March 27, 2026

RTGS — Limits, When to Use Offline and Verification Calls

RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) is a money transfer system regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) by which funds above ₹2 lakhs are transferred in real-time from one bank account to another.

RTGS can be done through net banking, mobile banking or through your bank branch. If you intend to transfer higher amounts (usually above ₹50 lakh), then RTGS has to be done through your bank branch.

Unlike other systems, RTGS processes each transaction individually. Once processed, the funds reach the beneficiary’s bank account almost instantly.

RTGS Timings

Online RTGS (net banking and mobile banking)
- 24 hours × 7 days
- Including weekends and holidays
Offline RTGS (Bank Branch)
- During bank branch working hours only
- Timings vary by bank and location (usually weekdays, limited hours)

RTGS Through net banking and mobile banking

You can use RTGS via both

Net banking (internet banking)
Mobile banking apps of your bank

This means you don’t have to visit a branch or issue a cheque to make a fund transfer; you can initiate and complete the entire process online.

How It Works

Log in to your bank’s net banking or mobile banking app.
Go to the ‘Fund Transfer’ section.
Select RTGS as the transfer method.
Choose the beneficiary, enter the amount (₹2 lakh or more) and IFSC details of the receiving account.
Confirm and authenticate (usually via one-time password, i.e. OTP).

Once confirmed, RTGS transfers happen in real time and usually reflect in the beneficiary’s account within minutes.

Offline RTGS requires visiting a bank branch and filling out an RTGS request form.

RTGS Transfer Limits in India

Here are the standard RTGS limits,

Minimum and Maximum Limits

Minimum amount - ₹2 lakh per transfer (RBI guideline).
No upper limit - There is no RBI cap on the amount you can send via RTGS from a branch.
Online limits - When using net banking or mobile banking, many banks (including HDFC Bank) set a maximum per-day limit based on your profile or third-party transfer (TPT) limit, which is often up to ₹50 lakh per day.

So if you need to send more than the online limit in one go, you may either increase your online transfer limits (if allowed) or use a branch visit.

When Should RTGS be Done Offline (at the Branch)?

Offline RTGS requires visiting a bank branch and filling out an RTGS request form. In most cases, online RTGS is sufficient. However, you may choose offline RTGS in situations like:

Your online transfer limit is lower than the amount you want to send.
You are not registered for net banking/ mobile banking.
The receiving bank’s details need special verification.
Your bank requires you to fill out a physical RTGS form because of internal policy.

When done at the branch, there is no upper limit on the amount you can send (as per RBI rules), but banks may charge nominal service fees.

Fees

For most banks in India

RTGS initiated online through net banking or mobile banking is usually free.
RTGS at bank branches may charge a nominal fee, which varies by bank and transaction amount. For example, some banks charge around ₹20 to ₹45 for branch RTGS transactions above ₹2 lakh.
Always check your specific bank’s current fee schedule before initiating a transfer.

Why Do Banks Make Verification Calls?

Banks often make verification calls or alerts after large RTGS transactions as a fraud-prevention measure. This call is for quick confirmation to check that you initiated this transaction yourself and have your consent. Alongside, banks also send an automated message that informs you of the transaction and asks you to immediately notify them in case you haven't initiated the transaction. It helps ensure security, especially for high-value transfers.

Some people online have noted receiving calls after large transactions, asking them to confirm amounts. This is a precautionary measure and not necessarily a scam.

It is important here to remember that,