UTR Number for RTGS, NEFT & UPI: Meaning, Format and Status Check
TL;DR - Summary
- What is a UTR number? - A UTR (Unique Transaction Reference) number is a unique identifier used to track a bank transaction. RTGS and NEFT transactions have UTRs, while UPI transactions use a reference number such as the 12-digit RRN.
- What is the UTR number format for RTGS, NEFT and UPI? - An RTGS UTR is a 22-character code, an NEFT UTR is typically a 16-character reference, and the UPI RRN is a 12-digit transaction reference.
- How can you find a UTR number? - You can usually find it in your bank statement, transaction history, mobile or internet banking app, or the transaction confirmation message or email from your bank.
- How can you check RTGS and NEFT transaction status using a UTR? - You can check the transaction status through internet banking, mobile banking, customer support, or other channels provided by your bank using the relevant UTR or reference number.
What is the UTR number in Banking?
A UTR number (Unique Transaction Reference) is a unique reference used to identify a particular banking transaction.
When you make a bank transfer, the payment system generates a transaction reference that allows the bank to distinguish that payment from other transactions. This reference can be used when checking a payment, reconciling accounts or contacting your bank about a delayed or disputed transaction. RBI also advises customers to provide the UTR or transaction reference, along with details such as the transaction date, amount and bank details, when requesting help with tracing a transaction.
UTRs are particularly useful when:
- You want to confirm whether a payment was processed
- A recipient says they have not received the money
- You need to trace a delayed transaction
- You want to reconcile a payment with your bank statement or accounting records
- You need to provide a reference while raising a transaction-related complaint
A transaction reference is more than just a number. It is how a bank traces a payment through the system, verifies its status and investigates issues like delays, failed transactions or disputes. Keep the right reference handy and resolving a payment problem gets much faster.
UTR Number Formats Across Payment Systems
UTR numbers follow specific formats depending on the payment system. Let’s break down how UTR numbers are structured in NEFT (National Electronic Fund Transfer), RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), and UPI.
NEFT UTR Number Format
XXXXNYYDDDNNNNNNNN
- XXXX: The first 4 characters of the bank’s IFSC code, which denote the bank code,
- N: The 5th character denotes the server code. It can be a character like H (branch), P (backend), or even a numeric digit
- YY: The 6th and 7th characters are the last two digits of the year.
- DDD: 8th to 10th characters represent the Julian day of the year (from 001 to 365).
- NNNNNNNN: The Last 8 characters are a unique transaction sequence number.
Example: SBIN 1 24 123 00012345
Here, “SBIN” is the bank code, resembling the first four characters of the ifsc code. “1” is the server code, “24” is the year 2024, “123” is the 123rd day of the year, and “00012345” is the unique sequence.
RTGS UTR Number Format
XXXXRCYYYYMMDD########
- XXXX: The first four characters of the bank’s IFSC code.
- R: The 5th character is always “R”, representing RTGS.
- C: The 6th character is the transaction channel code as stated in the RTGS Systems Regulations, 2013)
- YYYYMMDD: Next 8 characters are the full year, month, and date of the transaction.
- ########: The last 8 characters are the sequence number of that transaction, determined by the bank.
Example: HDFCR92024050612345678
Here, “HDFC” is the bank, “R” is RTGS, “9” is the channel code for RTGS, “20240506” is the date (6th May 2024), and “12345678” is the unique sequence.
UPI Transaction Reference Number
UPI does not have a fixed format like NEFT or RTGS, but each transaction gets a unique alphanumeric code, such as 312345678901 or AXIS123456789. This ID is generated by the payment app or bank and is used to trace and verify UPI payments.
| Payment method | Reference to mention | Format |
|---|---|---|
| RTGS | UTR | 22 characters |
| NEFT | UTR / transaction reference | 16 characters |
| UPI | RRN (Retrieval Reference Number) | 12 digits |
Note: Banks and payment apps may label these references differently. You may see terms such as UTR, reference number, transaction ID, transaction reference or RRN depending on the payment method and the institution.
How to Find Your UTR Number
Bank Statements and Passbooks: The easiest and quickest way to find the UTR Number is by checking the financial statements. Every transaction in your bank statement or passbook will have a UTR number listed under “Ref No,” “Reference Number,” or “UTR No” alongside the transaction details
Internet and Mobile Banking: Log in to your mobile banking app or the bank's online portal. Go to your transaction history section or account statement, and select the payment you want to check. The UTR number will be shown in the transaction details, usually labelled as “Reference Number” or “Transaction ID”
UPI Apps (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm): Open your payment mobile app, head to the transaction history, and tap on the specific payment. You’ll see the UTR number or Transaction ID in the transaction details
How to Check RTGS Status Using a UTR Number?
If you have made an RTGS payment and want to know whether it was successfully processed, you can check its status using the UTR number. The exact process depends on your bank, but there are several ways to track an RTGS transaction.
Method 1: How to Check RTGS Status by UTR Number Through Internet Banking
Most banks allow you to view the status of an RTGS transaction through internet banking.
Step 1: Log in to your internet banking account
Visit your bank’s official website and log in using your credentials.
Step 2: Open transaction history
Go to Transaction History, Account Statement, or the relevant Fund Transfer section.
Step 3: Find the RTGS transaction
Search for the transaction using details such as the transaction date, amount, or beneficiary name.
