IFSC is an acronym for Indian Financial System Code. IFSC code is a unique eleven-digit number which is a combination of alphabets and numerals. It used to transfer funds online for NEFT, IMPS and RTGS transactions. Usually, the IFSC code can found on the cheque-book provided by the bank. It can also found on the front page of the accountholder’s passbook. The IFSC code of each bank branch assigned by the Reserve Bank of India. The accountholders can check the IFSC code of their bank/branch on the Reserve Bank of India’s website. Internet banking transactions for transferring funds, using NEFT, IMPS and RTGS, can’t initiated without a valid Indian Financial System Code.
Generally, there isn’t any change or update in the 11-digit IFSC code. Recently, the State Bank of India changed Indian Financial System Code of its branches all over the nation after the merger with five associate banks and 1 other bank.
The points mentioned below highlight the importance of IFSC code.
In an IFSC code, the first four characters are alphabets which denote the bank name. Hence, the IFSC code of each branch of the same bank will begin with the same four letters. The fifth character is a zero.
The remaining six characters are digits or numbers which denote the branch code. This is the part which makes an IFSC code unique.
A | B | C | D | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Bank Code | 0 | Branch Code |
Electronic funds transfer in India facilitated by an alpha-numeric code called the Indian Financial System Code. This code only recognises each bank branch which participates in the two main settlement and payment systems in India, , National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS).
IFSC code is an eleven-character code that assigned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The first part of the code composed of four letters representing the bank. Next character is zero that reserved for future use. The last 6 characters are the identification code of the branch.
Let’s take an example:
IFSC Code of State Bank of India (SBI) starts with letters ‘SBI’. As there are a lot of banks with several branches, the IFSC code used to identify the branch involved in the transaction.
IFSC codes are vital while carrying out payment transactions including RTGS, NEFT transfers. Like, for SBI, the IFSC Code will be SBIN0011569 for the branch located in Sector 31, Gurugram.
It is simple. If you have an account with any branch of any bank, you will get to know its IFSC code as it's printed on the passbook.
Still, if you want to know the code without creating an account, you can do so via the internet. There is an official website of IFSC code where you can know all about this code.
Abbreviated as Indian Financial System Code, IFSC is an 11-digit alphanumeric code that used to identify the bank branches that take part in various electronic monetary transactions like NEFT or RTGS. One can find the IFSC code either in his/her bank passbook or on the chequebook. The image below can help you understand better.
One can search for the IFSC Code of any bank branch by visiting the official website of a particular bank or by calling on their helpline number. For instance, if you want to know HDFC bank South Delhi branch code:
MICR is an acronym for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. This innovative technology authenticates the legality and credibility of paper-based document(s) in the banking database. It can found on cheques. MICR is at par with IFSC as far as the security of a fund transfer concerned.
MICR code is a product of advanced Character Recognition Technology (CRT) used by banks to verify cheques for clearance. MICR technology used for other bank documents as well. An MICR code placed at the bottom of a cheque. It includes details such the bank code, account details, amount, and cheque number, alongside a control indicator. The biggest advantage of MICR technology is that, it stands out among similar concepts, such as barcodes, as MICR can read and distinguished by humans.
What is IFSC code and how to locate it on a cheque?
Definition: IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-digit alphanumeric code that helps to identify different bank branches that deal with online fund transfers either via NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) or RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement).
The starting 4 digits of the IFSC signify the bank’s name, followed by a 0 (the 5th digit) and the last 6 digits stand for the branch of a particular bank.
You can also find the IFSC code on the top of a cheque leaf near the bank account number.
What is MICR how to locate it on a cheque?
Definition: MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition and is a 9-digit code that identifies the bank branches that are taking part in an ECS (Electronic Clearing System). MICR code is especially needed if you are filling up different financial forms such as SIP forms, etc. as it helps in a faster clearance of cheques.
The starting 3 digits of the code signify the city code, the next 3 digits (the middle ones) stand for the bank code and the last 3 digits represent the code of the particular branch.
You can find the MICR number at the bottom of your cheque leaf, printed adjacent the cheque number (on the right-hand side).
As monetary transactions are not limited to financial institutions like banks, thorough verification is necessary before processing a transaction. To make the process faster, simpler and automatic, banks and other financial institutions rely on certain codes. These codes, MICR Code and IFSC Code, play a significant role in verifying the authenticity of a transaction. But, there is a difference between the usage of both these codes.
Let’s gather a clear understanding of both and learn how they differ from each other-
IFSC Code | MICR Code |
It used to ease electronic money transfer between the banks in India. | MICR code initiated to make cheque processing simpler and faster. |
IFSC Code is an 11-digit alpha-numeric code | MICR is a 9-digit code |
The first four characters state the name of the bank. | The first three digits represent the city code where the bank branch located. |
Last 6 digits represent the bank location | Last three digits shows the bank branch code. |
Every bank in India has its own policy about third-party fund transfer. But, the method of third-party fund transfer remains more or less the same for every bank, except they presented a bit.
