NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI: How UTR Number Works in Different Payment Modes

 

How UTR Number Works in Different Payment Modes

Once you wire money in India, there is a special reference number known as UTR number (Unique Transaction references number) that is assigned to each money transfer. This figure helps in monitoring, confirming and settling matters with regard to payments. However the UTR number differs by a small margin based on the mode of payment be it NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or UPI. Through this guide from EximPe, you will know how the UTR number works in each mode of payment and how you can check it on the trendy apps such as Google Pay, phone, and Paytm.

What is a UTR Number?

Before going into the details, let’s start with the basic definition. UTR stands for Unique Transaction Reference. It is an alphanumeric code created automatically by the banking system to ensure that each electronic fund transfer is unique. You can think of it as a digital fingerprint for your money, helping to prevent any mixed-up transactions.

This unique identification is vital for:

  • Tracking: Pinpointing the exact status of a transfer.
  • Verification: Confirming a payment’s legitimacy.
  • Dispute Resolution: Resolving issues if funds are delayed or go missing.
  • Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate financial records.

Now, let’s explore how this universal principle applies to India’s major payment systems.

Why is the UTR Number Important?

  • Transaction Tracking: Banks and users use the UTR number to trace payments anywhere in the system.
  • Proof of Payment: Acts as official proof, especially during business reconciliations or disputes.
  • Dispute Resolution: Provides a reference for customer support to quickly investigate issues.
  • Security: Prevents confusion or duplication of transactions.

UTR Number Formats Across Payment Modes

Each payment mode generates a UTR number with a specific length and format:

1. UTR Number in RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement)

RTGS is designed for high-value, real-time, interbank fund transfers. The minimum amount for an RTGS transaction is ₹2 Lakh.

  • How it Works: In RTGS, funds are transferred individually and continuously (transaction by transaction) without netting. As soon as you initiate an RTGS transaction, your bank sends the payment instructions to the RBI.
  • UTR Generation: The UTR number in RTGS is typically generated almost instantly by the originating bank’s system (and then confirmed by RBI’s system). Since RTGS operates on a real-time gross settlement basis, each transaction is settled individually as it occurs, leading to rapid UTR generation.
  • Format: The RTGS UTR is a 22-character alphanumeric code.
  • Example Format: XXXXRCYYYYMMDD########
  • Breakdown:
  • XXXX: First 4 characters of the originating bank’s IFSC code.
  • R: Denotes an RTGS transaction.
  • C: Represents the payment channel (e.g., ‘C’ for customer, ‘I’ for interbank).
  • YYYYMMDD: Year, Month, Day of the transaction.
  • ########: An 8-digit unique sequential number for that day from that bank.
  • Importance: Due to the high value and real-time nature of RTGS, the UTR number in RTGS is exceptionally critical for immediate tracking and confirmation of large sums.

2. UTR Number in NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)

NEFT is a popular electronic fund transfer system for smaller to medium-value transactions that operate on a deferred net settlement (DNS) basis in batches.

  • How it Works: Unlike RTGS, NEFT transactions are collected in batches by the originating bank and then sent to the RBI’s NEFT clearing centre at specific intervals throughout the day. The RBI processes these batches and sends them to the respective beneficiary banks.
  • UTR Generation: The UTR number in NEFT is generated by the originating bank’s system after your transaction is successfully accepted into a batch for processing. It’s not always instantaneous but appears once the bank confirms its inclusion in a cycle.
  • Format: The NEFT UTR is a 16-character alphanumeric code.
  • Example Format: XXXXN YYYDDDNNNNNNNN
  • Breakdown:
  • XXXX: First 4 characters of the originating bank’s IFSC code.
  • N: Denotes an NEFT transaction.
  • YY: Last two digits of the current year.
  • DDD: Julian day of the year (e.g., 001 for Jan 1st, 365 for Dec 31st).
  • NNNNNNNN: An 8-digit unique sequential number.
  • Importance: The UTR number in NEFT is essential for tracking payments that might take a few hours to reflect in the beneficiary’s account due to the batch processing.

3. UTR Number in IMPS (Immediate Payment Service)

IMPS is a real-time payment system that enables instant interbank fund transfers 24x7x365, including holidays. There’s no minimum or maximum limit for IMPS (though individual bank limits apply).

  • How it Works: IMPS uses mobile numbers and MMID (Mobile Money Identifier) or account numbers and IFSC codes to facilitate immediate payments. It’s a robust system for quick, on-the-go transfers.
  • UTR Generation: The UTR number in IMPS is generated instantly as the transaction is processed in real-time. It’s designed for immediate confirmation.
  • Format: IMPS UTRs can vary slightly in length, often around 12 characters, and can be purely numeric or alphanumeric.
  • Example: 516114XXXXXX (often starts with a specific series indicating IMPS) or IMPS1234567890.
  • Importance: The UTR number in IMPS is crucial for providing immediate proof of payment in real-time scenarios, such as online shopping, utility bill payments, or emergency transfers.

