SBI RTGS Charges 2025: Fees, Limits & Transfers Process

Need to send a large sum of money quickly and securely through the State Bank of India (SBI)? Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) might be your best option. It’s a specialized system designed for high-value electronic payments.

But what exactly does RTGS involve, and what will it cost you? Understanding SBI’s RTGS charges, timings, and transfer limits for 2025 is crucial for making informed decisions, especially when choosing between transferring funds online or visiting a branch.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about using SBI’s RTGS service. We’ll cover the costs (including when it’s free!), the minimum and maximum amounts you can send, when you can make transfers, and the simple steps involved. This will help you choose the most efficient and cost-effective method for your needs. You might also find tools that can help calculate potential branch charges quickly.

What Exactly is RTGS? (And Why Should You Care?)

RTGS stands for Real Time Gross Settlement. Let’s break that down:

• Real Time: Unlike some other transfer methods that process payments in batches, RTGS instructions are processed the moment your bank receives them.¹ Think of it like an express lane for your money transfer.
• Gross Settlement: Each RTGS transaction is settled individually, on its own.¹ Transactions aren’t bundled together. This ensures your specific payment is handled immediately and independently.

This system is managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is specifically designed for high-value transactions, typically those of ₹2,00,000 or more.¹ Because the final settlement happens directly in the RBI’s records, RTGS payments are considered final and irrevocable – meaning they cannot be reversed once processed.²

Using RTGS offers several key advantages, especially for significant payments ²:

• Safety and Security: It operates through the RBI’s secure network.
• No Upper Limit (from RBI): The RBI hasn’t set a maximum cap on the amount you can send via RTGS (though your bank might have its own online limits, which we’ll discuss later).
• 24/7/365 Availability (Online): You can initiate RTGS transfers anytime through online banking or mobile apps.²
• Speed: Funds are typically credited to the beneficiary’s account in real-time, or very close to it.
• Convenience: You don’t need physical cheques or demand drafts for online transfers. The beneficiary also receives funds directly without needing to visit their bank.
• Reduced Risk: Eliminates the worry of lost, stolen, or fraudulently cashed cheques.
• Accessibility: You can initiate transfers from your home or office using internet banking or apps like YONO.²
• Cost-Effective: Online RTGS transfers via SBI are free. Branch transactions have charges, but these are capped by the RBI.¹
• Legal Backing: RTGS transactions have formal legal standing.²

You might notice that online RTGS is heavily promoted by being free and available around the clock, while visiting a branch involves fees and is restricted to banking hours.¹ This isn’t accidental. Processing transactions digitally is far more efficient and cost-effective for banks compared to handling them manually at a branch.

By making online transfers free and convenient, banks encourage customers to use digital channels. This shift benefits the bank by reducing operational load and aligns with broader digital banking initiatives. For you, the customer, it means significant cost savings and flexibility if you use online services.

SBI RTGS Charges in 2025: Online vs. Branch

Here’s the most important piece of information regarding SBI RTGS charges:

Online RTGS Transfers are FREE

If you use SBI Internet Banking (Net Banking) or the YONO SBI mobile app to initiate your RTGS transfer, SBI levies absolutely no charges.¹ This is the most cost-effective way to send high-value funds.

Branch RTGS Transaction Charges

If you prefer, or need, to make an RTGS transfer by visiting an SBI branch, charges will apply. These charges depend on the transaction amount and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Here’s a clear breakdown of the charges for SBI RTGS transactions made at a branch:

SBI RTGS Branch Transaction Charges (Effective 2025)

Transaction Amount	Base Charge (₹)	GST @ 18% (₹)	Total Payable Charge (₹)
₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000	20.00	3.60	23.60
Above ₹5,00,000	40.00	7.20	47.20

Source: Based on official SBI information.¹ GST is calculated at the current standard rate of 18%.

Important Note on Waivers: SBI sometimes waives these branch transaction charges for customers holding certain premium Current Accounts (like Gold, Diamond, Platinum, Rhodium variants) or specific Salary Package Accounts (like DSP, PMSP, CGSP variants).¹ If you have one of these accounts, it’s worth confirming with your branch if the RTGS charge waiver applies to you.

