Anyonya Sahayakari Mandali Co-operative Bank, the first one in India, was established in 1889 with 23 members and INR 73 to save Baroda’s residents from exploitation by moneylenders.

True to its name, cooperative banking is a small financial institution that operates on the principles of cooperation, mutual assistance, and shared ownership among the members. Group members commonly start cooperative banking to cater to the capital needs of a specific community. The members own, operate, and are responsible for all the activities executed through the cooperative banks, and the board members are democratically elected to manage operations.&nbsp;

The main motive behind establishing such institutions was to address the problem of rural or local credit and cater to the capital needs of artisans, farmers, daily wage laborers, and anyone with limited means. The Indian government amended the Cooperatives Societies Act in 1912 to include organizations to audit and supervise the supply of cooperative credit. These organizations were:&nbsp;

Currently, 31 cooperative banks in India are under the direct supervision of the RBI and are required to adhere to the regulations as per the Banking Regulation Act 1949 and Banking Laws Act 1955.&nbsp;

Cooperative banks differ from traditional commercial banks’ ownership structure, governance, and primary objectives.&nbsp;

Operation and Services of Cooperative Banks&nbsp;

Cooperative banks strive to provide all the basic banking services a traditional bank provides but at a much more affordable rate.&nbsp;

Cooperative banks generally focus on the low-income segments. Here are some of the major advantages of cooperating banks and their financial services:&nbsp;

Challenges faced by Cooperative banks&nbsp;

Their size, vision, and operations create many challenges for cooperative banks in India:&nbsp;

Cooperative banks in India have the potential to scale and offer improved financial services to a large customer base. The current era of digital services demands integrating their banking services with new-age fintech companies to offer seamless and quick online transactions, which is currently limited The growth of cooperative banks depends on promoting financial literacy about the bank’s products, services, principles, and economic development initiatives to their members.

Cooperative banks may strengthen their cooperation and collaboration with other cooperative financial institutions at regional, national, and international levels to ensure better services, data security and customer privacy.&nbsp;

Cooperative banks are an integral part of the Indian banking ecosystem as they focus on providing banking and financial services to underserved communities. They provide most of the banking services as traditional banks but ensure the offerings at a much lower cost, promoting much-needed financial inclusion.

These banks will continue evolving and adapting to changing market dynamics and member needs as time passes. By embracing technology, fostering innovation, and staying true to their cooperative principles, they can remain competitive, financially stable, and socially responsible while continuing to serve their communities and members effectively.

Q1. What is meant by the cooperative bank?

Ans: A cooperative bank is a financial institution owned and controlled by its depositors, who are also its members. They prioritize serving their members' needs over maximizing profit, fostering a community-oriented approach to banking.

Ans: Yes, cooperative banks in India are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Banking Regulation Act 1949. They adhere to the same regulations and supervision as other commercial banks.

Q3. How many types of cooperative banks are there?

Ans: There are two main types in India:

Additionally, there are specialized cooperative banks catering to specific sectors like industry or professions.

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An exchange rate is the rate or value at which one currency can be exchanged for another. When a layman tries to exchange their currency from dollars to rupees, they might go to a bank or sign up through an online intermediary. If you have tried to exchange your current currency from a bank, you might have noticed that the conversion rate charged by the banks may be higher than the number they previously showed.

However, the same does not apply to some online intermediaries like Skydo, and this is because we provide customers with a live foreign exchange rate. A live FX rate, unlike bank rates, is updated in real-time. So why do bank rates become more expensive than live FX rates, and how does this impact you?

Why bank exchange rates are different from the live FX rates?

Banks trade currencies with customers, as well as each other. However, the rates for both differ– the bank exchange rate is applied when banks are trading with customers, and the interbank rate applies when banks are trading with each other.&nbsp;

The interbank rate is more of a wholesale rate since banks trade with each other currencies in bulk. However, a regular consumer pays a small fee over and above paying the exchange rate. For example, if the interbank rate for buying USD is 1.00, the bank exchange rate for customers to buy USD will be 1.03.&nbsp;

Similarly, if a customer tries to sell USD, the rate offered to them will be 0.97. In each case, the bank earns 0.3 cents for acting as a middleman and helping you facilitate currency exchange. This 6-cent difference is known as the spread, to earn a profit from forex activities.&nbsp;

However, just like the currency, the spread is not constant. Various factors affect the increase or decrease in a forex spread, including the transaction amount itself. Banks charge a lesser spread for larger forex transactions to encourage bulk transactions.&nbsp;

A lower transaction amount might mean you end up paying a larger proportion of the amount in bank charges. Similarly, banks might have a smaller spread for frequently exchanged currencies and charge a larger spread for rarer currencies.

