How to Fill a Cheque for RTGS: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Sending a large sum of money can be stressful. You want it to be fast, secure, and, most importantly, correct. This is where RTGS comes in. It’s the banking world’s express highway for high-value fund transfers. But to get on this highway, you need the right key: a correctly filled cheque and form.

Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) is a system that enables instant, one-on-one fund transfers between banks without any waiting period. Think of it as a dedicated, non-stop courier for your money. Because these are typically high-value transactions, a tiny mistake in filling out the paperwork can cause significant delays or even transaction failure.

This guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure your RTGS transaction is smooth, fast, and error-free.

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What is an RTGS Cheque?

First, let’s clear up a common misconception. There isn’t a special “RTGS cheque.” You use a regular cheque leaf from your chequebook to initiate the transaction. The cheque acts as an instrument to authorize your bank to debit the funds from your account. This cheque must be submitted along with a mandatory RTGS Application Form.

The form contains all the crucial details of the recipient (the beneficiary), while the cheque gives the bank the authority to perform the transaction.

RTGS vs. NEFT: What’s the Difference?

Feature	RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement)	NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)
Speed	Real-time; transactions are processed instantly.	Processed in half-hourly batches.
Minimum Value	₹2,00,000	No minimum limit.
Maximum Value	No upper limit (though banks may have internal caps).	No upper limit (subject to bank policies).
Settlement	Gross Settlement: Each transaction is settled individually.	Net Settlement: Transactions are bundled and settled in batches.
Best For	Urgent, high-value transfers like property down payments, car purchases, etc.	Routine, non-urgent transfers of any value.

Due to its nature, RTGS is the preferred method for any transaction that is both high-value and time-sensitive.

Also Read: How to Fill an NEFT Cheque – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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Details Required on an RTGS Cheque and Form

Accuracy is everything. For a successful RTGS transfer, you need two sets of details: one for the cheque and another for the RTGS form.

On the RTGS Application Form (Beneficiary’s Details):

• Beneficiary Name: The full, official name of the person or company you are paying, exactly as it appears on their bank account.
• Beneficiary Bank Account Number: The complete and correct account number. Double-check every digit!
• IFSC Code of Beneficiary’s Bank: The 11-digit Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) is a unique code that identifies the specific bank branch of the recipient. This is crucial for routing the funds correctly.
• Amount to be Transferred: The exact amount in figures.

On the Cheque (Your Authorization):

• Payee Name: The cheque is made out to authorize your bank, not the final recipient.
• Amount in Figures: The exact transfer amount.
• Amount in Words: Must perfectly match the amount in figures.
• Date: The date of submission.
• Signature: Your official signature as registered with the bank.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Filling an RTGS Cheque and Form

Follow these steps precisely to avoid any issues.

Step 1: Obtain and Fill the RTGS Application Form

First, get an RTGS/NEFT form from your bank’s branch. Fill in the beneficiary’s details with utmost care:

1. Beneficiary Name: Amit Kumar Sharma
2. Beneficiary Account Number: 00123456789
3. Beneficiary Bank & Branch: State Bank of India, Koramangala, Bengaluru
4. IFSC Code: SBIN0001234
5. Amount: $₹5,00,000$ Also, fill in your details (your account number, name, and contact information) in the remitter’s section of the form.

Step 2: Write the Cheque

Now, prepare the cheque. This is the most crucial part. The cheque authorizes the debit from your account for the RTGS.

1. Date: Write the current date in the DD/MM/YYYY format in the top-right corner.
2. Payee: In the ‘Pay’ section, DO NOT write the beneficiary’s name. Instead, write "Yourself for RTGS" or "<Your Bank's Name> A/c RTGS". This instructs your bank to debit your account for the purpose of the RTGS transaction detailed in the accompanying form.
3. Amount in Words: Write the amount clearly. For example: "Five Lakh Rupees Only".
4. Amount in Figures: Write the amount in the box provided: 5,00,000/-.
5. Signature: Sign the cheque in the bottom-right corner. Ensure your signature matches the one in the bank’s records.
6. Cross the Cheque: As a safety measure, it’s good practice to draw two parallel lines on the top-left corner of the cheque and write “A/C Payee”. Also, strike out the word “Bearer”.

Step 3: Submit to the Bank

Submit the filled RTGS form and the correctly written cheque together at the bank counter. The bank official will verify the details and process the transaction. Once processed, you will receive a receipt with a UTR (Unique Transaction Reference) number, which you can use to track the transaction.

Also Read: How to Fill a Cheque for RTGS Transactions – A Step-by-Step Guide

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Common Mistakes to Avoid Filling an RTGS Cheque

A small oversight can derail the entire process. Watch out for these common errors:

• Incorrect IFSC or Account Number: This is the most dangerous mistake. If the details lead to a non-existent account, the funds will be returned. If they lead to a different, valid account, recovering the money can be extremely difficult.
• Mismatch Between Figures and Words: The amount written in words must exactly match the amount in figures on both the cheque and the form. Any discrepancy will lead to immediate rejection.
• Leaving Fields Blank: Do not leave any mandatory fields on the RTGS form empty.
• Unclear Handwriting: Write clearly and legibly. If the bank official cannot read your writing, they may reject the request.
• Signature Mismatch: Ensure your signature is identical to the one registered with your bank. This is a primary security check.

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Tips for a Safe and Quick Transaction For RTGS Cheque

• Triple-Check Everything: Before submitting, check every single detail—name spellings, account numbers, and IFSC codes—with the beneficiary.
• Use CTS-2010 Cheques: Modern banks issue CTS-2010 standard cheques, which have enhanced security features like a watermark and bank logo printed in invisible ink. These are processed faster and are more secure.
• Keep a Record: Always keep a copy or a clear photo of the filled form and cheque for your records. Note down the UTR number provided by the bank.
• Submit in Person: For cheque-based RTGS, you must submit the documents at the bank counter during working hours.

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Conclusion

RTGS is an incredibly efficient and secure system for transferring large sums of money. Its effectiveness, however, hinges entirely on the accuracy of the information you provide. By following the steps outlined in this guide and double-checking every detail, you can ensure your money reaches its destination quickly and safely.

Remember, when it comes to RTGS, a few moments of careful verification can save you from hours of anxiety and potential complications. Happy transferring! ✨

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)