RTGS Transfer Time: What You Need to Know about RTGS Timings in India

RTGS stands for Real-Time Gross Settlement. It is one of the quickest and most secure systems in India to transfer funds. Although not normally used in retail electronic commerce, RTGS plays a central role in high-value transactions and settlements.

Understanding the RTGS transfer limit, timing, and cutoff windows is essential for anyone handling urgent or large financial transactions. Relative to NEFT and IMPS, RTGS is adapted for high-value transactions with fast confirmation making it a preferred solution for corporate payments, property purchases, and other time-sensitive transactions.

RTGS Timings in India

RTGS is a system designed for electronic fund movements and settlements, similar to NEFT and IMPS, though each operates differently. 

Administered by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India), it is among the quickest methods of sending large amounts of money between Indian banks. It’s essential to know the specific operating hours to prevent any delays and enable successful transactions.

Since December 14, 2020, RTGS has been available 24x7 — including weekends and bank holidays — as per RBI guidelines. This round-the-clock availability applies primarily to online and mobile banking transactions. However, individual banks may still impose their own cut-off times for RTGS via branches or corporate channels.

Transfers are typically settled within 30 minutes, provided the beneficiary bank supports 24x7 processing and the transaction is submitted with correct details.

Weekday RTGS Operating Hours (Monday to Friday)

The RTGS processing window on weekdays in India operates from 7 AM to 6 PM as per the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India. However, each bank may set its own internal RTGS cut-off schedule a bit earlier, usually between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM, for accepting same-day settlements. 

Some examples of cut-off windows at major banks:

• HDFC Bank (branch RTGS): 3:30 PM weekdays / 12:30 PM Saturdays
• SBI (branch RTGS): ~6:00 PM weekdays
• ICICI Bank (branch RTGS): 4:30 PM weekdays / 12:30 PM Saturdays

Any request beyond this period will be settled on the next RTGS working day. This is true for online banking or offline transactions. Transactions are accepted during banking hours and therefore it is essential to plan RTGS fund remittances accordingly.

RTGS Working Hours on Saturdays

RTGS remains operational on all Saturdays, as it follows a 24x7x365 schedule introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in December 2020. This includes the second, fourth, and fifth Saturdays of the month.

However, while the RTGS system itself is always active, branch-based RTGS transactions may still follow reduced working hours. Most banks operate between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Saturdays, with some closing even earlier. If you're using branch services, it's advisable to check your bank’s specific Saturday cut-off times.

For online and mobile banking, RTGS can be initiated at any time — including weekends and holidays — subject to the beneficiary bank’s processing availability.

Availability on Sundays and Bank Holidays

RTGS is available 24x7, including Sundays and national bank holidays, when initiated through online or mobile banking channels. However, branch-based RTGS services may not be accessible on non-working days, and some banks may delay processing due to internal cut-off schedules. If you initiate a transfer late on a Saturday or during a holiday, settlement may depend on the recipient bank’s processing infrastructure.

RTGS Cut-Off Times in Leading Banks

While RTGS is available 24x7, individual banks may define their own cut-off times — especially for in-branch and corporate transactions.

Here are some examples of RTGS processing limits at major Indian banks:

• SBI: Online RTGS is available 24x7 (except during RBI’s technical downtime between 11:50 PM and 12:30 AM). Branch-based RTGS is generally accepted during standard working hours, typically until 5:45 PM on weekdays.
• HDFC Bank: NetBanking RTGS is available 24x7 (excluding scheduled maintenance from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM). Branch transactions are usually processed until 6:00 PM, but this may vary by location.
• ICICI Bank: RTGS is available online 24x7. Branch-based RTGS transactions are generally accepted until 4:30 PM on working days.
• Axis Bank: Online RTGS is available 24x7. At branches, RTGS requests are typically accepted until 5:45 PM on weekdays.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB): RTGS is available 24x7 online. In branches, transactions are generally accepted up to 6:00 PM, depending on the branch’s operating schedule.

Note: Timings for branch-based transactions may vary across locations. Customers should check with their local branch for the exact cut-off time.

These cut-offs affect how quickly RTGS services can be completed, especially for same-day credit via branches. If you miss the daily cut-off, the transfer might get processed on the next settlement window.

How Long Does an RTGS Transfer Take?

RTGS is a secure and efficient method to move funds directly between banks. However, the actual duration of operations depends on several factors — especially whether the transaction is made within business hours and whether it’s interbank or intrabank.

Average Transfer Time During Working Hours

An RTGS transfer which is processed during business hours should be reflected in the recipient's account within 30 minutes. For most banks, the entire process spans between 5 and 30 minutes.

What Affects the Processing Speed?

While RTGS is a near-instant payment method, several variables can affect the duration of the procedure:

• Bank processing speed: Some banks have faster backend systems than others, especially for RTGS interbank transfers.
• Transaction schedule: Payments made close to cut-off periods might be queued for the next settlement window.
• Incorrect details: Errors in beneficiary IFSC code, account number, or amount can delay processing.
• Server or technical issues: Downtime or congestion in the bank’s system may also cause a delay in the RTGS transfer timings.

How to Know If Your RTGS Is Delayed?

If you're wondering how long an RTGS transfer takes, and your payment hasn’t gone through, here are ways to identify a delay:

• Check bank SMS or email alerts for confirmation. Most banks send transaction status updates immediately after settlement.
• Use your bank’s internet or mobile banking portal to track the transfer status. Look for pending, failed, or successful states.
• If more than 30-60 minutes pass without confirmation, especially during RTGS operating hours, it may be a delay.
• Contact the bank’s customer service with the UTR (Unique Transaction Reference) number to investigate.

