RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) has a minimum transfer limit of ₹2 lakh, but no upper limit set by the central bank (RBI), making it for large-value transactions, though individual banks impose their own maximum daily or per-transaction limits (e.g., ₹10 lakh to ₹50 crore). Always check your specific bank's guidelines for their maximum caps on RTGS transfers.
Overview: RTGS transfers require a minimum of ₹2 lakh with no RBI maximum cap. Banks set daily limits between ₹25-50 lakh for individuals. Available 24/7 with instant settlement, RTGS suits high-value property, business, and urgent payments with enhanced security features.
NEFT is best suited for low-value transactions and operates in batches while RTGS is used for high-value transactions and settles payments in real-time. The two systems differ in terms of fees, minimum transfer amounts, and settlement speed.
Overview: NEFT enables secure fund transfers across India with no RBI-imposed limits, but individual banks set transaction caps ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹1 crore. Understanding these limits helps you plan large payments, investments, and loan repayments effectively while avoiding transaction failures.
The charges for IMPS transactions may vary among different banks. NEFT is considered reliable and secure for fund transfers. RTGS is considered reliable and secure for fund transfers.
RTGS transfers usually come free of cost whenever you opt for transactions through online mode. However, you must note that RTGS transfers made through offline modes come with certain charges based on the amount to be transferred and the bank from which you initiate the transaction process.
Although there are several ways to transfer large sums of money between bank accounts, such as a check or ACH transfer, a wire transfer is often considered the best choice. It's a secure transaction for large transfers in the US and abroad — and you can initiate your payment at your regular banking provider.
Maximum - RTGS transaction through branch - No upper ceiling. RTGS transaction through NetBanking - the maximum amount of funds that can be transferred per day is as per customer's TPT limit (maximum up to ₹50 lakh).
If you're sending a large amount of money, you may want to use a wire transfer at your bank. You'll need the recipient's account and routing numbers. You and the recipient will likely incur fees. Wire transfers take place in less than 24 hours but do not occur on weekends or on bank holidays.
1) Payment Gateway transaction limit is up to 10 lakh per day / per transaction. 2) Own account fund transfer — No limit (up to the available balance in debit account). 3) IMPS to registered beneficiary - up to Rs 5 Lakh per day/per transaction. 4) NEFT to registered beneficiary per day - up to Rs.
Disadvantages of RTGS
RTGS transactions are comparatively costlier than any other mode of electronic payment, with banks often found to be charging more fees for the service. RTGS can only facilitate transfers to bank accounts in India.
Online NEFT and RTGS transfers are zero-cost transactions. IMPS charges depend on how much you send - ₹3.50 plus GST for amounts up to ₹1,000, ₹5 plus GST from ₹1,001 to ₹1,00,000, and ₹15 plus GST when you transfer more than ₹1,00,000.
The charges for NEFT and RTGS depend on the mode of transfer. If it is done online, both NEFT and RTGS are free. However, if the money is transferred offline by visiting the bank branch, NEFT is cheaper than RTGS.
The consequences of RTGS failure
Threats like cyber attacks, data corruption, hardware or software failure, even natural disasters can impact RTGS systems. Even a brief disruption to an RTGS system would be costly, but a prolonged failure would be catastrophic.
RTGS transactions / transfers have no amount cap set by RBI. The system is available on all days on 24x7x365 basis. There is real time transfer of funds to the beneficiary account. The remitter need not use a physical cheque or a demand draft.
If you initiate an RTGS transfer of ₹5,00,000 at an SBI branch, the base charge may be ₹30. Adding GST at 18%, the total cost becomes ₹35.40 (₹30 + ₹5.40 GST).
To remit funds to the Inter Bank Payee through RTGS / NEFT select the 'Other Bank Transfer' link in the 'Payments/Transfers' tab. Select the Transaction Type - RTGS or NEFT. The list of beneficiary accounts added is displayed. Enter the Amount and select the beneficiary to be credited from the list.
How to transfer money online to friends and family
RTGS Charges
The INR 24.50 and INR 49.50 is the maximum charge a bank can levy for an RTGS transaction. Banks may charge service fees lower than the above charges mandated by the RBI. Here is an example of how RTGS charges vary based on different transaction amounts.
RTGS processes transactions instantly. This makes it the faster option for high-value, time-sensitive transfers. On the other hand, NEFT operates in batches, with transactions processed in half-hourly intervals.
How to Choose Between IMPS, NEFT and RTGS?
The 3-6-9 rule in finance is a guideline for building an emergency fund, suggesting you save 3 months of essential expenses for stable jobs, 6 months for most people (especially those with families/mortgages), and 9 months for those with irregular income (freelancers, sole earners) or high financial risk. It's a flexible strategy to provide financial security, helping you avoid debt or panic withdrawals during unexpected job loss or emergencies, with the exact target depending on your income stability and dependents.
Banks may have limits ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh per day or set weekly/monthly limits. Users can only make a maximum of 20 UPI transactions per day. The GPay transaction limit is ₹1 lakh per day for general transactions.
Wire transfers.
For sending a large amount of money, wire transfers can be a solution. Keep in mind that there's typically a fee for wire transfers. To make a wire transfer, call or visit your bank or a wire transfer company, or make an online transaction with a trusted source.