NEFT vs RTGS vs IMPS Comparison

Feature NEFT RTGS IMPS
Full Form National Electronic Funds Transfer Real Time Gross Settlement Immediate Payment Service
Minimum Amount ₹1 ₹2,00,000 ₹1
Maximum Amount No limit No limit ₹5,00,000
Transfer Speed 2-3 hours 30 minutes Instant
Availability 24x7 Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat: 9 AM - 1:30 PM
24x7
Charges Free (most banks) ₹25-50 ₹5-15
IFSC Code Required ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

When to Use NEFT

  • Regular bill payments
  • Small to medium amounts
  • Not urgent transfers
  • Most cost-effective

When to Use RTGS

  • Large amounts (₹2L+)
  • Property transactions
  • Business payments
  • During banking hours

When to Use IMPS

  • Emergency transfers
  • After banking hours
  • Amounts up to ₹5L
  • Instant settlement needed