What Is RTGS in Banking: Full Form, Charges, Timings, and Transfer Limits

India has moved fast in digital payments, yet when it comes to transferring large sums of money, confusion still dominates. People know how to scan a QR code, but hesitate when asked to move five lakh rupees securely. Questions pile up quickly. Is RTGS better than NEFT? Is it instant or not? Is it safe online? What about RTGS limits? Let us read everything about the RTGS transfer system in India.

What is RTGS

RTGS full form in banking – Real Time Gross Settlement. It is a banking system used to transfer money from one bank account to another instantly. RTGS is mainly used for large-value payments.

How RTGS Works

In RTGS, each transaction is processed separately. The money is not grouped with other transfers. Once the bank sends the instruction, the amount is settled immediately between banks.

The system is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.

Key Features of RTGS

• Money is transferred in real time
• Each transaction is settled individually
• Used mainly for high-value transfers
• Very secure and reliable
• Available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays

RTGS Transfer Timings 

RTGS transfer timings in India are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays, for online transfers.

However, RTGS done through bank branches is allowed only during branch working hours, usually on weekdays between morning and late afternoon, depending on the bank.

How Much Time Does RTGS Takes

RTGS transfers are processed in real time, so money is usually credited instantly or within a few minutes.

As per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines, the beneficiary bank must credit the amount within 30 minutes of receiving the transfer.

If the amount is not credited within this time, you should contact the sender’s bank using the UTR number. Failed RTGS transactions are typically reversed within two hours, and delays beyond the prescribed limit may attract compensation as per regulatory rules.

RTGS Charges in India

• Inward RTGS (receiver): Free; no charges apply.
• Outward RTGS (sender): Charges depend on the bank and channel used.

As per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines, banks can charge up to:

• ₹25 plus GST for ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh
• ₹50 plus GST for amounts above ₹5 lakh
  

Most banks offer free RTGS through net banking or mobile apps, while branch-based RTGS usually attracts charges.

RTGS Limits in India

• Minimum RTGS amount: ₹2 lakh
• Maximum RTGS amount: No upper limit set by the Reserve Bank of India

Banks may apply their own maximum limits for net banking or mobile banking, while branch RTGS usually has no upper cap. RTGS is available 24×7, including weekends and holidays.

Minimum Amount in RTGS

RTGS is meant for large payments. In India, the minimum amount is usually ₹2 lakh. There is no upper limit.

When Should You Use RTGS

• When you need to send a large amount of money
• When the payment is urgent
• For business payments, property transactions, or important personal transfers

How to Transfer Money Using RTGS 

RTGS can be done in a few steps. But before that, you need to keep a few things in mind-

Understand When RTGS Can Be Used

RTGS can only be used for transfers of ₹2 lakh or more. There is no upper limit on the amount. The facility is available 24 hours a day, all days of the year, including weekends and holidays.

Both the sender’s bank and the receiver’s bank must be RTGS-enabled, as authorised by the Reserve Bank of India. Once the money is credited, the transaction is final and cannot be reversed.

Information Needed for RTGS Transfer

To make an RTGS transfer, you need:

• Beneficiary name
• Beneficiary account number
• Bank name and branch
• IFSC code
• Transfer amount

RTGS Through Bank Branch (Offline Method)

This method is useful if you are not registered for online banking or prefer in-person assistance.

Step 1: Visit your bank branch during working hours.
Step 2: Ask for the RTGS transfer form and fill in all required details carefully.
Step 3: Submit the form along with cash or a cheque, depending on your bank’s rules.
Step 4: The bank processes the transaction immediately after verification.

You will receive a UTR number, which acts as proof and can be used to track the transfer. Banks may charge a small fee for outward RTGS transactions, while inward credits are generally free.

RTGS Through Net Banking (Online Method)

This is the most commonly used and convenient option.

Step 1: Log in to your bank’s net banking account.
Step 2: Go to the fund transfer or payments section and choose to add a new beneficiary.
Step 3: Select RTGS or other bank transfer and enter the beneficiary details.
Step 4: Confirm the beneficiary addition using the one time password sent to your registered mobile number.

Once the beneficiary is activated:

Step 5: Select RTGS transfer.
Step 6: Choose the debit account and enter the transfer amount.
Step 7: Review all details carefully and submit the request.

The amount is usually credited within minutes. The UTR number generated can be used for tracking.

RTGS Through Mobile Banking App

RTGS can also be done easily using your bank’s official mobile app.

Step 1: Open the app and log in securely.
Step 2: Go to the payments or fund transfer section.
Step 3: Add or select an existing RTGS beneficiary.
Step 4: Enter the amount and confirm the details.
Step 5: Authenticate the transaction using a one time password or biometric verification, depending on the app.

RTGS through mobile apps also follows real time settlement. If the amount is not credited within thirty minutes, you should contact your bank immediately.

RTGS Advantages and Disadvantages

When money cannot wait, RTGS steps in, but speed always comes with responsibility

Advantages of RTGS

RTGS offers real-time settlement, high security, and instant confirmation, making it ideal for large and urgent payments.

• Instant transfer
  Money is credited in real time, usually within minutes, making it ideal for urgent payments.
  
• High value friendly
  There is no upper limit on the amount, which suits large business or personal transfers.
  
• Available all the time
  RTGS works 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays.
  
• Highly secure
  The system is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India, ensuring strong safety and reliability.
  
• Paperless process
  No cheques or demand drafts are required, keeping transactions simple and digital.

Disadvantages of RTGS

RTGS has a high minimum transfer limit and may not be suitable for small or everyday transactions.

• Minimum amount required
  RTGS can only be used for transfers of ₹2 lakh or more, making it unsuitable for small payments.
  
• No reversal option
  Once the money is credited, the transaction cannot be cancelled or reversed.
  
• Error sensitive
  Any mistake in the account number or IFSC can lead to delays or permanent issues.
  
• System dependency
  Transfers rely on both banks’ systems, so technical issues can occasionally cause delays.

To overcome these limitations, many people prefer IMPS for smaller and more frequent transfers. Know what IMPS is and IMPS transfer limits in 2026!

Difference Between RTGS and IMPS

RTGS and IMPS are built for very different needs

Basis	RTGS	IMPS
Full form	Real Time Gross Settlement	Immediate Payment Service
Minimum amount	₹2 lakh	No minimum limit
Maximum amount	No upper limit	Usually capped by banks
Settlement speed	Real time, instant	Instant
Best used for	High-value and urgent transfers	Daily and small value transfers
Availability	24×7, all days	24×7, all days
Reversibility	Cannot be reversed once credited	Cannot be reversed once credited

• Use RTGS when the amount is large and final settlement is critical.
• Use IMPS for quick, everyday transfers where flexibility and lower amounts matter.

To explore more options, you can also understand the benefits of NEFT and learn the key differences between RTGS and NEFT.

Disclaimer– The rankings and figures in this article have been compiled from multiple verified reports, credible news sources, and public financial data available as of 2026.

All values are approximate and may vary with newer updates, revisions, or changes in official records.

What is RTGS – FAQs