Why is RTGS delayed?

Asked by: Dane Kiehn I  |  Last update: June 25, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (68 votes)

RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) is usually instantaneous, but delays occur due to technical glitches in bank systems, incorrect beneficiary details (IFSC/account number), or, rarely, during high-volume periods or month-end closing. Although designed for 24/7 service, some banks may have operational cut-off times for manual, branch-based requests, causing, for instance, next-day processing.

Why is my RTGS taking so long?

RTGS transactions are processed in real-time, indicating the amount is transferred within minutes. However, the exact time can vary based on the operational efficiency of the sender's and receiver's banks. Typically, the process must not exceed 30 minutes during operational hours.

Why is my RTGS money not credited?

If an RTGS transaction is not credited to the beneficiary account, does the remitter get back the money? Yes. If the beneficiary's bank is unable to credit the beneficiary's account for any reason, the former will return the money to the remitting bank within 2 hours.

Is there any issue with RTGS?

Failed Transactions

RTGS transactions may fail or be invalid if you do not enter the correct beneficiary details before you send money. Any errors in the beneficiary's account information, like their branch name or IFSC, may invalidate the transfer. Alternatively, a locked account may also lead to failed transfers.

What causes delay in bank transfers?

There can be many reasons why international money transfers take time to be processed such as bank holidays, weekend delays, currency conversion delays, fraud detection & prevention measures, slow international bank networks, global events, and natural disasters among many other reasons.

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What is the longest a bank transfer can take?

As a result, most bank transfers are instantaneous, although in some cases, payment can take up to two hours. It's important to remember that while Faster Payments aims to provide you with these types of bank transfer times, there's no guarantee that your payment will be cleared on the same day.

What happens when money is transferred but not received?

If money is transferred but not received, it's usually delayed, not lost; check details for errors (name, account number), contact your bank/provider immediately for a trace (SWIFT for international), check processing times, and be aware that wrong info can block funds, but providers often help correct issues quickly before release.

How long does an RTGS transfer take?

Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)

Transfer money from your Family Bank account to any another local bank within Kenya. These transactions are completed within a minimum period of 2 hours subject to a cut-off time of 3PM.

Can RTGS be tracked?

Now, considering that RTGS is used for large transactions, it is essential to track their status to confirm whether the funds have been successfully credited to the beneficiary's account. Fortunately, this can be done using the unique transaction reference (UTR) number.

What is the downtime for RTGS?

RTGS is available 24 hours a day, every day including holidays. Once your bank sends the transfer message, the beneficiary's bank must credit the account within 30 minutes under normal conditions. If there's a hiccup (wrong details, bank downtime), the remitting bank must return funds within ~2 hours.

How do I track my RTGS transaction?

To check the status of RTGS transactions, you can use online methods or contact customer support. Online methods include visiting the RTGS transaction tracking website, logging into your Internet banking account or mobile app, and searching for the required transfer using your UTR number.

Why is my transaction successful but money not credited?

1. The receiving bank is still processing the money. But some banks are slower than others — they might take up to 1 working day for them to release the money. So your money's safely on its way, but the recipient bank is still processing it.

In what time will the RTGS amount be credited?

Under normal circumstances, the beneficiary Bank branch receives the funds in near real time as soon as funds are transferred by the remitting Bank. The beneficiary Bank has to credit the beneficiary's account within 30 minutes of receiving the funds transfer message.

What happens if RTGS is done but not credited?

Contact Your Bank: If a transaction fails or there is a delay in crediting funds, customers should first contact their bank's customer service or visit their branch with details of the transaction, including the Unique Transaction Reference (UTR) number.

What are the risks of using 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.

How long does it take to receive a $1000 e-transfer?

You can expect to receive the e-Transfer in your chequing account within 30 minutes after it's sent. You may not receive an e-Transfer within 30 minutes if: The originating financial institution is holding the funds. As a precaution, the financial institution the funds are being sent from may be holding the funds.

Can RTGS bounce?

Yes, if it is not possible to credit the funds to the beneficiary customer's account for any reason, the funds received by the RTGS member bank will be returned to the originating bank within one hour of receipt of the payment at the Payment Interface (PI) or before the end of the RTGS Business Day, whichever is ...

What is the maximum limit of RTGS?

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.

What are the cons of RTGS?

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.

Why is my money transfer taking so long?

If transfers take longer than expected, delays can result from factors such as the timing of the transfer, destination, currencies involved, security checks, or bank holidays. Common causes include: Bank Cut-off Times and Time Zone Difference. Bank Holidays.

Can RTGS transfers be reversed?

Upon receipt of the funds, the receiving bank credits the amount to the recipient's account immediately. RTGS transactions are irrevocable, which means once the payment is made, it cannot be reversed. This ensures that both the sender and the recipient are guaranteed the finality of the payment.

Who regulates RTGS transfers?

RTGS systems are managed on a nation-wide level by a given nation's central bank, and transactions are limited to those who bank within that central bank's country. While some RTGS systems may be available 24 hours a day year-round, each system and its operating hours are different.

What if my payment is successful but the money has not reached the receiver?

1. Verify your beneficiary account details like Bank Name, Account number IFSC code etc. 2. Check if the same transaction amount has been reversed into your account in the last 24 to 48 Hours.

What is the longest time a bank transfer can take?

Transferring money between banks can take one to five business days, depending on the banks involved and the transfer method you choose. Bank transfers are a way to get money to someone else without using physical cash.