The world has gone digital and people around the world now use the internet to carry out various tasks, whether it is ordering food or transferring money. Now, if we talk in terms of financial technologies, the banking system has certainly levelled up in the last couple of years. As a result of this, transferring money between bank accounts has become really easy and fast.
One popular way to do this in India is through NEFT. NEFT is a method that allows people and businesses to send money from one bank account to another electronically. It is safe, secure, and reliable.
Let’s delve deeper into the topic and understand more about what is NEFT, the features of NEFT, the advantages of NEFT, the disadvantages of NEFT, and more.
What is NEFT & NEFT Full Form?
NEFT full form in banking is National Electronic Funds Transfer. It is a system that allows people and businesses to transfer money from one bank account to another electronically within India. NEFT processes transactions in batches at specific times during the day and it is managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). As it has become a popular option to transfer money safely and quickly, it is available at many banks across the country.
Features of NEFT
Here are the major features of NEFT that make it a go-to option for individuals as well as businesses.
Nationwide Availability: NEFT can be used at most banks in India
Batch Processing: Transactions are completed in batches at specific set times.
Secure: As NEFT is managed by the Reserve Bank of India, it ensures safety.
Convenient: NEFT is easily accessible through internet banking, mobile banking, and bank branches.
No Limit on Amount: You can transfer both small and large amounts.
Notifications: Get SMS and email alerts about your transaction on time.
How Does NEFT Work?
NEFT transactions are done only at specific times during the day through internet banking, mobile banking, or by visiting the bank branch. Once the process is initiated, here’s how it works:Transfer Begins
The sender enters the recipient’s bank details including the bank name, branch, IFSC code, and account number.Check and Confirm
The sender’s bank checks the details and makes sure there are enough funds in the sender’s account.Batch Processing
Now, once it is verified, the transaction is placed in a queue for the next batch, which is usually on a half-hour basis.Money Transfer
The sender’s bank deducts the money from the sender’s account and the recipient’s bank adds the money to the recipient’s account.Receive Notifications
Both the sender and recipient receive notifications via SMS and email confirming the transaction status.
Who Can Use NEFT?
Now comes the question, who can use the NEFT method to transfer funds? Well, you can use NEFT to transfer money from one account to another if you are:
- An individual with a bank account at a participating bank
- A business looking to make payments, salaries, and other transactions
- A bank which is a part of the NEFT system
NEFT Charges and Timings
Here are the tables with NEFT charges and timings:
| Bank Name | Minimum NEFT Charges | Maximum NEFT Charges |
|---|---|---|
| State Bank of India | ₹2 + GST | ₹20 + GST |
| Axis Bank | NIL | NIL |
| HDFC Bank | ₹2 + GST | ₹10 + GST |
| RBL Bank | NIL | NIL |
| ICICI Bank | ₹2.25 + GST | ₹24.75 + GST |
| Canara Bank | ₹2.25 + GST | ₹24.75 + GST |
| Bank of Baroda | ₹2.25 + GST | ₹24.75 + GST |
| Central Bank of India | ₹2.5 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Punjab National Bank | ₹1.75 + GST | ₹24.25 + GST |
NEFT timings for different banks are as follows:
| Bank Name | Weekdays NEFT Timings | Weekends NEFT Timings |
|---|---|---|
| State Bank of India | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM | 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Axis Bank | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| HDFC Bank | 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM | 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM |
| ICICI Bank | 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM | 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Canara Bank | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM | 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Bank of Baroda | 8:00 AM to 6:45 PM | 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM |
| Central Bank of India | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Punjab National Bank | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM | 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
Advantages of NEFT
The most significant advantages of NEFT are:
- NEFT is available at most banks across India.
- It is low cost as it is cheaper than other fund transfer methods.
- NEFT is safe and secure for transactions of all kinds as the system is managed by the RBI.
- It offers convenience as transactions can be done anywhere through online banking.
- NEFT eliminates the need for physical cheques or cash.
Disadvantages of NEFT
The major disadvantages of NEFT include:
- Transactions are processed in batches and not immediately.
- Though it is available round the clock, processing might be slower on holidays and weekends.
- It is important for both the sender’s and recipient’s banks to be NEFT-enabled.
Conclusion
NEFT is a trusted and efficient way to transfer money electronically across India. As it is widely available, cost-effective, and secure, it makes for a great choice for individuals as well as businesses.
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FAQs
1. What is NEFT?
NEFT is a system that allows electronic money transfers between different bank accounts in India.
2. What is the full form of NEFT?
NEFT’s full form in banking is National Electronic Funds Transfer.
3. Who can make NEFT transactions?
Anyone who has a bank account in a participating bank can make NEFT transactions.
4. Are NEFT transactions chargeable?
Yes, NEFT transactions may have charges depending on the bank and the method of transfer (online or branch).
5. Does NEFT come with a transfer limit?
No, NEFT does not have a minimum or maximum transfer limit, and hence, you can transfer both small and large amounts.