In addition to the spread, banks might charge a flat transaction fee or a certain percentage of the transaction for exchanging currency. This fee, too, is charged to drive profits.

Banks charge fees to secure themselves against currency risks (that might occur due to factors like war, inflation in other countries, or major political changes). Extra charges such as flat fees help banks achieve this while assuming less risk.&nbsp;

Banks have higher operational expenses of handling and processing cash than online brokers and intermediaries. Hence, online intermediaries pass on the cost savings to you in the form of lower fees.

The exchange rate market is highly volatile and is affected by global macroeconomic factors, other than simple demand and supply. Banks need to account for potential losses by adjusting their spread.&nbsp;

Currencies expected to depreciate or lower in demand usually see an increase in their spread for banks to mitigate their losses.&nbsp;

Indian banks must adhere to the rules of the Reserve Bank of India. These rules might be related to bank rates, insuring against risk, and adherence to them increases compliance costs. To some extent, these costs are borne by customers when they pay a transaction fee or a higher spread.&nbsp;

The RBI’s rules are subject to change depending on global factors and its own estimation of the supply and demand in India, which means the transaction fees are dynamic and never fixed.&nbsp;

How Skydo Can Help You to Save Your Money

Compared to this, carrying out your foreign exchange transaction using a service like Skydo can benefit you.

How, you ask? We operate on <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/get-the-most-out-of-your-forex-savings-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">live FX rates</a> and charge zero margins or hidden transaction charges. Yes, you read that right. Unlike the volatile transaction fees, spreads, and other charges levied by banks, Skydo has a flat fee and provides a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/get-the-most-out-of-your-forex-savings-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">transparent pricing system</a>.

Similarly, our clear and easy-to-understand thresholds inform you of exact costs compared to the ever-changing bank rates that regularly need a cost-benefit analysis.&nbsp;

Some of our other important features include:

In short, in an age of convenience and quick transactions, going through a bank to exchange your currency might be an outdated solution for your business needs. Recognizing the benefits that a service like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a> can provide is important for your convenience but crucial to financial operations.&nbsp;

Our user-friendly interface helps you instantly set up an account, create invoices, and start doing transactions in no time. Businesses doing bulk forex transactions may save up to Rs 10 lakh annually, among other benefits.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Book a free demo</a> to experience fast, cost-saving, and transparent cross-border payment experiences.&nbsp;

Ans: An exchange rate is the rate at which one currency can be converted into another. For example, the exchange rate to convert rupees into dollars can be 1 Re= 83 USD.

Q2. What fees do banks charge for currency exchange?

Ans: Multiple factors compel banks to charge different types of rates to exchange currencies. The spread is a charge levied to cover the cost of exchanging the currency as a broker. There are also flat fees or a percentage of the transaction charged for banks to cover operational costs, handling fees, etc. Charges to ensure safety against risk and compliance with RBI guidelines are other reasons banks charge a lot.

Q3. What is the difference between an exchange rate and the real effective exchange rate?

Ans: An exchange rate is the rate used to convert one currency from another. The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) gauges the value of a country's currency in relation to a weighted average of the currencies of countries that are its primary or general trading partners. While the exchange rate is a straightforward measure, the REER is much more comprehensive and shows how a nation’s exchange rate holds up compared to other countries while also considering the inflation rates.

Ans: NEER, also known as the Nominal Effective Exchange Rate, measures how a country’s exchange rate holds up against other foreign currencies. Real Effective Exchange Rate, or REER, on the other hand, is a comprehensive measure because it also accounts for the price level, inflation rates, and other factors.&nbsp;

Ans: Several factors, such as demand and supply of the particular currency, global conditions such as war or famine, political stability, central bank interventions and policies, and interest rates, determine a country’s exchange rate.

