Check IFSC Code for Top banks
- SBI Bank IFSC Codes
- Bank of Baroda IFSC Codes
- HDFC Bank IFSC Codes
- Axis Bank IFSC Codes
- PNB Bank IFSC Codes
- IDFC Bank IFSC Codes
- Indian Bank IFSC Codes
- ICICI Bank IFSC Codes
- Syndicate Bank IFSC Code
- Kotak Mahindra Bank IFSC Code
- Yes Bank IFSC Code
- Allahabad Bank IFSC Code
- OBC Bank IFSC Code
- Citi Bank IFSC Code
- RBL Bank IFSC Code
- Union Bank of India IFSC Code
What is an IFSC Code?
IFSC stands for Indian financial system code. It is a unique 11 digit alphanumeric number which contains alphabets and numerals. It is very useful when you transfer your funds from one bank account to another bank account online via NEFT, RTGS & IMPS. Each branch contains a different IFSC code which is assigned by Reserve Bank of India (RBI). You will easily find IFSC code on the cheque book provided by the bank. You can also find IFSC code on the front page of your bank account passbook.
In case, you are not sure about the IFSC code of a particular branch, you can search or find the same on the official website of Reserve bank of India. Nobody can transfer money from one bank account to another from net banking via NEFT, RTGS or IMPS without a valid Indian financial system code (IFSC).
Usually, there is not any change or update in IFSC code but the recent merger of 5 associate banks and one other bank, allows SBI to change IFSC code for all its branches across the nation.
Importance of IFSC Code
IFSC code plays a very important role in the bank financial system as it helps in transferring funds from one bank to another or from one branch to another. Points which highlights the importance of IFSC code are given below –
- It is a unique 11 digit alphanumeric number which helps in identifying a particular bank branch.
- It makes the process of paying and receiving electronic funds easier via NEFT, RTGS & IMPS.
- It helps in eliminating errors in the fund transfer process.
Format for Bank IFSC Code
A | B | C | D | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Bank code |
Branch code |
As per the table shown above, IFSC code is an 11 digit unique alphanumeric number in which first 4 characters are alphabets which represent Bank, 5th character is 0 and the remaining 6 characters are numbers but they can be alphabets as well representing the bank branch.
How does IFSC Code work?
IFSC code is an alpha-numeric code used for electronic fund transfer in India. Each bank branch is given a different IFSC code which helps in recognizing a particular branch of a bank. There are two main settlement & payment systems in India i.e. NEFT & RTGS. IMPS facility is also used to transfer funds from one branch to another branch or from one bank to another bank.
With the help of IMPS facility, you can easily transfer your money within seconds from one bank to another bank or from one branch to another branch anytime 24X7 and even in holidays as well.
Example – IFSC Code of Allahabad bank for which the branch located in Vikaspuri is ALLA0210392.
ALLA0210392
ALLA – First 4 characters represents Bank
0 – 5th character is zero
210392 – Last 6 characters represents branch of the bank.
Modes of Online Money Transfer using IFSC Code
Everyone in today’s world depends upon online payment system to transfer money from one bank branch to another branch or from one bank to another bank. This trend is followed not only by the businesses but by the individuals also as it makes our work easier – Thanks to the digitization of financial transactions. Every bank provides multiple payment options – NEFT, RTGS & IMPS.
Each transfer method offers a diverse range of features & flexibility based on different parameters such as transfer speed, transaction value, service availability etc.
National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT)
NEFT stands for National electronic funds transfer. NEFT is one of the most used methods of transferring funds from one bank to another bank or from one branch to another branch. NEFT takes time and processed in batches one by one. Currently, there are 12 settlement batches which are processed between 8 AM to 7 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and 6 settlement batches which are processed between 8 AM to 1 PM (Only on Saturdays). There is a limit specified for NEFT i.e. Rs.2 Lakhs. NEFT is considered best for transferring small payments below Rs.2 Lakhs.
Note – Timings of NEFT transfer varies from bank to bank
Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)
RTGS stands for real time gross settlement. RTGS is mainly considered for high value fund transactions. The minimum amount that can be transferred through RTGS is Rs.2 Lakhs. It takes place on real time basis and the amount is transferred to the bank account of the holder within 30 minutes approximately. RTGS service works from 9 AM TO 4:30 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays. The Bank charge for an RTGS is bit higher in comparison with the charges charged by the bank for NEFT.
Note – Timings of NEFT transfer varies from bank to bank
The Immediate Payment Service (IMPS)
IMPS is an instant fund transfer facility offered by banka to their customers in order to transfer money within the same bank or to another bank. It can be used 24X7, 365 days & even in holidays as well.
You don’t have to register separately for IMPS service and you can get easy access to it by logging into your internet banking account. In order to transfer your funds from one bank to another bank, you need to furnish the following information –
- Beneficiary full name
- Bank account number
- IFSC code
You can also transfer your funds through mobile by availing MMID code facility. MMID is a 7 digit number for IMPS issued by the bank to transfer funds from one bank to another bank or from one branch to another branch with the help of mobile banking. The charge for IMPS is higher than both - NEFT & RTGS.
What is MICR Code?
MICR stands for Magnetic ink character recognition. It is a 9 digit code mentioned on the bottom of the cheque after the cheque number. It is an advanced technology used by the banks for –
- Faster processing of cheques
- Verification of cheques
- Identification of fake cheques.
As far as security matter is concerned, it is considered as one of the most important code for banks. It is placed on the bottom of the cheque. The first three digits of MICR code represent city code where branch is located and the last three digits represent the code of the bank branch. The biggest advantage of using MICR as a tool is that it stands out in comparison to other concepts such as bar codes.
Difference between IFSC code & MICR Code
Before processing any financial transaction, verification is very necessary. Banks & other financial institutions depend on certain codes in order to make process simple, fast & automatic. Both IFSC code & MICR code plays an important role in verifying the authenticity of the transaction.
The difference between both IFSC code & MICR code are as follows –
IFSC code | MICR code |
It is a unique 11 digit alphanumeric number | It is a unique 9 digit number |
It is used by the Banks to transfer payments online from one bank to another bank or from one branch to another branch. | It is used by banks for faster processing and verifying of cheques. |
The first 4 characters of IFSC code represents the bank name | The first three digits of MICR code represent city code where the branch of the bank is located. |
The last 6 characters of IFSC code indicate the bank branch location. | The last 3 digits of MICR code indicate the bank branch code. |