The difference in cost is significant: ₹0 for online versus ₹23.60 or ₹47.20 at the branch. This creates a strong financial reason to opt for online banking if you can. While this promotes efficiency, it also means that customers who may not have easy access to digital banking (due to lack of devices, internet connectivity, or digital literacy) or simply prefer in-person service face a mandatory cost for using the same RTGS facility. It’s a practical trade-off between cost, convenience, and accessibility.

Calculating Your SBI Branch RTGS Cost: Quick Examples

Seeing the charges in action makes them easier to understand. Let’s look at two scenarios for branch transactions:

• Example 1: You need to transfer ₹3,50,000 by visiting an SBI branch.
  • This amount falls in the ₹2 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh slab.
  • The base charge is ₹20.00.
  • Add 18% GST: ₹20.00 * 0.18 = ₹3.60.
  • Your total charge is ₹20.00 + ₹3.60 = ₹23.60.
• Example 2: You need to transfer ₹7,00,000 via the branch.
  • This amount is above ₹5 Lakh.
  • The base charge is ₹40.00.
  • Add 18% GST: ₹40.00 * 0.18 = ₹7.20.
  • Your total charge is ₹40.00 + ₹7.20 = ₹47.20.

Remember the online advantage: If you had made either of these transfers using SBI’s online banking portal or the YONO app, the charge would have been ₹0.

If you want to quickly check the exact branch charge for any amount above ₹2 Lakh without doing the math yourself, using an online calculator specifically for SBI RTGS charges can give you an instant answer.

SBI RTGS Timings: When Can You Send Funds?

The timing for your RTGS transfer depends heavily on whether you do it online or at a branch.

Online Availability: 24x7x365

This is a major benefit. SBI RTGS transfers initiated through Internet Banking or the YONO app are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.² This includes weekends and public holidays. This round-the-clock availability was implemented by the RBI starting December 14, 2020, offering incredible flexibility.²

Branch Availability: Limited to Banking Hours

If you plan to make an RTGS transfer at an SBI branch, you are restricted to the branch’s specific working hours. These typically align with standard banking days (usually Monday to Friday, and sometimes Saturday mornings, excluding public holidays).

Actionable Advice: Before heading to the branch for an RTGS transfer, always check its current operating hours. This is especially important if you plan to go near the beginning or end of the day, or on a Saturday, to ensure they can process your request.

The shift to 24/7 online RTGS availability represents a significant change from traditional banking. Previously, large transfers were confined to weekday banking hours. For businesses needing to make urgent payments or manage cash flow outside these times, this was a constraint. Now, the ability to send large sums instantly, anytime, allows for smoother financial operations, faster deal closures, and the ability to transact even on weekends or holidays. This enhances efficiency not just for personal users but significantly for businesses relying on timely, high-value payments.

SBI RTGS Transfer Limits: Know Your Boundaries

Understanding the transaction limits is crucial before initiating an RTGS transfer.

Minimum Transfer Amount: ₹2,00,000

The RTGS system is specifically for larger payments. Therefore, the absolute minimum amount you can send in a single RTGS transaction is ₹2,00,000.¹ This limit is set by the RBI. If you need to send less than this amount, you’ll need to use a different method like NEFT or IMPS.

Maximum Transfer Amount: It’s Nuanced

• RBI Rule: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) does not set any upper limit (maximum ceiling) for the amount that can be transferred through the RTGS system.¹
• SBI’s Online Channel Limits: This is where it gets important. While the RTGS system has no maximum cap, SBI imposes its own transaction limits for transfers made through its online channels (Internet Banking and YONO app). These limits often vary based on your customer type (retail vs. corporate) and the specific internet banking facility you use.
  • For example, the standard ‘Saral’ Corporate Internet Banking (CINB) facility, often used by individuals and small businesses, typically has a consolidated daily limit of ₹10 Lakh for RTGS/NEFT transfers made to accounts in other banks.⁶
  • SBI offers other CINB facilities like ‘Vyapaar’ and ‘Vistaar’ primarily for larger businesses, which have significantly higher transaction limits.⁶
• Branch Limit: These specific online daily limits generally do not apply if you conduct the RTGS transaction over the counter at an SBI branch. However, be aware that very large transactions might require additional verification or procedures at the branch level.