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This guide is your manual to understand trade credit - the financial GPS that can keep your collaborations running smoothly, making success your constant companion.

Trade credit is an arrangement wherein a supplier allows a buyer to purchase goods or services, deferring payment for a specified period. It serves as a short-term financing option. Typically, trade credit terms outline the credit period, interest rates, and repayment conditions. Credit terms in international trade aren't uniform,&nbsp; varying across businesses and industries.&nbsp;

Trade credit is a common practice, enabling companies to maintain inventory levels, meet operational needs, and navigate economic fluctuations.&nbsp;

Credit limits are not static and can change over time based on the buyer's evolving credit history, based on assessment of the creditworthiness. Borrowers who consistently maintain a positive credit history may find opportunities for credit limit increases.&nbsp;

Consider this case study of Grasim Pvt Ltd. and US Fitness Inc.

In a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/building-a-global-network-for-your-cross-border-business?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">cross-border collaboration</a>, Grasim Pvt Ltd., known for its custom mobile applications, engages with US Fitness Inc., a leading US fitness firm. The task involves delivering three specialized mobile apps tailored to suit the unique needs of US Fitness Inc.’s operations.

According to the terms, US Fitness Inc. commits to making payments within fifteen days of receiving each mobile application. Grasim Pvt Ltd. delivers the first app as the collaboration unfolds, and US Fitness Inc. has a fifteen-day window to complete the payment. This process repeats for the subsequent two applications, each installment with a fifteen-day payment timeline.&nbsp;

The trade-credit terms allow US Fitness Inc. to evaluate each application before making payments. This arrangement aids their decision-making process and benefits the working capital requirement.&nbsp;

For Grasim Pvt Ltd., the trade credit terms provide a stable cash flow, with staggered payments offering financial predictability throughout the transaction. This case study exemplifies the strategic use of trade credit in <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/cut-international-transaction-costs-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">international transactions</a>, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the two businesses.

Open account trade credit allows buyers to receive goods upfront and defer payment within an agreed period.

Trade acceptance introduces a more formal structure where a detailed draft outlines payment terms.

A promissory note is a written commitment where the borrower pledges to repay a specific amount by a predetermined date.&nbsp;

Understanding different types of effective financial arrangements is crucial for the following reasons:

Recording trade credit involves choosing between cash and accrual accounting methods, each impacting financial statements and cash flow differently.

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The accounting of trade credit transactions is done when actual payment occurs. This provides a straightforward view of actual cash movements, making it simpler for small businesses. However, it doesn’t accurately represent the financial health as it doesn't consider credit transactions until payment.

Accrual accounting recognizes transactions when incurred, not when cash changes hands. For trade credit, this means recording transactions when goods or services are received, regardless of the payment date. It accurately represents a business's financial position, requires meticulous record-keeping, and may not align with actual cash flow.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-accounting-tools-for-tech-exporters?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Cash accounting</a> can make cash flow appear more stable. Accrual accounting, however, may reveal fluctuations in financial health, showing credit transactions that still need to translate into cash.&nbsp;

Larger businesses therefore adopt accrual accounting, which complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and provides a more comprehensive financial picture.

The Cost of Trade Credit and How to Calculate It

Grasim Pvt Ltd. offers US Fitness Inc. a 2.5% discount on the project cost of 1 million USD for making payment within 7 days. The calculation of the early payment discount is as follows:

Early Payment Discount = 1,000,000 USD × 2.5% = 25,000 USD

However, US Fitness Inc. must weigh this discount against the value of their working capital. For example, if it needs to borrow funds for early payment, then the cost of borrowing must not exceed the early payment discount.

In the above example, late payments by US Fitness Inc. would incur a 1% penalty on the project cost. The calculation for late payment penalties is as follows:

Late Payment Penalty = 1,000,000 USD × 1% = 10,000 USD

To avoid these penalties, US Fitness Inc. must evaluate each delivered mobile application within the fifteen-day window, aligning with their decision-making process and minimizing the risk of late payments.