Step 4: Open the transaction details
Select the relevant RTGS transaction to view its details.
Step 5: Verify the UTR number
Check the UTR displayed in the transaction details and confirm that it matches the UTR you have.
Step 6: Check the transaction status
The transaction status will indicate whether the RTGS payment is successful, pending, failed, or returned, depending on how your bank reports it.
Method 2: How to Check RTGS Status by UTR Number Through Customer Support
If you cannot check the status online, you can contact your bank’s customer support team.
Step 1: Keep your transaction details ready
Have your UTR number, transaction date, amount, and relevant account details available.
Step 2: Contact your bank
Use the customer support number provided on your bank’s official website, mobile app, passbook, or other official communication.
Step 3: Request an RTGS status check
Tell the customer support representative that you want to check the status of an RTGS transaction.
Step 4: Provide the UTR number
Share the 22-character RTGS UTR with the representative so they can locate the transaction.
Step 5: Complete the verification process
The bank may ask you to verify additional account or transaction details before providing information about the payment.
Step 6: Get the transaction status
The representative can check the transaction and tell you its current status or whether any further action is required.
Other Ways to Check RTGS Status
If you cannot check your RTGS transaction through internet banking or customer support, you can also:
- Check via SMS: If your bank offers RTGS status checks by SMS, follow its prescribed format and send the required transaction details or UTR to the designated number.
- Contact the bank by email: Send the bank’s customer-support team your UTR number, transaction date, amount, and relevant account details. The bank may request additional information for verification.
- Visit a bank branch: Carry your transaction and account details and ask a bank representative to track the RTGS payment using your UTR number.
How to Check NEFT Transaction Status with Reference Number?
You can check the status of an NEFT transaction using its reference number through your bank’s online or offline channels. The exact process may vary depending on your bank.
Method 1: Using Online Banking
Step 1: Log in to Your Online Banking Account
Visit your bank’s official website and log in using your banking credentials.
Step 2: Go to Transaction History
Navigate to Transaction History, Account Statement, or the relevant Fund Transfer section.
Step 3: Find the NEFT Transaction
Locate the NEFT transaction you want to track. You can use the transaction date, amount, or beneficiary details to find it.
Step 4: Check the Transaction Details
Open the transaction details and locate the NEFT reference number associated with the payment.
Step 5: View the Transaction Status
Check whether the transaction is completed, pending, failed, or returned.
Method 2: Using Mobile Banking
Step 1: Open Your Mobile Banking App
Launch your bank’s official mobile banking app and log in.
Step 2: Go to Transaction History
Navigate to Transaction History, Payments, or the relevant NEFT section.
Step 3: Select the NEFT Transaction
Find and select the NEFT transaction you want to track.
Step 4: Check the Reference Number and Status
Open the transaction details to view the reference number and current transaction status.
Method 3: Through Customer Support
You can also contact your bank’s customer support to check an NEFT transaction status. Keep your NEFT reference number, transaction date, amount, and account details ready. After completing any required verification, the bank can provide the latest available status.
Other Ways to Check NEFT Transaction Status
If you cannot check your NEFT transaction online, you can also:
- Check via SMS: If your bank provides transaction-status updates through SMS, check your registered mobile number or follow the bank’s prescribed SMS process.
- Contact the bank by email: Send the bank’s customer-support team your NEFT reference number, transaction date, amount, and relevant account details to request a status update.
- Visit a bank branch: Carry your transaction and account details and ask a bank representative to track the NEFT payment using the reference number.
How to Check UPI Transaction Status?
You can check a UPI transaction using your UPI app or bank account. If you need to track or raise a complaint about a specific transaction, keep the 12-digit UPI RRN (Retrieval Reference Number) handy.
Method 1: Check UPI Transaction Status Using Your UPI App
Most UPI apps allow you to view your transaction history and find the reference details for a payment.
Step 1: Open Your UPI App
Open the UPI app you used to make the payment, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM.
Step 2: Go to Transaction History
Open Transaction History, Recent Transactions, or the equivalent section in your app.
Step 3: Select the Transaction
Find and select the UPI transaction you want to check.
Step 4: Check the Transaction Details
Open the payment details to view the transaction status and the UPI RRN or transaction reference number, if displayed.
Step 5: Verify the Status
Check whether the transaction is successful, pending, failed, or reversed
If the transaction is unsuccessful or the status has not been updated, use the available support or dispute option in the app.
Method 2: Check UPI Transaction Status Through Online Banking
You can also check UPI transactions through your bank’s online banking platform or mobile banking app.
Step 1: Log in to Your Bank Account
Open your bank’s official website or mobile banking app and log in.
Step 2: Go to Transaction History
Navigate to Transaction History, Account Activity, or a similar section.
Step 3: Find the UPI Transaction
Locate the relevant UPI transaction using the transaction date, amount, or other available details.
Step 4: Check the Transaction Reference
Open the transaction details to find the UPI RRN or other transaction reference, if provided, along with its current status.
Other Ways to Verify a UPI Transaction
If the status is unclear or you need further assistance, you can:
- Check your bank statement: The UPI RRN may appear in the transaction narration or reference details.
- Contact your bank: Provide the UPI RRN, transaction date, amount, and other relevant details to ask the bank to trace the transaction.
- Raise a complaint: Use your UPI app or participating bank’s grievance mechanism and provide the RRN when required.
