Settlement · 4 min read
IMPS vs NEFT vs RTGS vs UPI: Limits, Timings and Which to Use
IMPS vs NEFT vs RTGS vs UPI compared: speed, limits, timings and UTR formats, and which ones are used when you sell crypto for INR in India.
By Bryan Aaron · Updated
Quick answer
IMPS is instant and 24/7, usually up to ₹5 lakh per transfer. NEFT settles in half-hourly batches 24/7 with no RBI cap. RTGS is real-time for ₹2 lakh and above. UPI is instant for everyday payments, usually up to ₹1 lakh. Crypto payouts on Disburz use IMPS, NEFT or RTGS to your bank account.
IMPS, NEFT, RTGS and UPI all move money between Indian bank accounts, but they differ in limits, speed and when you'd use each. Here's the plain comparison, and which ones you'll see when you sell crypto for INR.
Side by side
| IMPS | NEFT | RTGS | UPI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant | Half-hourly batches | Real-time | Instant |
| Hours | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Minimum | ₹1 | ₹1 | ₹2 lakh | ₹1 |
| Maximum per transfer | Usually ₹5 lakh | No RBI limit (bank limits apply) | No RBI limit (bank limits apply) | Usually ₹1 lakh (higher for some categories) |
| Needs | Account number + IFSC | Account number + IFSC | Account number + IFSC | UPI ID or QR |
| Reference | 12-digit UTR / RRN | 16-character UTR | 22-character UTR | 12-digit UTR / RRN |
Banks can set lower limits and their own charges. Check your bank's current limits in its app.
When to use which
- IMPS: the default for fast transfers up to a few lakh, any time.
- NEFT: when speed isn't critical, or the amount is above your IMPS limit and below ₹2 lakh.
- RTGS: for ₹2 lakh and above, settled one transfer at a time in real time.
- UPI: everyday payments to people and shops using a UPI ID or QR code.
Which ones are used when you sell crypto on Disburz?
Disburz's payout partner pays by IMPS, NEFT or RTGS to your bank account number and IFSC; you pick when you add your bank account. Payouts don't go to UPI IDs. IMPS usually lands within minutes, NEFT within a few hours, and RTGS is for ₹2 lakh and above. Every payout has a UTR you can trace; see what a UTR number is.
Money late? Read sold USDT but INR not received.