Best Practices for Extending and Utilizing Trade Credit

Implementing these best practices enhances the effective management of trade credit, minimizes risks, and optimizes financial resources for businesses.

1. Regularly Check and Analyze Customer Credit History

3. Finance Trade Receivables Through Invoice Discounting or Factoring

Trade credit is a catalyst for business expansion, fostering mutually beneficial relationships. But one must maintain a delicate balance in controlling credit and payment terms.&nbsp;

Businesses can navigate the complexities of trade credit by regularly assessing customer credit histories and considering tools like trade credit insurance. This proactive management safeguards against potential pitfalls and sets the stage for a resilient and prosperous B2B ecosystem.&nbsp;

Ans: Any business that buys and sells goods or services can use trade credit. Trade credit is particularly common in the business-to-business (B2B) context.

Ans: The cost of trade credit is the interest or discount a business may incur when it uses credit terms to make purchases. It is essentially the opportunity cost of not paying for goods or services upfront.

Ans: Trade credit can be long-term and short-term, depending on the agreed-upon terms between the buyer and the supplier. Short-term trade credit is more common, with payment typically due within a few weeks or months after the delivery of goods or services. However, some trade credit arrangements may extend to longer periods (in specific industries).

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ACH is one of the most popular electronic payment methods in the US. In 2023, it processed an astonishing <a href="https://www.nacha.org/news/ach-network-records-strong-growth-2023-same-day-ach-surpasses-3-billion-payments-inception">31.5 billion</a> electronic transactions. While ACH is popular for domestic payments, it can also be used for international transfers. If you’re an Indian exporter or a freelancer with US-based clients, you can receive payments from them via ACH.

But what is ACH exactly and is it cheaper than wire transfer to receive payments? Join us as we answer that and a lot more in this detailed blog post

ACH's full form is Automated Clearing House. It's also called Automated Clearing House Network because it can process a comprehensive list of electronic financial transactions like bill payments and ACH direct deposits in the US. The<a href="https://www.nacha.org/"> National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA)</a> based out of Reston, Virginia is the governing body of ACH and oversees the electronic fund transfer system.

ACH payments have a wide purpose beyond bank-to-bank transfers. Let's look at a few of the types of ACH payments in this section:

With the ACH network, you can pay bills online and automate recurring expenses like utility bills, rent, and subscriptions. This way your bills get paid on time without worrying about when is the next bill due for payment. For example, you can authorize the electric utility company to deduct the bill amount each month from your bank account.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/everything-about-ach-payments">ACH payments</a> and payroll processing work great together. It's a huge relief for businesses because employees get their salaries credited to their bank accounts on time. For example, a company running its payroll every two weeks can directly deposit the due amount to the employee's account on payday.

The IRS uses ACH to credit tax refunds to the taxpayer's bank account directly. It's a quicker and more secure alternative to processing tax refunds using paper checks. In the same way, you can also use ACH to pay taxes electronically and stay compliant with the tax laws.

Loan repayments are another popular example of ACH payments. You can set up automatic withdrawals for loan repayment instalments so that the mortgage lender gets paid on time and you avoid late payment penalty charges.

Deposits Into An Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

If you're planning to contribute to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) consistently, then ACH transactions are a great choice. Using this option, you can contribute funds from your account to your IRA account and build the corpus over time.

Using ACH for daily business transactions like paying vendors or receiving money from customers is also common. For example, if a business gets a $2,000 invoice from their vendor, they can authorize an ACH transfer so that the funds are settled quickly. There is no need to manage checks or cash to make the payment.

There are two broad types of ACH transfers: ACH direct deposit and ACH direct payments.

In this type of ACH transfer, the funds are electronically deposited into the recipient's bank account. This is most commonly used by a business and government entity to transfer money into consumer's accounts.

Here's a list of the most popular ways of using ACH Direct Deposits:

Paychecks: Businesses use direct deposit to process payroll payments of employees. Salary is credited to their employees' bank accounts according to the payday

Employer-Reimbursed Expenses: Apart from salary, businesses also use direct deposit to reimburse their employees if they have incurred expenses for work-related activities

Government Benefits: Government benefits like disability payments or unemployment compensation are directly credited using this transfer method

Tax Refunds: If a taxpayer is liable for tax refund, they have the option to receive the amount directly to their checking or savings account using ACH direct deposit

Annuity Payments: Annuity payments are made to investors at a set interval consistently. You can ask the insurance or the asset management company to use ACH to transfer the annuity to your account directly

Interest Payments: Similar to insurance companies, banks also make interest payments using the ACH direct deposit route.