Let’s take a look at the process to register a third party beneficiary.
There is no denying the fact that almost everyone in our circle is dependent on online payment modes and most, you too are no exception. This online trend supported by a plethora of options – thanks to the digitization of monetary transactions.
The convenience of transferring funds online has made our lives much easier. Almost, every other bank provides many payment options such as Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), etc.
Based on different parameters, such as the speed of transfer, the transaction value, service availability, etc. each of the above-stated payment transfer methods will offer a diverse range of features and flexibility. Although these payment methods have their own set of benefits, yet they come with their varied flexibility and convenience for the customers.
National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) is one of the most widespread online methods of transferring funds from one bank to another. NEFT based on a deferred arrangement which actually means that the money transferred in different sets (batches).
Currently, there will be 48 half-hourly batches every day. The settlement of first batch will start after 00:30 hours and the last batch will end at 00:00 hours.
The system will be available on all days of the year, including holidays.
NEFT transactions after usual banking hours of banks expected to automated transactions initiated using ‘Straight Through Processing (STP)’ modes by the banks.
The existing discipline for crediting beneficiary’s account or returning the transaction (within 2 hours of settlement of the respective batch) to originating bank will continue.
Member banks will ensure sending of positive confirmation message (N10) for all NEFT credits.
All provisions of NEFT procedural guidelines will be applicable for NEFT 24x7 transactions as well.
Step-by-step procedure to transfer money via NEFT:
The NEFT costs between Rs 2.50 to Rs 25 (+ service tax), depending on the amount transferred to the beneficiary.
There are also certain limitations of NEFT transactions like you cannot transfer funds at any time you feel doing so. This service is available only on working days and within the working hours of your bank. You won’t be able to avail this service on weekends and bank holidays.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system developed by National Payments Corporation of India facilitating inter-bank transactions. The interface regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and works by transferring funds between two bank accounts on a mobile platform.
Unified Payments Interface is a real-time inter-bank payment system that allows sending or requesting money. Any UPI client app may use and multiple bank accounts may be linked to a single app. Money can be sent or requested with the following methods:
With IFSC Code, online money transfer has become easier and hassle-free. RBI has assigned these codes to the bank branches to perform NEFT, RTGS and IMPS fund transfer in a smooth way. To know how IFSC Code works while transferring money, let’s take an example here. The IFSC code of HDFC Saket, New Delhi branch is HDFC0000043.
Let’s know how IFSC Code works during a transaction. When a fund transfer initiated, one has to provide the bank account number and the IFSC code of the payee. Once the remitter provides all the necessary information, the fund transferred to the account of the beneficiary with the help of the IFSC Code in a smooth way. Fund transfer with IFSC code takes only a few minutes from the time of initiation.
IFSC Code also can use at the time of purchasing mutual funds or insurance through NetBanking. As the National Clearing Cell of Reserve Bank of India monitors all transactions, IFSC Code helps RBI to keep a track of various transactions and execute fund transfer without any hassle.
Nowadays, most of the people opt for some of the other online processes to transfer funds from one account to another. The process of e-transfer of funds is not only simple but it is also hassle-free. Moreover, it saves you from the trouble of going to the bank and standing in a queue to transfer funds. You need to follow a few simple steps to transfer your money from one account to another. Let’s take a look at this step.
The online process of fund transfer with the help of IFSC code is not that difficult as it seems. So the contrary, it is simpler and hassle-free. While processing funds transfer from one account to another, IFSC code is key information that facilitates the transfer. However, there are different methods of transferring funds with the help of IFSC code. Let’s take a look at these methods.
Almost every smartphone has apps these days. You can make the most of your bank’s apps available in google play/AppStore. Moreover, you can also initiate fund transfer through an app. Here are a few basic steps that you need to follow in order to transfer fund through a particular bank app.
You can also transfer money through the SMS process with the help of an IFSC code. Let’s take a look at how you can transfer fund through SMS.
So, with these methods, you can easily transfer funds to the beneficiary account with the help of an IFSC code.
An RBI regulated entity, National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), has developed an instant payment system known as the Unified Payment Interface (UPI). UPI operates over IMPS infrastructure and allows instant transfer of money between any two bank accounts. In case you are registering with the service for the first time, you’ll need to create a 4 to 6-digit UPI Pin (Personal Identification Number). You will have to enter the UPI PIN to perform all UPI transactions. UPI payment method allows fund transfer offline and online. Moreover, irrespective of the bank’s working hours, an individual can instantly transfer funds anytime.
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