Sending money from one bank account to another in India takes about a minute once you know the steps. This guide covers what you need, how to add a beneficiary, and how to choose between UPI, IMPS, NEFT and RTGS.
Step 1 — Decide which method to use
Pick based on amount and urgency:
- Small, everyday payment → UPI (instant, free, no IFSC needed).
- Urgent, up to ₹5 lakh → IMPS (instant).
- ₹2 lakh or more, urgent → RTGS (real-time, free online).
- Large but not urgent → NEFT (free, no limit).
Not sure? Our NEFT vs RTGS vs IMPS vs UPI guide has a 5-second rule.
Step 2 — Gather the beneficiary's details
For NEFT, RTGS or IMPS you need:
- Beneficiary's full name (as per their bank)
- Their account number
- The branch's IFSC code — find it with our IFSC finder if you don't have it
For UPI, you only need their UPI ID, QR code, or registered mobile number — no IFSC required.
Step 3 — Add the beneficiary (for NEFT/RTGS/IMPS)
In your bank app or net banking, go to Transfers → Add beneficiary/payee, enter the name, account number and IFSC, and confirm with the OTP your bank sends. Many banks apply a short cooling-off period (around 30 minutes) before a new beneficiary can receive large amounts — a security measure, so add the payee a little ahead of time for big transfers.
Step 4 — Make the transfer
Select the beneficiary (or scan the UPI QR), enter the amount, choose the method (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS/UPI), and authorise with your OTP or UPI PIN. You'll get a confirmation and a reference number — keep it until the money is confirmed received.
Step 5 — Confirm it went through
UPI, IMPS and RTGS reflect almost instantly. NEFT may take a few minutes to a couple of hours because it settles in batches. If money is debited but not received within the expected window, raise a complaint with your bank using the reference number — failed transfers are auto-reversed.
Safety checklist
- Double-check the account number and IFSC — transfers go by number, not name.
- Never share your OTP or UPI PIN with anyone.
- Use only your bank's official app or website.
- For first-time payees, send a small test amount before a large transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What details do I need to send money?
Name, account number and IFSC for NEFT/RTGS/IMPS; just a UPI ID or mobile number for UPI.
Why can't my new payee receive a large amount immediately?
Most banks apply a cooling-off period of about 30 minutes on newly added beneficiaries as a fraud-prevention step.
What if money is debited but not credited?
Failed transfers are automatically reversed, usually within a few hours. If not, contact your bank with the transaction reference number.
Steps vary slightly between banks. Follow the prompts in your own bank's app and never share OTPs or PINs. Last updated June 2026.