Individuals, businesses or other entities use ACH Direct Payments to make payments from their bank account directly. This is a popular technique for making bill payments and loan repayments.

Here's the expanded list of the most popular ways of using ACH Direct Payments:

Bill Payments: With the user having the freedom to set automatic payment instructions, ACH direct payment is the most popular way to manage recurring expenses like utility or credit card bills

Vendor Payments: Businesses use ACH to pay their vendors and suppliers. The money is directly cut from their account and credited to the receiving bank account without manual work

Charitable Donations: Many charitable organizations give donors an option to set ACH direct payments to make money transfers consistently.

Online Purchases: If an online retailer accepts ACH direct payment, then you can complete the transaction by paying the money directly from your bank account.

There are two ways to make payments using ACH: one-time payments and ACH mandates. Let's understand each of them individually:

One-time payments are single transactions initiated when you receive the notification for bill payment. For example, when you receive a credit card statement, you decide how much to pay and then authorize the amount to be deducted from your bank account.

ACH mandate is useful when the billing amount is fixed and recurring. As you know how much amount will be auto-debited from your bank account, you can enter into a recurring payment arrangement with the billing company. In this payment arrangement, you authorize the company in advance to deduct the amount from your bank on a specific date. This is useful for paying regular expenses like car loans, mortgages or subscription services.

What Are The Charges For ACH Payments and Transfers?

Typically, you don't have to pay any charges for ACH payments and transfers. However, some service providers can charge fees for initial set-up. If you're receiving money in India through ACH bank debit, platforms like<a href="https://www.payoneer.com/en-in/about/pricing/"> Payoneer</a> can charge a 1% fee on the amount. Other payment platforms like Skydo, allow you to receive money in India through ACH bank debit without any additional cost.

ACH return charges are levied when the funds return to the originator's account for reasons like not having enough balance, incorrect account information or non-existent accounts. The charges for debit returns differ from one bank to another but typically range between $2 to $5. However, a bank may charge even more in case of repeated returns.

What Are The Advantages Of ACH Transfers?

ACH transfers come with a long list of advantages, but here are the top three that you must know:

Using ACH direct deposits and direct payments are mostly free for individuals. Even for businesses, ACH is a cost-effective technique for managing payments and receiving money from others. According to the NACHA, ACH costs businesses between<a href="https://www.nacha.org/news/ach-costs-are-fraction-check-costs-businesses-afp-survey-shows"> $0.26 to $0.50</a> which is a lot less than issuing checks which costs between $2.01 to $4.

In ACH transfers there are no physical transfers of money or checks involved, so there is less risk for theft or loss. Besides there are ample security measures implemented like following strong encryption to protect sensitive information. There are other protocols like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which adds an extra layer of security to protect your data from unauthorized access from bad actors.

Traditional ACH transfers take one or two business days to process. Banks and other financial institutions have also started offering the<a href="https://www.nacha.org/same-day-ach"> Same Day ACH</a> for making bill payments or receiving money up to $1 million on the same day. The swiftness of the ACH infrastructure is mostly beneficial for businesses as they can make urgent payments or have better control over managing funds.

What Are The Disadvantages Of ACH Transfers?

ACH transfers also come with a list of disadvantages, here are the top three:

Banks and other financial institutions usually impose transaction limits on ACH transfers. These limits can vary as daily, weekly or monthly depending on the institution. If your ACH transfers hit that limit, you are not allowed to make further transactions within the specific time frame

Penalty for frequent transfers and breach of limit

In addition to transaction limits, the bank or financial institution may impose other thresholds. If a user, breaches these limits frequently, the bank might charge penalties or even stop the account from making further ACH transactions. This could be a matter of hindrance for companies that have to make many frequent online payments.

