53 If you’re a business owner in India who has recently started implementing digital transactions in your business, your knowledge shouldn’t be limited to net banking and card payments. If you’ve heard about NEFT, IMPS, and RTGS, you would already know that they are used to transfer funds from one account to another. However, are you well-versed in the difference between the 3 modes?
Without knowing the difference between the three methods, you had no way of knowing which one would work for you. Let’s fix that. Read on to understand the three methods and how each one can help you. We’ve done the research so you won’t have to.
NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)
With NEFT, you can transfer any amount to the recipient’s account in a one-on-one transfer basis. NEFT transactions don’t have a maximum limit for funds that can be transferred in a single day.
– NEFT transfer timings
The NEFT system is available round the clock throughout the year on all days (24x7x365). Funds are transferred in batches that are settled in 48 half-hourly time slots throughout the day.
– NEFT transfer limits
There is no maximum or minimum limit on the amount of funds that could be transferred through NEFT. With NEFT, you can initiate transactions to transfer funds from one bank account to another throughout India. However, you must make sure that the banks are a part of the NEFT transfer network (another way to say this is that the banks should be NEFT-enabled).
– How to do NEFT transfer
To transfer funds via NEFT, all you have to do is log in to your net banking portal and add the recipient as a beneficiary. You’ll need to enter details like their name, account number, account type and IFSC code under the Add New Payee section. Once you choose NEFT as the preferred mode of transfer and enter the amount to be transferred, the fund transfer will be completed.
RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement)
Business owners can use RTGS when they need to transfer large amounts instantly. One advantage that RTGS has over the other methods is the transaction speed, since the entire amount is transferred in real time.
– RTGS transfer timings
RTGS is available for customer and inter-bank transactions round the clock — except for the interval between ‘end-of-day’ and ‘start-of-day’ processes (these timings will be duly broadcasted through the RTGS system).
– RTGS transfer limits
There’s a minimum limit of Rs. 2 lakhs for RTGS transactions, and there’s no maximum limit as such.
To get an RTGS-enabled account, you can either contact your bank or check your eligibility status in your online banking portal. If you’re using RTGS for a fund transfer, make sure that both you and the recipient have RTGS enabled accounts.
– How to do RTGS transfer
To transfer funds via RTGS, log in to your banking portal and add the recipient as a beneficiary by entering details like their name, account number, account type, and IFSC code. Then choose RTGS as the mode of transfer and enter the amount to be transferred, and the fund transfer will be completed.
IMPS (Immediate Payment Service)
IMPS is another real-time payment service, but the distinguishing factor is that IMPS is available 24⁄7 and you can avail the service even on bank holidays. Using IMPS, you can transfer comparatively lower amounts, up to Rs. 2 lakhs, instantly.
So, you can think of IMPS as the fund transfer mode that has the best features of both RTGS and NEFT. You can transfer amounts as low as you want, any time you want, with instant results. Though IMPS services are mostly used online, a few banks offer SMS services. Check with your bank to see if they support IMPS transfers via SMS.
The IMPS service is offered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Their services allow customers to transfer funds through both banks and Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) issuers. PPIs are instruments that allow you to purchase goods and services or initiate fund transfers using the value that is stored in the PPI. Some examples of PPIs include smart cards, magnetic stripe cards, digital wallets, and vouchers. Individuals without bank accounts can transfer funds by IMPS using PPI.
– How to do IMPS transfer
To transfer funds via IMPS, you should first register for the mobile banking service of the concerned bank and generate a Mobile Money Identifier (MMID) and MPIN from the bank. You should make sure that your beneficiary or recipient has the MMID too.
Once you’ve registered, log in to your net banking portal and select IMPS as the preferred mode of transfer. Then you should fill in details like the recipient’s mobile number, the recipient’s MMID, the amount to be transferred, and your MPIN. Once this is done, you will receive a confirmation message via SMS.
Advantages and benefits of online money transfer services
Online fund transfers are reliable, fast, and convenient. Using these services, you can transfer funds easily without having to wait in long queues to withdraw cash or try to be physically present at the bank. They also offer choice and flexibility — if you consider factors like the value of funds you want to transfer, transaction speed, cost and timing, you can select the service that suits your needs best for each transaction.
Still having trouble completing vendor payments?
If you’re using Zoho Books, you can carry out B2B payments right from your Zoho Books account as soon as you receive a bill from your vendor. All you have to do is enter the amount to be transferred, the recipient’s name, and account number. Then choose NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS as the preferred transaction type and click Send. It’s simple! You can even track the status of your transaction (processed or in progress) once you’ve initiated the transfer.
Having an accounting system that incorporates the different online fund transfer modes will simplify your payment process even more. With Zoho Books, you can carry out B2B payments right from your accounting software as soon as you receive a bill from your vendor. You can also offer these convenient payment options to your customers, and get paid quicker. Try our free accounting software today to manage your cashflow with greater cognizance.
Thank You Ashika! it’s a great read.
I have a question actually, Could you please tell me that if RBI decides to make the RTGS available 24/7 what will be effect on commercial banks’ timings. won’t it be necessary for banks too to remain open 24/7.
Hi Sulman. The recent RBI updates don’t mention anything about RTGS being a 24/7 system in future. As of now, the RTGS timing for customer transactions is from 8 am to 6 pm on all working days. Please note that the timing may vary from bank to bank.
