Quick answer: To fill an RTGS cheque, write “Yourself for RTGS” on the Pay line, enter the transfer amount in words and figures, add the date, and sign as per bank records. Then attach the cheque to your bank’s RTGS application form with the beneficiary’s name, account number, bank and IFSC. The minimum RTGS amount is ₹2 lakh, as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
RTGS Cheque Format: What to Write in Each Field
An RTGS cheque is a regular cheque leaf from your own cheque book, made payable to your bank so the bank can debit your account and send the money through RTGS. It is not a special cheque type. The “Yourself” on the Pay line tells the branch that the bank itself is the payee, acting on the instructions in the RTGS form attached to it.
| Cheque field | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Today’s date (same as on the RTGS form) | 05/11/2026 |
| Pay | Yourself for RTGS | Yourself for RTGS |
| Rupees (in words) | Transfer amount in words, ending with “Only” | Three Lakh Fifty Thousand Only |
| ₹ (in figures) | Same amount in numbers, followed by /- | 3,50,000/- |
| Signature | Your signature exactly as in bank records | Signature on the drawer line |
| Back of cheque (optional) | Beneficiary name, account number, your signature | Ramesh Traders, A/c 1234567890 |
If you are unsure about writing the amount in words, see our guide on how to write amount in words on a cheque.
Why “Yourself for RTGS” and Not the Beneficiary’s Name
You write “Yourself” because the cheque is paid to your own bank, not to the person receiving the money. The bank encashes the cheque against your account and then transfers the funds to the beneficiary using the details on the RTGS form.
Writing the beneficiary’s name on the Pay line is the most common mistake. A cheque made out to “Ramesh Traders” is an ordinary cheque that Ramesh Traders would deposit. The branch cannot use it to fund an RTGS transfer, and most branches will ask you to write a fresh leaf.
A note on spelling: Many people search for “your self for RTGS”. On the cheque, write it as one word: Yourself.
Accepted Pay Line Variations
Different banks prefer slightly different wording. All of the following are used at Indian branches:
- Yourself for RTGS (the most widely accepted format)
- Yourself (some branches accept it alone, since the RTGS form explains the purpose)
- [Your Bank Name] A/c RTGS, for example “HDFC Bank A/c RTGS”
- Yourself for RTGS to [Beneficiary Name], used by some branches for an added audit trail
Some bank forms print the exact wording to use. If your bank’s RTGS form specifies a format, follow the form.
“Yourself” vs “Self” on an RTGS Cheque
“Self” and “Yourself” mean different things on a cheque. “Self” makes the account holder the payee, which is the format for withdrawing cash from your own account. “Yourself” makes the bank the payee.
| Point | Self | Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the payee | The account holder (drawer) | The drawee bank |
| Typical use | Cash withdrawal at the counter | RTGS, NEFT, demand draft, pay order |
| Risk if the leaf is lost | Higher, since anyone presenting an uncrossed “Self” cheque may be able to draw cash | Lower, since funds go only as per the bank’s own instructions |
| Correct for RTGS? | Some branches accept “Self for RTGS” | Yes, the standard format |
For a full breakdown of self cheques, read our guide on the self cheque. If the terms payee, drawer and drawee are new to you, see drawer, drawee and payee explained.
How to Fill an RTGS Cheque: Step-by-Step
Filling an RTGS cheque takes five steps. Use a blue or black ballpoint pen, write in clear block letters, and avoid any overwriting, because cheques processed under the Cheque Truncation System (CTS) do not allow alterations other than the date.
- Write the date. Use the current date in DD/MM/YYYY format in the date boxes. A cheque is valid for three months from its date. More on this in our cheque validity period guide.
- Write “Yourself for RTGS” on the Pay line. Start at the left edge and strike through the remaining space so nothing can be added later.
- Enter the amount in words. Example: “Rupees Five Lakh Only”. Draw a line after “Only” to close the space.
- Enter the amount in figures. Example: “5,00,000/-“. Start right next to the ₹ symbol and end with “/-“.
