of the transaction minimizes the potential for loss, deception, and theft, unlike physical instruments such as demand drafts or cheques.
Maximum Limit
- RTGS does not have an upper limit on money transactions made by this mode of transfer.
- This means that it is suitable for transferring any amount, either small or large, using the real-time gross settlement process.
Real-time Transfer
- Being a vital element in banking, RTGS allows real-time transfer of funds.
- It ensures that the beneficiary's account is credited soon after the transaction is initiated and thus contributes to an effective process.
No Physical Instruments
- When you use the RTGS method for transferring funds, it eliminates the requirements of physical instruments, like demand drafts and cheques.
- It is an electronic process which streamlines the transfer and reduces the risk associated with physical documentation.
Convenience of Internet Banking
- The internet banking facility allows you to easily initiate fund transfer through RTGS from the comfort of your own home or from work.
- It gives you the freedom to process the transaction quickly and offers flexibility in the electronic fund transfer method.
Fees or Charges
- Although some banks may charge nominal fees for RTGS transactions, many banks offer this facility free of charge.
- Hence, it becomes a cost-effective method for transferring funds within the real-time gross settlement framework.
Availability
- In terms of functionality, the RTGS operation works on all days-round the clock throughout weekends and holidays.
- It will, therefore, remain accessible at any time and make funds transfer more convenient and feasible.
RTGS provides a reliable and efficient solution for high-value, time-sensitive transfers. Typically, RTGS timings are 24x7 and 365 days a year, including public holidays and weekends. By understanding RTGS timings and RTGS transfer time, users can ensure secure and smooth fund transactions.
Related Articles:
1. RTGS Charges
2. RTGS Limit
3. Differences between NEFT, RTGS and IMPS