Can you plz help me out.. I had sent money to somone though imps its showing that the transaction is successful in my mobile and the receiver haven’t got the money plzzzz help me out early as possible….😑The information is so perfect i filled…plzz
Hi Sheethal,
It’s best to contact your bank regarding the status of the transaction.
Thank u Ashika, cleared all my doubts…
Excellent article. Well explained
Thank you bro…..
It’s very informative. Thanks.
I was doing a visa application payment and I added beneficiary details as NEFT which was having different account number . But at the time of payment I choosed IMPS which was having a different account number . So money transfered to wrong account number . Now I wish to get reverse transaction . What should I do? I’m adding transaction details attached to this email. Please Help me out
Hi, Hitesh. If you’ve transferred money to the wrong account, you could try visiting the bank to ask for the procedure to deal with this. Once this is done, keep following up with the operations team in your bank’s branch for more updates.
nice explanation of the three types of funds transfer good job best wishes
Thank u sir..
very nice artical,well explained
Nicely framed Ashika.
Very important information, nicely explained.
Thank you
Absolutely Great 👍 thanks for your valuable info.
This is just awesome. I have always wondered whats the difference. Thanks for this info,
Thankyou Ashika
Very helpful Article
Excellent! One factor is missing though – cost of transfer. Comments, please.
The following are the transactional charges for NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS as mandated by RBI:
NEFT:
No charges for inward transactions (at destination bank branches for credit to beneficiary accounts).
In case of outward transactions at originating bank branches, charges are applicable for the remitter.
– For transactions up to ₹ 10,000 : not exceeding ₹ 2.50 (+ Applicable GST)
– For transactions above ₹ 10,000 up to ₹ 1 lakh: not exceeding ₹ 5 (+ Applicable GST)
– For transactions above ₹ 1 lakh and up to ₹ 2 lakhs: not exceeding ₹ 15 (+ Applicable GST)
– For transactions above ₹ 2 lakhs: not exceeding ₹ 25 (+ Applicable GST)
RTGS:
With effect from July 01, 2019, the Reserve Bank has waived the processing charges levied by it for RTGS transactions. Banks may pass on the benefit to their customers. With a view to rationalize the service charges levied by banks for offering fund transfer through RTGS system, a broad framework of charges have been mandated as follows:
Inward transactions – Free, no charge to be levied.
Outward transactions:
– ₹ 2,00,000/- to 5,00,000/- : not exceeding ₹ 24.50/-;(exclusive of tax, if any)
– Above ₹ 5,00,000/- : not exceeding ₹ 49.50/-. (exclusive of tax, if any)
Banks may decide to charge a lower rate but cannot charge more than the rates prescribed by RBI.
IMPS:
The charges for remittance through IMPS are decided by the individual member banks and PPIs.Please check with your bank or PPI.
Very well explained!
Thank you. Clearly explained.
HI
Which is the fastest / instant mode of making making payment to other bank within India
Hi Paresh,
IMPS is an instant fund transfer service, and the fastest mode of transfer.
Are upi payments coming under IMPS
Hi Jayachandran,
UPI and IMPS are two different payment modes.Though they are similar, UPI and IMPS differ in terms of transactional charges, security, transfer time, details needed, etc. For an IMPS transfer you need details like bank account number, IFSC, and the customer name whereas for UPI transfer you need the recipient’s VPA (virtual payment address).
Wonderful and Very informative Article in understanding RTGS, IMPS and NEFT Transactions in details along with the fees. Kudos!!! to @Ashika. It would be great if you can explain how the UPI transfers also work and if any other type of payments that are available.
Texts are so good and ideology…..thanks
It’s simple sweet and explains all about fund transfers even to a beginners who have net banking like me. Thanks & hats off ur efforts for collecting all minute details and way of its presentation. Keep it up. Thanks again
Thank you so much Ashika,
It’s very well explained and clarified all the doubts and questions about different modes of payments.
Thank you Ashika ,it is well explained, my doubts were cleared.
Thank u sooo much ma’am.my all doubts are clear.this article is very useful for all.
Even though I am a graminbank officer I learn the Main, differences of 3 remitting procedures of cash.Thanks for your valuable information.
Thank you for this valuable information.
Its greatly informative. Thanks for your great service.
Great exposure to the three types of money transfer, Ok Thanks.
It’s really great reading this article it made me clear all the doubts that I had in my mind about these payment methods and also full form as well.
Great article about these payment methods Got to know a lot about it
Very clearly explained. Thank you
Excellent and compact article, thank you for explaining.
Hi Ashika.
Very useful information.
Which will be best one to choose for transferring money during weekends. Please suggest
Hi Kirthika,
You could try IMPS provided it satisfies your other requirements.
Thank you for the wonderful distinguishing information
First of all, thank you for the information and it is very useful
Very nice information given.
Neat and clean information.
What an explanation, I was not that much aware these three NEFT, RTGS&IMPS, your explanation for these are mind blowing, Now i can choose what mode of transfer will suit my business, thanks a lot.
Thanks dear for this information. Ibam easily understood all this 3 method, thanks for sharing
Nicely explained with superb clarification
It is a commendable article with good clarification.
Your content is very effective and useful. Thank you.
Good read for basic learners
Thanks Ashika for your detailed analysis on the payment systems.