4. UTR Number for UPI Transaction (Unified Payments Interface)

UPI is an instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India). It allows inter-bank peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions through a single mobile application.

  • How it Works: UPI links multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, allowing for immediate fund transfers using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) or mobile number/account number + IFSC.
  • UTR Generation: While not always explicitly called a “UTR Number,” every UPI transaction generates a “UPI Transaction ID” (or sometimes “Ref No.” or “Reference ID”) that serves the identical purpose of a UTR. This ID is generated instantly by the UPI platform (NPCI) upon successful completion of the transaction.
  • Format: The UTR number for UPI transaction (Transaction ID) is typically a 12 to 16-digit numeric code.
  • Example: 20250724123456 (often starts with the year/date of the transaction).
  • Importance: The UPI Transaction ID is vital for confirming payments made through various UPI apps. If you encounter issues, this ID is what you’ll provide for tracking.

Finding UTR for UPI Transactions on Popular Apps:

  • UTR number in Google Pay:
  1. Open Google Pay app.
  2. Tap on your profile picture/icon (or scroll down to “Show transaction history”).
  3. Select the specific transaction you’re looking for.
  4. The “UPI Transaction ID” will be displayed under the transaction details.
  • UTR number check PhonePe:
  1. Open PhonePe app.
  2. Tap on “History” at the bottom navigation bar.
  3. Select the relevant transaction.
  4. The “Transaction ID” will be visible in the detailed view.
  • What is UTR number in Paytm (for UPI transactions):
  1. Open Paytm app.
  2. Go to “Passbook” or “Balance & History.”
  3. Select the UPI transaction.
  4. The “UPI Ref No.” or “Transaction ID” will be displayed in the details.

How to Find Your UTR Number (General Methods)

Regardless of the payment mode, the general methods to find your UTR remain consistent:

  1. Bank Statement/Passbook: All transactions, including their UTR/Reference numbers, are listed.
  2. Internet Banking Portal: Log in, go to “Transaction History” or “Account Statement,” select the transaction, and the UTR will be in the details.
  3. Mobile Banking App: Similar to internet banking, access “Transaction History” and view details.
  4. SMS/Email Notifications: Banks typically send transaction confirmation messages that include the UTR or a similar reference ID.
  5. Payment Confirmation Screen: Immediately after a successful online transaction, the confirmation screen often displays the UTR.

Conclusion

The UTR number is the unsung hero of digital banking, providing a unique identity to every electronic fund transfer across India. While its format and generation speed may vary across NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and UPI, its fundamental purpose — to enable precise tracking, verification, and dispute resolution — remains constant. Understanding how UTR number works in each of these payment modes, and knowing how to check UTR number in PhonePe or UTR number in Google Pay or your bank statement, empowers you to manage your finances with greater confidence and efficiency in 2025.

FAQs — NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI UTR Number

1. What is a UTR number in NEFT?

It is a 16-character unique identification code generated for every NEFT transaction, incorporating the sending bank’s code, transaction date, and a unique serial number.

2. How long is the UTR number for RTGS transactions?

RTGS UTR numbers are 22 characters long, including bank code, full transaction date, and unique serial digits to ensure detailed traceability.

3. What is the UTR number in IMPS?

IMPS UTR is a 12-digit numeric reference unique to each immediate payment service transaction.

4. How do I find the UTR number for a UPI transaction?

Check the transaction details in your UPI app like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm. The UTR number usually appears as a 12-digit transaction ID.

5. Is the UTR number the same as a transaction ID in UPI?

Yes. The UTR number for UPI transactions often matches the UPI transaction ID used for tracking payments.

6. Can I use the UTR number to track failed or delayed payments?

Yes. Providing the UTR number to bank or app customer support helps speed up investigation and resolution.

7. Where do I see my UTR number on Google Pay?

Open Google Pay, go to Payments > Transaction History, select the transaction, and you will find the UTR number in the details section.

8. How to check UTR number in PhonePe?

In PhonePe, go to History, select the payment, and view details to find the UTR number.

9. Why am I not getting UTR number in Paytm?

If it’s not visible, check the detailed transaction info or contact Paytm support. The UTR number is sometimes labeled as Transaction ID.

10. Do all electronic fund transfers have UTR numbers?

Nearly all NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and UPI transactions include a UTR number for identification and tracking.

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