- Sign the cheque. Your signature must match the specimen signature with the bank. A mismatch is a common reason for a branch to reject the request.
Optional: On the back of the cheque, write the beneficiary’s name and account number and sign again. Several banks ask for this, and it links the cheque to the specific transfer if the form gets separated.
Should You Cross an RTGS Cheque?
Crossing an RTGS cheque is optional. Because the cheque is payable to your own bank and is processed as an internal debit, crossing does not stop the transfer. Some branches recommend “A/c Payee” crossing as an added safeguard; others say it is unnecessary. Follow your branch’s instruction. To understand what crossing does, see our guide on crossed cheques.
How to Fill the RTGS Application Form
The RTGS cheque is only half of the request. The branch processes the transfer using the RTGS application form, which banks call by different names: “RTGS/NEFT Application Form”, “Application-cum-Debit Authority” or “Application for DD/NEFT/RTGS”.
| Form section | Details to fill |
|---|---|
| Transfer mode | Tick RTGS (not NEFT) |
| Remitter details | Your name, account number, address, mobile number |
| Payment mode | Tick “Cheque” and write the 6-digit cheque number |
| Amount | Same amount as on the cheque, in words and figures |
| Beneficiary name | Exactly as in the beneficiary’s bank records |
| Beneficiary account number | Full account number, double-checked |
| Beneficiary bank and branch | Bank name and branch name |
| IFSC | 11-character IFSC of the beneficiary’s branch |
| Purpose / remarks | Optional, such as “property payment” or “invoice 2245” |
| Signature | Sign the form as per bank records |
Get the beneficiary details in writing. Ask the beneficiary for a cancelled cheque or a screenshot of their account details. The IFSC is printed on every cheque leaf. See where the account number is on a cheque and our cancelled cheque image guide.
After you submit both documents, the branch returns the counterfoil (customer copy) with a seal. Many branches also write the UTR (Unique Transaction Reference) number on it. Keep this slip until the beneficiary confirms credit.
Sample Filled RTGS Cheque
Here is how a completed RTGS cheque looks for a ₹3,50,000 transfer:
| Field | Filled entry |
|---|---|
| Date | 05/11/2026 |
| Pay | Yourself for RTGS (remaining space struck through with a line) |
| Rupees | Three Lakh Fifty Thousand Only |
| ₹ | 3,50,000/- |
| Signature | [Account holder’s signature] |
| Back side | Beneficiary: Ramesh Traders, A/c No. 1234567890, with signature |
The RTGS form attached to this cheque would show the same ₹3,50,000, the cheque number from the bottom-left of the leaf, and Ramesh Traders’ bank details with IFSC.
RTGS Rules You Must Know Before Writing the Cheque
Minimum and Maximum Amount
The minimum amount for an RTGS transaction is ₹2,00,000, with no upper ceiling, as per the RBI’s FAQs on RTGS. For amounts below ₹2 lakh, use NEFT or IMPS instead, since the branch cannot process RTGS for a smaller amount.
Banks may set their own per-day limits for net banking and mobile banking RTGS, but branch-based RTGS through a cheque has no bank-set upper limit at most banks. HDFC Bank, for example, states no upper ceiling for branch RTGS, while its NetBanking RTGS is capped by the customer’s third-party transfer limit, up to ₹50 lakh.
Timings
RTGS has been available 24x7x365 since December 14, 2020, as per the RBI. Branch-based RTGS through a cheque, however, can only be submitted during your branch’s working hours. Branches are closed on Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays.
Credit Time
Under the RBI’s RTGS framework, the beneficiary bank must credit the beneficiary’s account within 30 minutes of receiving the funds transfer message. In practice, branch-submitted RTGS adds the time the branch takes to verify your cheque and form.
