RTGS, or Real Time Gross Settlement, is one of the commonly used ways to transfer large amounts of money in India. Many people know that RTGS is used for high-value transactions, but a common question is, What are RTGS timings?
Online transfer timing
As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), RTGS is available 24×7 if you do it through net banking or mobile banking. This means you can transfer money using RTGS any time of the day, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Offline transfer timing
If you want to transfer funds through offline RTGS, it can be done only during banking hours or when the bank is open.
Earlier, even for net banking and mobile banking, RTGS was available only during bank working hours. However, the RBI made RTGS round-the-clock to support digital payments and make large fund transfers easier
Important Things to Know About RTGS Timings
Even though RTGS is 24×7, there are a few practical points to keep in mind:
- Some banks may have short maintenance windows, usually late at night
- If you initiate RTGS during maintenance, it usually gets processed after systems are restored
- Once processed, RTGS transactions are final and cannot be reversed
Minimum and Maximum Amount for RTGS
RTGS is designed for large-value transactions.
- Minimum amount - ₹2 lakh per transaction
- Maximum amount - No upper limit set by RBI
However, when using NetBanking or Mobile Banking, banks may set daily online transfer limits (for example, ₹25 lakh or ₹50 lakh per day). For amounts above this limit, a branch visit may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RTGS available on Sundays and bank holidays?
Yes. Online RTGS works 24×7, including Sundays and bank holidays. You can transfer money even on public holidays using net banking or mobile banking.
How long does RTGS take to credit money?
RTGS transactions are processed in real time. In most cases, the money is credited to the beneficiary’s account within a few minutes of successful initiation.
Can RTGS be done at night?
Yes. As long as you are using net banking or mobile banking, you can do RTGS at any time, including late nights. On online banking channels, RTGS can be done 24*7, all 365 days of the year.
Is RTGS free at all times?
Most banks offer free RTGS through net banking and mobile banking. However, RTGS done at a bank branch may attract a small service charge, depending on the bank.
When should RTGS be done offline?
Offline RTGS (branch visit) may be required when,
- Your online transfer limit is lower than the amount you want to send
- You are not registered for NetBanking or Mobile Banking
- The bank requires additional verification for very large transactions
Why do banks sometimes make verification calls after RTGS?
For high-value RTGS transfers, banks may make verification calls or send alerts as a safety measure. This helps confirm that the transaction was genuinely initiated by the account holder and reduces the risk of fraud.
Banks will never ask for your OTP or password during such calls.
For smaller amounts or quick retail payments, people may also use NEFT or IMPS, but RTGS remains the preferred option for large transfers.
Conclusion
RTGS timings in India are now simple and flexible. With 24×7 availability through NetBanking and Mobile Banking, transferring large amounts of money has become faster and more convenient than ever. Knowing when and how to use RTGS helps you choose the right transfer method and avoid delays.
For most users, online RTGS is the best option, while offline RTGS remains useful for special cases or very high-value transactions.