It Can Be Slow Due to Bank Processing Time and Batch Payments

ACH payments are mostly processed in a batch. It means several ACH transactions are batched together in a particular time frame and settled individually. If you are initiating an ACH transfer after the cut-off time, it might be settled on the next business day.

Here's a quick comparison of ACH and Wire transfer:

Receive Payments From The US In India With Skydo

Working with US clients? International payments don’t have to be a hassle. Skydo makes it simple, cost-effective, and seamless. Set up a virtual account in just 5 minutes and start receiving payments from the US, Europe, Singapore, and Australia—no complex banking required.

With live Forex rates and no hidden fees, Skydo ensures you get the most value for your money. Plus, compliance is effortless with instant FIRA downloads after every transaction, keeping you RBI-compliant without the headache. Need help? Your dedicated representative is just a call away.

Say goodbye to high fees, delays, and red tape. With Skydo, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the payments!

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Every business wants speed and convenience. It is the mantra In the contemporary world of commerce, and cash transactions have naturally taken a backseat. Even outside the capital markets, we see the reign where credit and trust are a currency. Transactions of all sizes are hinging on a fundamental pledge—the buyer commits to settling the bill later.&nbsp;

Today, physical currency only changes hands with this financial choreography, the bill of exchange.

A bill of exchange is a written, unconditional commitment by one party, known as the drawer, to another party, the drawee, to pay a certain sum of money to a third party, the payee, either on demand or at a specific future date. This financial instrument serves as a guarantee of payment for goods or services provided.

The bill of exchange has been a fundamental legal instrument in global trade, binding the exporter and the importer and enabling smooth transactions between parties across international borders.&nbsp;

In case of dishonor, the payee can seek legal recourse to enforce payment, utilizing the legal provisions outlined in the governing framework to ensure the settlement of the outstanding amount and any associated damages or penalties.

Let's consider a scenario where a Bengaluru-based software company (Exporter) is providing software services to a Silicon Valley company (Importer). The Bengaluru company, acting as the exporter, creates a Bill of Exchange. This document includes details such as the total amount due, the due date, and other relevant terms.

The Bengaluru company is the drawer, the Silicon Valley company is the drawee, and the bank may be involved as a financial intermediary. The Silicon Valley company reviews the document and, if satisfied, accepts the Bill of Exchange, acknowledging its commitment to pay the specified amount on the due date.

On the due date specified in the Bill of Exchange, the Silicon Valley company makes the payment to the Bengaluru company or through the bank. The transaction is considered complete, and the Bengaluru company delivers the software services as agreed.

A bill of exchange offers several key advantages, making it a valuable tool in commercial transactions and international trade.

A bill of exchange comprises several key components that define its structure and functionality, ensuring clarity and enforceability within commercial transactions.

A bill of exchange involves three parties: the drawer, drawee, and payee, where the drawee must pay the payee. In contrast, a promissory note is a two-party instrument in which one party unconditionally promises to pay a specified sum to the other party.&nbsp;

A bill of exchange is suitable for commercial transactions involving the sale of goods or services on credit, providing a structured framework for payment and trade. On the other hand, a promissory note is more appropriate for individual lending arrangements, personal loans, or informal credit agreements, facilitating clear repayment terms between the lender and the borrower.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/guide-for-tech-exporters-on-global-compliance?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Regulatory compliance</a> is essential when handling bills of exchange formats involving stringent legal requirements and documentation practices.

The bill of exchange is crucial for managing credit, fostering trust, facilitating international trade, providing financing opportunities, and offering legal protections. Thus, it streamlines complex financial transactions and contributes to the smooth functioning of global trade networks.

By integrating a bill of exchange into their operations, businesses can enhance their financial flexibility, minimize risks, and foster stronger relationships with their trade partners, thereby ensuring a seamless and secure exchange of goods and services on a global scale.

Q1. What do you mean by a bill of exchange?

Ans: A bill of exchange is a written order from one party to another, directing the second party to pay a specific sum of money to a third party on a specific date or demand.&nbsp;

Q2. What are the legal provisions regarding bills of exchange?

Ans: The negotiable instruments law of a specific country typically governs the legal provisions for bills of exchange.&nbsp;

Q3. Who is an acceptor of a bill of exchange?