Most delays are caused by incorrect details, cut-off schedules, or technical outages, which can slow down the processing of online RTGS transactions.

Timings vs Deadlines: RTGS Cut-Off & Settlement Windows

Electronic fund transfer via RTGS is almost instantaneous but banks have cut-off and settlement windows. Those define when your money will be credited — particularly for high-value or interbank transfers.

What Is the Daily Cut-Off for RTGS?

Most Indian banks follow RBI guidelines, which allow RTGS transactions from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. However, each bank may define its own internal cut-off time — typically 30 to 60 minutes before the RBI deadline, especially for branch-based transactions.

• HDFC Bank: Branch RTGS cut-off is usually around 5:00 PM on weekdays. Online RTGS is available 24x7, excluding scheduled maintenance.
• Axis Bank: Accepts branch-based RTGS requests until approximately 5:45 PM. Online RTGS remains active 24x7.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank: Branch RTGS transactions are generally accepted until 4:30 PM.

Transfers initiated after a bank’s internal cut-off time will typically be processed on the next RTGS working day.

Settlement Windows and Batch Processing

Unlike NEFT, RTGS is not based on batch processing. The system works on real time gross settlement basis — that is, payments are settled individually and immediately as soon as they are submitted within banking hours. Some internal bank systems may queue transactions at the cut-off windows, so you may have to wait for a few moments before the final credit is implemented.

• Zero batch delay — transfers are applied one-by-one
• Transactions settled via RBI’s centralized platform, not bank-wise servers
• Final credit timing may differ depending on your bank's internal queue handling

Missed the Cut-Off? What Happens Next?

If you transfer the funds through RTGS after the cut-off time, it will not be processed on the same day. The operation will be queued for the next working day if the beneficiary's bank is also RTGS-enabled. During this hold period, you may see the amount debited from your account, but settlement happens when the next settlement window is opened.

• Off-hours transactions are settled the next RTGS business day
• Funds may appear debited but are not yet credited to the recipient
• No real-time guarantee if cut-off is missed, especially near weekends or holidays

Use Cases That Require Timely RTGS Transfers

Many industries rely on fast and trustworthy fund transfer forms such as RTGS . The service allows real-time settlement of high-value transactions which is why it is a perfect solution when timing and certainty are top priorities. Following are some of the important spheres where RTGS speed is crucial.

RTGS for Last-Minute High-Value Payments

RTGS is preferred when you are making time-sensitive payments above ₹2,00,000 as they are guaranteed to be processed within two hours. Such situations often occur around financial deadlines or during end-of-day clearances.

• The service enables a real-time transfer of funds, making it ideal for clearing corporate invoices before the cut-off time
• High-value one-off payments, like property registry or loan closure, often require RTGS transfers to be completed as quickly as possible.
• In the case of urgent tax or government-related dues, RTGS transfers provide same-day confirmation for such payments
• Enterprises often employ RTGS for vendor settlements where internal approvals are delayed till late hours

Business Scenarios Where RTGS Processing Time Matters

For businesses, RTGS fund transfer time can sometimes mean the choice between successful execution and operational failure. As RTGS provides immediate settlement, it plays an important role in high-value transactions.

• Companies with tight payment cycles use RTGS to pay salaries, bonuses and vendor dues without any time offset
• For large inter-company transfers, RTGS helps maintain liquidity between accounts held at different banks
• Corporates rely on the RTGS method for transferring funds to settle trades quickly or move capital between regional branches
• Multinationals often rely on the speed of RTGS transfers when consolidating capital across India-based operations

RTGS in Real Estate, Legal, and Institutional Payments

In industries where large-ticket transactions are a usual practice, RTGS offers speed, transparency and decreases settlement risk. It’s a great solution when delays can lead to legal or financial consequences.

• Online RTGS services are used by real estate buyers for making down-payment and registry-day transactions
• Law firms align escrow and client settlements with RTGS time to ensure same-day transfers.
• RTGS services are available for educational institutes and non-government organizations to transfer grants, endowments, and statutory payments securely
• Courts and arbitration bodies use the platform for fee deposits or compensation disbursements

RTGS Transfer Tracking and Delays

Even though RTGS is usually quick, issues like incorrect details or non-working days can cause delays. Knowing how to track the transfer and what steps to take in case of issues can save time and stress.

How to Track the Status of an RTGS Transfer

Most banks allow tracking via online banking or mobile apps. You’ll need the UTR (Unique Transaction Reference) number to monitor the status of the RTGS payment transfer time.

• Use your bank's portal to check the status
• Some banks offer SMS or email alerts for RTGS status
• Contacting customer service with UTR also helps locate a stuck transaction

What to Do If the RTGS Transaction Is Pending Too Long

If your RTGS transfer time exceeds normal processing expectations (typically within 30 minutes during working hours), here’s what you can do:

• Check With Your Bank First: Contact your bank’s customer support with the UTR number. They can track the status and confirm whether the amount has been credited.
• Verify Beneficiary Details: Double-check the account number and IFSC code provided to avoid delays due to mismatched data.
• Wait for Official Settlement Windows: If the delay occurs near the end-of-day cut-off or on weekends, funds may be settled the next business day.
• Raise a Dispute: If more than 1 working day has passed, raise a service request or dispute through your bank’s grievance redressal system.