NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) is a popular bank-to-bank money transfer system in India. It is used for transferring funds online between different bank accounts safely and efficiently.
This guide explains NEFT transaction time, bank timings, and how long it takes for money to be credited.
NEFT Transaction Time (Latest)
- Availability: 24×7
- Working days: All days (including weekends & bank holidays)
- Settlement type: Near real-time (batch-based but frequent)
Since RBI enabled 24×7 NEFT, you can transfer money anytime, even at night.
How Long Does NEFT Take to Credit?
- Usually within a few minutes
- In some cases, may take up to 2 hours
- Rare delays can take same working day
Most NEFT transfers are completed almost instantly.
NEFT Settlement Batches (Simple Explanation)
NEFT transactions are processed in frequent batches throughout the day. Because batches run continuously, transfers are now close to real-time.
NEFT Cut-Off Time – Is There Any?
- No cut-off time for NEFT
- Transactions done late night or on holidays are processed normally
However:
- Some banks may show a processing delay during maintenance hours
NEFT Transfer Timings – Summary Table
| Detail | NEFT |
|---|---|
| Availability | 24×7 |
| Works on holidays | Yes |
| Credit time | Few minutes to 2 hours |
| Minimum amount | No minimum |
| Maximum amount | Depends on bank |
What If NEFT Is Delayed?
If NEFT money is not credited:
- Wait for 2 hours
- Check transaction status in net banking/app
- If failed, amount is usually auto-reversed
- Contact your bank if delay exceeds the same day
NEFT vs IMPS vs RTGS (Quick Comparison)
| Feature | NEFT | IMPS | RTGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24×7 | 24×7 | 24×7 |
| Credit speed | Minutes | Instant | Near-instant |
| Minimum amount | No | No | ₹2 lakh |
| Best for | Regular transfers | Urgent small transfers | Large transfers |
FAQs
Is NEFT available on Sunday?
A. Yes, NEFT works 24×7 including Sundays and holidays.
Is NEFT instant?
A. Almost. Most transfers are credited within minutes.
What happens if NEFT fails?
A. Amount is automatically reversed to sender’s account.
Is there any charge for NEFT?
A. Most banks offer NEFT free for savings accounts, but charges may vary.
Security Tips
- Double-check beneficiary account number & IFSC
- Avoid transferring from public Wi-Fi
- Save transaction reference number
Conclusion
NEFT transaction time in 2026 is 24×7 with fast credit, making it suitable for most day-to-day bank transfers. For urgent transfers, IMPS is slightly faster, but NEFT is reliable and widely used.
