RTGS and NEFT Differences | Which is Better and Efficient?

The acronym ‘RTGS’ stands for Real-Time Gross Settlement, which can be defined as the continuous (real-time) settlement of funds individually on an order by order basis (without netting).

‘Real Time’ means the processing of instructions at the time they are received rather than at some later time.’ Gross Settlement’ means the settlement of funds transfer instructions occurs individually (on an instruction-by-instruction basis). Considering that the funds settlement takes place in the books of the Reserve Bank of India, the payments are final and irrevocable.

The RTGS system is primarily meant for large-value transactions. The minimum amount to be remitted through RTGS is Rs 2 lakh. The maximum limit is Rs 10 lakh per day.

RTGS Timings

Under normal circumstances, the beneficiary branches are expected to receive the funds in real-time as soon as the remitting bank transfers funds. The beneficiary bank has to credit the beneficiary’s account within 30 minutes of receiving the funds transfer message.

If the funds are not credited to the beneficiary’s account for any reason, like the account does not exist, the account is frozen etc., the funds will be returned to the originating bank within one hour or before the end of the RTGS Business day whichever is earlier.

Difference Between RTGS and NEFT

NEFT is an electronic fund transfer system that operates on a Deferred Net Settlement (DNS) basis, which settles transactions in batches. In DNS, the settlement takes place with all transactions received until the particular cut-off time. These transactions are netted (payable and receivables) in NEFT, whereas in RTGS, the transactions are settled individually.

Any transaction initiated after a designated settlement time would have to wait until the next designated settlement time Contrary to this, the RTGS transactions are processed continuously throughout the RTGS business hours.