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What Is the UTR Number for RTGS and NEFT?

What Is the UTR Number for RTGS and NEFT?
prashanth
Prashanth17 February 2024

If you are familiar with NEFT and RTGS payments, you must have seen a number attached to every executed transaction under NEFT or RTGS. The number called a UTR number, plays a crucial role in tracking, reconciling, and ensuring the secure movement of funds within the banking system.

What is the UTR number? 

A Unique Transaction Reference Number, commonly known as a UTR number, means a 16-digit (for NEFT) and 22-character (for RTGS) unique code assigned to every transaction executed under the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) or Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems. 

When you make a digital transaction using NEFT or RTGS, the system automatically assigns a UTR number to the completed transaction, which generally looks something like XXXXR786890657897654XX. The main reason behind assigning a UTR number to every transaction is to track the completed transactions easily for future reference. 

UTR numbers typically consist of around 22 characters, although the exact length can vary slightly between banks. The structure of a UTR number usually includes alphanumeric characters, combining letters and numbers, including: 

What is the UTR number?
  • Bank Identifier: A code representing the bank that initiated the transaction.
  • Transaction Date: Information about the date the transaction was processed.
  • Unique Sequence: A series of characters to differentiate the transaction from other transactions. 
Why are UTR numbers important?

Where to find your UTR number?

To track the UTR number for a transaction, you can do UTR no. tracking by visiting the following places.

Where to find your UTR number?
  • Bank Statements
  • Transaction Confirmation and Receipts
  • Mobile Banking Apps
  • Internet Banking Portals
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Additional Information 

Additional Information on UTR number in NEFT or RTGS transactions

In certain situations, UTR numbers might be unavailable or delayed, causing inconvenience for individuals and businesses. One common scenario is during weekends, bank holidays, or after banking hours when transaction processing is suspended until the next working day.

Additionally, the bank executing the payment may see some technical glitches in the NEFT or RTGS system, leading to delays in generating UTR numbers for executed transactions. Furthermore, if the transaction is initiated through third-party payment platforms or non-banking financial institutions, obtaining the UTR number may require additional time due to intermediary processes.

However, if you are unable to find the UTR number, you can always contact the bank for clarity. For a better approach to UTR record-keeping, collecting or downloading the confirmation receipt is essential. These documents typically contain the UTR number along with other transaction details. 

For further information and resources regarding NEFT, RTGS, and UTR numbers, you can refer to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website, which provides comprehensive guidelines and FAQs on electronic fund transfers. 

Additionally, you can access your bank's website and read about their specific terms and conditions and redressal processes relevant to NEFT, RTGS, and the resulting UTR number. 

Conclusion 

Digital transactions such as NEFT and RTGS have become the core of the Indian payment system, especially for entrepreneurs running businesses. With the frequent sending and receiving of payments, it is almost impossible to visit the bank and execute physical transactions. 

However, digital transactions under the NEFT and RTGS come with a unique transaction identifier called the UTR number, which can prove helpful in tracking transactions and complying with tax laws. While its availability may be subject to occasional delays or technical constraints, maintaining accurate records of UTR numbers is crucial for individuals and businesses to ensure seamless financial transactions.

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FAQs

Q1. Is the UTR number 12 digits? 

Ans: No, the UTR number for NEFT UTR is 16 digits, while the UTR number for RTGS is 22 characters. Hence, you can differentiate between the NEFT and RTGS UTR numbers based on their format. 

Q2. Is IFSC code and UTR number same?

Ans: No, the IFSC code is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each bank branch participating in India's NEFT and RTGS systems. The UTR number is a unique identifier assigned to individual NEFT and RTGS transactions. It is generated by the bank that processes the transaction and serves as a reference number to track and identify that specific transaction.

Q3. How is the UTR number generated?

Ans: The UTR number is generated by banks when a user transfers money to another bank account. As part of processing the transaction, the sending bank assigns a unique UTR number to that particular transaction. This UTR number serves as a distinctive identifier for tracking and reconciling the transaction.

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About the author
prashanth
Solution & banking
With a decade of experience at Citi Bank, Prashanth leads payments partnerships and solutions at Skydo.️Travel & Sports
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