RBI rationalises customer charges for NEFT

The Reserve Bank of India has, in consultation with stakeholders, today rationalised charges that banks can levy on customers for transfer of funds through National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT).  Now banks can levy not more than `2.50 (exclusive of service tax) for funds transfer upto `10,000. Charges for transfers beyond this limit would remain unchanged, that is, `5 for transfers between `10,001 to Rupees one lakh; `15 for transfers between Rupees one lakh and above and upto `2 lakh; and `25 for transfers beyond  ` 2 lakh.

These charges would become effective from August 1, 2012. The customer charges were last revised in November 2010.

Explaining the revision, the Reserve Bank has stated that NEFT transactions have grown exponentially in the recent years. It is desirable that the benefits accruing on account of increasing volume of transactions are passed on to the customers in the form of lower charges. This would also incentivise greater use of the electronic payment system. Further, it is considered necessary to provide the large number of people being covered under the financial inclusion programme with an efficient and affordable remittance mechanism like the NEFT.

RBI/2012-13/131
DPSS CO (EPPD) /98/04.03.01/2012-13

July 13, 2012

Chairman and Managing Director /
Chief Executive Officer of all banks participating in NEFT

Madam / Dear Sir,

National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) System - Rationalisation of customer charges

Please refer to our circular DPSS (CO) RTGS No.1008/04.04.002/2010-2011 dated November 03, 2010 rationalising the customer charges applicable on electronic payment products.

2. The NEFT system, introduced in 2005, has seen exponential growth in recent years reflecting its popularity as well as increasing customer acceptance. Despite such growth, it is, however, observed that many banks continue to levy the maximum permissible charges to their customers. It is desirable that the benefits accruing on account of increasing volume of transactions are passed on to the customers so as to incentivise greater use of the electronic payment system in place of cumbersome paper-based mechanism like cheques/DDs. It is also considered necessary to provide the large number of people being covered under the financial inclusion programmes affordable financial services through an efficient remittance mechanism like the NEFT.

3. Accordingly, on a review in consultation with stakeholders, it has been decided to rationalise the customer charges levied by the banks for NEFT transactions as under:

4. It may be noted that the charges indicated above are the maximum that can be recovered by banks from their customers, if they so desire.

5. All member banks are advised to encourage customers to take advantage of this facility.

6. These charges will be effective from August 01, 2012.

7. These directions are issued by the Reserve Bank of India, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 18 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (Act 51 of 2007).

Please acknowledge receipt and ensure compliance.

Yours faithfully,

(G. Srinivas) 
General Manager & Officer-in-Charge