Ans: An acceptor of a bill of exchange is the individual or entity formally agreeing to honour the obligation stated in the bill. The acceptor assumes the primary liability for paying the specified amount indicated in the bill, either on a fixed date or upon demand.

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With the introduction of online payments, both you and your clients have become more comfortable with digital payments in the last few years. But if you have to pay Rs. 5 lakh to a supplier today, what payment mode should you use: NEFT or RTGS?

You frequently encounter two seemingly similar yet distinctly important methods in the complex web of financial dealings. But are they just interchangeable acronyms, or do they <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-you-can-streamline-international-transactions-for-your-business?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">streamline your financial operations</a>?

This question is best answered by understanding the difference between NEFT and RTGS.&nbsp;

NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)

National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) is an Indian nationwide payment system that allows individuals to transfer funds online from one NEFT-enabled bank to another. The Reserve Bank of India introduced the payment system in November 2005 as a digital alternative to depositing money in someone else’s bank account at a bank branch.&nbsp;

Previously, there were several restrictions on the timings of money transfers through NEFT, which the RBI removed by updating the payment system in November 2019. Now, individuals can transfer money through NEFT 24x7 and 365 days a year.&nbsp;

We need some basic information to conduct any RTGS or NEFT transaction

Here are some features and characteristics of financial transactions executed through NEFT:&nbsp;

Financial transactions made through NEFT have a minimum transfer limit of Rs 1. RBI has not set any maximum limit for NEFT transactions but a per-transaction limit of Rs 50,000 for cash transactions. However, there is no upper limit on the total amount individuals can transfer using the NEFT facility.&nbsp;

This means you can transfer as much money as you want, but you must limit the amount to Rs 50,000 per transaction and use multiple transactions to transfer money above Rs 50,000. However, few banks have set their own maximum daily limit on the amount you can transfer using the NEFT facility.&nbsp;

There are no transaction charges for the recipient of funds sent through the NEFT facility. Individuals who execute financial transactions through NEFT online also don’t have to incur any money transfer fee. However, if you are initiating an NEFT fund transfer offline by visiting the bank, it may charge the following (these costs vary depending on the bank and type of account:&nbsp;

Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) is a nationalized electronic fund transfer system used by Indian banks and financial institutions to execute time-sensitive and high-value transactions. Financial transactions executed through RTGS are considered the safest among payment systems as the transactions are done in real-time and in full rather than in batches.&nbsp;

The term ‘gross’ in Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) signifies the payment execution process done individually without offsetting and netting against other transactions. Individuals can transfer money through RTGS 24x7 and 365 days a year. The <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/real-time-tracking-of-international-payments?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">real-time payment</a> process ensures that the financial transactions are highly secure and independent of other financial transactions.&nbsp;

Here are some features and characteristics of financial transactions executed through RTGS:

RTGS transactions are meant for high-value transactions, and the RBI has set the minimum RTGS limit to initiate a transaction at Rs 2 lakh. RBI has not set any maximum limit for financial transactions that individuals can make through RTGS. However, banks may set their own upper limit for the maximum funds that can be transferred through RTGS in a single day.&nbsp;

There are no transaction charges for the recipient of funds sent through the RTGS facility. However, individuals making the payment through RTGS must incur a certain money transfer fee, which banks may adjust at their convenience. Mostly, RTGS transaction charges are around:&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are numerous differences between NEFT and RTGS based on their transaction processing speeds, minimum and maximum transaction limits, applicability for different types of transactions, etc.

The major difference is the settlement type. Let’s say you have to transfer Rs. 2,50,000 to your supplier. If you send it by RTGS, your bank A will send it to their bank B, and they will receive it almost immediately.

However, if you send it through NEFT, then Bank A will block these funds from your account. At the end of the settling window, they will check if Bank B owes them any money. If Bank B has to pay them Rs. 1,00,000, Bank A will only transfer Rs. 1,50,000 to them. This ‘netting’ of what one bank must give vs what they have to get is the core mechanism of an NEFT transaction.

Here are the key differences between NEFT and RTGS: 



Understanding the key differences between NEFT and RTGS is the best way to understand which payment mode suits you best.

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