It’s essential to understand this distinction. You might read that RTGS has “no upper limit” (referring to the RBI system rule) but then encounter a transaction failure when trying to send a large amount online due to SBI’s specific channel limit (like the ₹10 Lakh Saral limit).

Always be aware of the limits associated with your specific SBI online banking profile or facility. Clarifying the difference between the system’s capability and the bank’s channel-specific rules helps avoid confusion and ensures your transfers go through smoothly.

How to Make an SBI RTGS Transfer: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you choose the online route or visit a branch, you’ll need specific information to make the transfer happen.

Information You’ll Always Need

Gather these details before you start:

1. Amount: The exact amount you want to transfer (must be ₹2,00,000 or more).
2. Your Account: Your SBI account number from which the funds will be debited.
3. Beneficiary Name: The full name of the person or entity receiving the funds, as per their bank account.
4. Beneficiary Account Number: The correct bank account number of the recipient.
5. Beneficiary Bank Name: The name of the bank where the recipient holds their account.
6. Beneficiary Branch IFSC Code: The Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) of the recipient’s bank branch. This 11-character code uniquely identifies the specific branch and is crucial for routing the funds correctly. You can usually find this on the beneficiary’s chequebook or ask them for it.
7. Optional Information: You might have a field to add a short message or reference for the receiver.
8. (Note: For certain high-value corporate transactions, a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) for both sender and beneficiary might be required.²)

Option 1: Online via SBI Internet Banking / YONO (Recommended)

This is the free, 24/7 method. The general steps are:

1. Log In: Access your SBI account through the official SBI Internet Banking website or the YONO SBI mobile app.⁵
2. Navigate: Find the ‘Payments/Transfers’ or ‘Fund Transfer’ section.
3. Add Beneficiary (If New):
   • If you haven’t sent money to this person/account before, you’ll need to add them as a beneficiary first. Look for an option like ‘Add/Manage Beneficiary’ or ‘Inter-Bank Beneficiary’.
   • Enter the beneficiary’s Name, Account Number, and IFSC code accurately.
   • You will likely need to approve this addition using a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
   • Important: SBI usually imposes a ‘cooling-off period’ (which could be a few hours, confirm SBI’s current duration) after adding a new beneficiary before you can transfer large amounts to them. Plan accordingly.
4. Initiate Transfer:
   • Once the beneficiary is added and active, go back to the main transfer section.
   • Select ‘RTGS’ as the transfer type (YONO might intelligently select RTGS based on the amount being over ₹2 Lakh ⁵).
   • Choose the beneficiary from your list.
   • Enter the transfer amount (ensure it’s ₹2,00,000 or more).
   • Add any remarks if needed.
5. Confirm: Carefully review all the details (amount, beneficiary account). Confirm the transaction. You’ll likely need to enter another OTP or your transaction password to authorize the payment.

Option 2: Offline via SBI Branch

This method involves charges (₹23.60 or ₹47.20) and is available only during banking hours.

1. Visit Branch: Go to any SBI branch convenient for you.
2. Get Form: Ask the bank staff for an RTGS Transfer Request Form.
3. Fill Form: Complete the form accurately and legibly. Double-check all the details you enter, especially the beneficiary’s account number and IFSC code. You’ll need your details and all the beneficiary information listed earlier.
4. Submit: Hand over the completed form to the bank official. You will also need to provide funds – either by submitting a cheque for the transfer amount plus the applicable RTGS charges, or by authorizing the bank to debit the total amount directly from your SBI account. Confirm the preferred method with the branch staff. You might also be asked for identification proof.
5. Processing: The bank official will verify the form and your instructions, then process the RTGS transaction through their system.

