What is NEFT & How Much Time Does NEFT Take?

Reviewed by: Fibe Research Team

  • Published on: 9 Jan 2025
What is NEFT & How Much Time Does NEFT Take?

Want to send money fast and securely? NEFT, or National Electronic Funds Transfer, lets you move money from one bank account to another without a hitch. People now trust NEFT to transfer money well for personal payments or business deals. This article will tell you what NEFT is, how it works, and how long a NEFT transaction takes to finish.

What is NEFT?

NEFT is an electronic system that allows people and companies to move money within a country and across borders. It works in batches, which means it handles transactions at set times during the day. Unlike quick methods, NEFT doesn’t move money immediately but in wplanned groups. To start a NEFT transfer, you need the person’s bank account info, including their IFSC code. People use it for many things, from paying bills to moving money between accounts.

NEFT Processing Time

The NEFT transfer time changes based on when you send the money. NEFT has worked during business hours in the past, but since 2020, it has been up and running every day. This gives you way more options, as you can now shoot money over whenever you want, even when banks are closed.

NEFT money transfer time takes anywhere from half an hour to several hours. This depends on when you make the transfer and how the bank schedules its processing. You can start a NEFT transfer whenever you want, but the actual NEFT transaction time depends on when you make the transfer and the next available group. If you send money right before a group closes, the cash might take longer in the other person’s account

For example, if you send money right before a batch ends, your transaction might have to wait for the next cycle, which can slow things down. But don’t worry; NEFT processing time is fast for transfers made during working hours.

Also Read : Difference Between NEFT and RTGS

Does NEFT Work on Sunday?

One advantage of NEFT is that it runs non-stop, even on weekends. Yes, NEFT is fully operational on Sundays. If you’re doing the transaction through a bank branch, it may not be available as branches are typically closed on Sundays. But the time it takes for NEFT to send money might change based on when you start the transfer. Transfers happen in groups, so if you start yours after a group has been sent, you might have to wait for the next one. Even so, the system gives you options, which helps people who need to move money outside regular bank hours. 

NEFT Cut off Time

The NEFT cut off time is important in the NEFT processing time. Banks set a daily deadline for batch processing. This deadline differs among banks, but in most cases, the NEFT cut off time happens around 6 PM. Transfers made after this deadline might end up in the next available batch, which could lead to a delay. Remember the NEFT cut off time if you need a speedy transfer, as any holdups in processing could stretch out the total NEFT transaction time.

Also Read : IMPS vs NEFT: Understanding the Key Differences

Conclusion

NEFT, National Electronic Funds Transfer, is one of the most trustworthy ways to move money. NEFT now works around the clock, making sending cash whenever you want simple. The NEFT transaction time takes between 30 minutes and a few hours, but it’s key to consider the NEFT timings, NEFT processing time, and NEFT cut off time. When you get the hang of these aspects, you can schedule your transfers and avoid needless holdups.

FAQs On NEFT & How Much Time Does NEFT Take

1. Is NEFT available 24 hours? 

Yes, NEFT runs around the clock, so you can move money any time, even on weekends and holidays.

2. Will NEFT work on bank holidays? 

Yes, NEFT keeps going on bank holidays. The system will handle the transfer based on the current NEFT cut off time if you start the transfer. However, transactions made through the NEFT branches may not be available on bank holidays. 

3. How long does NEFT take?

NEFT money transfer time ranges from half an hour to a few hours. But this changes based on when you do it and how fast your bank processes NEFT transfers.

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