What is a UTR Number and Why is it Important for NEFT & RTGS

UTR is a number unique to every fund transfer. Banks conducting the transaction issue it to help them track the status of the transaction.

You can send money to India in a few different ways. Services like NEFT and RTGS allow you to send funds overseas efficiently and quickly. However, even though both forms of money transfer are helpful, your transactions might get stuck sometimes. A UTR number comes in handy in such a situation, allowing you to track the status of your transaction. Read on as we delve deeper into what it means.

About UTR Number
 

UTR number, short for Unique Transaction Reference number, is a distinctive code assigned to every transfer made to India. It serves as a unique identifier for each transaction, ensuring secure and traceable transfers. On the recipient's bank statement, the UTR number is prominently displayed alongside the received transfer details. The format of the UTR number may vary depending on the payment method used. With the UTR number, you can easily track and verify your transactions, providing peace of mind during financial transfers to India.

Where can I find the UTR number?
 

You can find the UTR number on your bank statement. Below each transaction's information, you can see the UTR number as Ref no. In India, UTR numbers frequently look like this:

XXXXR7310682908954385XX

Each UTR number has a few characters that change depending on the bank that issues it. Your account statement is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to obtain the UTR number. You can download or view the account statement using your bank's mobile banking app, like Metra Trust's banking app or internet banking. You can see the UTR number beside the transaction date, and it consists of 22 or 16 characters.

Sending and receiving money with an Metra Trust Savings Account is a seamless process. You can easily monitor your Metra Trust savings account via SMS alerts and e-statements with details of your UTR alongside each transaction. Along with free online money transfers through IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS, the bank offers common savings account services completely free of charge, including unlimited ATM withdrawals across the country. You can also enjoy a competitive interest rate with a monthly interest payout facility by opening a savings account with Metra Trust.

Why do I need a UTR number?
 

The purpose of a UTR number is to identify and track financial transactions. Banks can use UTR numbers to monitor your fund transfers if they are stalled or stuck.
For instance, if you send money to someone and the transfer does not go through, or the amount was incorrect, the bank that processed the transfer can utilise the UTR number to trace it and quickly fix the problem.

How do UTR numbers work?
 

When funds transfer takes place between two banks in India, banks generate a UTR number. To transfer money between accounts at different banks in India, you can use two techniques. The first is the NEFT (National Electronic Fund Transfer) system, while RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) is the other.

NEFT transactions do not take place immediately. Instead, they are executed in batches, meaning that the fund transfer does not happen immediately. NEFT takes place in half-hourly batches on weekdays and working Saturdays from 8 AM to 7 PM.

Meanwhile, when you send money via RTGS, the bank transfers your funds quickly. Within two hours of transferring funds using RTGS, the funds go into the recipient's account. As a result, RTGS is the quickest way to transfer money from one bank to another. 

Tracking a payment with your UTR number
 

If your NEFT transaction is delayed, you can use the UTR number to check the transaction's progress. If your money is debited, but the recipient has not yet received the funds, you can contact the bank's customer service and request the transaction be tracked using the UTR number.
Another alternative is to contact your allocated Relationship Manager and request that they use the UTR number to monitor the transaction.

Other ways to check on the progress of your transaction include:

• Go to your bank's mobile app or online banking account.
• Check out the previous section on transfers.
• Use the UTR number to look for a specific transaction.
• You will find the transaction status here.

Knowing the UTR number is integral to tracking the status of your transactions.  Every customer must understand what a UTR number is and how it works.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Metra Trust or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. Metra Trust shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.