Comparing the two methods, the online process, while requiring an initial one-time setup for each new beneficiary, makes subsequent transfers very quick. The branch process, however, requires a physical visit, filling out paperwork, and potentially waiting in line every single time you need to make a transfer.

This inherent “friction” of the manual process – the time, effort, and limited availability – combined with the cost involved, serves as a strong practical encouragement for customers to adopt and use the more streamlined digital channels for their RTGS needs.

Why Choose RTGS for Your Large SBI Transfers?

When dealing with significant amounts of money, RTGS stands out for several reasons:

• Speed: Its core feature is real-time settlement. This is ideal when funds need to reach the recipient almost immediately, such as for property settlements, large business payments, or urgent financial obligations.
• Security: Operating through the RBI’s secure infrastructure provides a high level of security for your high-value transfers.
• Certainty: Because RTGS settlements are final and irrevocable, both the sender and receiver have assurance that the payment, once processed, is complete.²
• High-Value Focus: The system is specifically built to handle large transactions efficiently, starting from the ₹2 Lakh minimum threshold.
• Online Convenience & Cost: The ability to send large sums 24/7 at no cost using SBI’s online platforms is a major advantage in today’s digital world.

Need Pinpoint Accuracy? Use Our SBI RTGS Charges Calculator

While online RTGS is free, if you need to use the branch service, knowing the exact cost beforehand is helpful. Our SBI RTGS Charges Calculator is designed specifically for this.

Here’s how it helps you:

• Instant Calculation: Enter the amount you plan to send via an SBI branch (must be ₹2 Lakh or more), and it instantly calculates the total charge, including the base fee and 18% GST.
• Eliminate Guesswork: Avoid manual calculations and potential errors. Get the precise figure in seconds.
• Decision Support: It clearly shows the branch cost, reinforcing that online transfers are free, helping you choose the most economical method.
• Planning: Knowing the exact cost helps you budget for your transaction accurately.

Find out your exact branch cost in seconds using our dedicated SBI RTGS Charges Calculator!

RTGS vs. Other SBI Fund Transfers

RTGS is excellent for large, urgent payments, but how does it compare to other SBI options like NEFT?

RTGS vs. NEFT ¹

Feature	RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement)	NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)
Settlement	Real-time, transaction by transaction	In half-hourly batches (Deferred Net)
Min. Amount	₹2,00,000	No official minimum (₹1 as per SBI)
Max. Amount	No RBI limit (SBI online limits apply)	No RBI limit (SBI online limits apply)
Speed	Near instantaneous credit	Credit within a few hours (depends on batch)
Best Use	Urgent, high-value transfers (≥ ₹2L)	Non-urgent transfers of any value
SBI Online	Free	Free
SBI Branch	₹20/₹40 + GST	Tiered charges (e.g., up to ₹20 + GST)

Essentially, use RTGS when speed is critical for a large amount (over ₹2 Lakh). Use NEFT for smaller amounts or when immediate, real-time credit isn’t the top priority. Both are secure and reliable electronic methods.

Other SBI Services

SBI offers various financial tools beyond direct fund transfers. For instance, if you need a physical instrument that provides a payment guarantee from the bank, rather than just transferring funds, you might consider an SBI Demand Draft. You can check the SBI demand Draft charges to compare costs and features if that suits your needs better.

Your SBI RTGS Questions Answered (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about SBI RTGS:

Conclusion

Navigating high-value fund transfers with SBI is straightforward once you understand the RTGS system. Remember these key takeaways:

• RTGS is for large sums (₹2 Lakh+) needing fast, secure settlement.
• Online RTGS (Net Banking/YONO) is the clear winner: it’s FREE and available 24/7.
• Branch RTGS incurs specific charges (₹23.60 or ₹47.20) and is limited to banking hours.
• Knowing the beneficiary’s account details and IFSC code is essential.
• Be aware of SBI’s online daily transfer limits, even though the RTGS system itself has no upper cap.

By understanding these charges, limits, and procedures, you can confidently choose the most efficient and cost-effective method for your next large SBI fund transfer. Using online tools and calculators can further simplify the process, ensuring your transactions are smooth and predictable.