Charges for Branch RTGS
The RBI waived its own processing charges for RTGS from July 1, 2019. Banks do not charge for online RTGS, but most charge a fee when you use a branch and a cheque.
| Bank (branch RTGS) | ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh | Above ₹5 lakh | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank | ₹20 | ₹45 | hdfc.bank.in (effective August 1, 2025; excluding GST) |
| ICICI Bank | ₹20 + GST | ₹45 + GST (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh) | icici.bank.in |
| Online RTGS (most banks) | Nil | Nil | Bank websites |
Charges are debited separately from your account at most banks, so keep enough balance for the transfer amount plus charges and GST. Some branches ask you to write the cheque for the transfer amount plus charges. Ask the counter staff which method your branch follows before you write the leaf. Check your own bank’s current service charges page for the exact fee for your account type.
Does Positive Pay Apply to an RTGS Cheque?
The Positive Pay System, introduced by the RBI through circular DPSS.CO.RPPD.No.309/04.07.005/2020-21 dated September 25, 2020, requires reconfirmation of key details for high-value cheques presented in CTS clearing. Banks must offer it for cheques of ₹50,000 and above and may make it mandatory for ₹5 lakh and above.
An RTGS cheque is presented at your own branch rather than through CTS clearing, so many branches do not ask for Positive Pay confirmation. Some banks, however, apply their Positive Pay rule to every high-value cheque leaf. If your RTGS amount is ₹5 lakh or more, confirming the cheque details on your bank’s app beforehand avoids a delay at the counter. Learn more in our Positive Pay System guide.
Common Mistakes When Filling an RTGS Cheque
These errors cause most RTGS requests to be rejected or delayed at the branch:
- Beneficiary name on the Pay line. Write “Yourself for RTGS”, not the receiver’s name.
- Amount mismatch. The words, figures, and RTGS form amount must match exactly.
- Amount below ₹2 lakh. RTGS will not be processed; use NEFT instead.
- Overwriting or corrections. CTS-compliant cheques allow no changes except the date, and even a date change needs your full signature beside it. Write a fresh leaf. Read more about CTS cheques.
- Signature mismatch. Sign exactly as per the specimen held by the bank.
- Wrong IFSC or account number. RTGS is credited based on the account number. Funds sent to a wrong but valid account are hard to recover.
- Insufficient balance. The cheque will be returned if the balance cannot cover the amount plus charges. See dishonoured cheque meaning, charges and consequences.
- Stale cheque. A cheque older than three months from its date will not be accepted.
RTGS Cheque vs Demand Draft vs Online RTGS
If you need to send ₹2 lakh or more, a branch RTGS cheque is one of three common options.
| Factor | RTGS via cheque at branch | Online RTGS | Demand Draft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Your bank branch | Net banking or mobile app | Your bank branch |
| Speed | Same day, after branch processing | Usually within 30 minutes | Depends on when the payee deposits it |
| Charges | Bank’s branch RTGS fee + GST | Nil at most banks | DD commission as per bank |
| Upper limit | No RBI ceiling; branch processing | Bank’s daily online limit | No fixed limit |
| Best for | Amounts above online limits, or users without net banking | Most transfers above ₹2 lakh | When the payee needs a physical instrument |
For more on drafts, read demand draft vs cheque: key differences and our SBI demand draft guide.
What Experts Say
Bank branch staff and chartered accountants who handle high-value payments for clients tend to agree on a few points:
- The “Yourself” Pay line is the part people most often get wrong. Writing the receiver’s name is the single most common reason a branch asks for a new leaf.
- Getting beneficiary details from a cancelled cheque, rather than typed in a message, cuts IFSC and account number errors sharply.
- For business payments, keeping the sealed counterfoil with the UTR number is the simplest proof of payment if a vendor claims non-receipt.
- When the amount is within the online limit, practitioners usually recommend online RTGS, since it is free and avoids branch timing constraints. The cheque route remains useful for large one-time payments such as property or vehicle purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I write in the Pay field of an RTGS cheque?
Write “Yourself for RTGS” in the Pay field. This makes your bank the payee, allowing the branch to debit your account and send the money to the beneficiary named in the RTGS application form. Some banks also accept “[Bank Name] A/c RTGS”.
Is it “Yourself” or “Self” for RTGS?
“Yourself” is the correct word for an RTGS cheque because it makes the bank the payee. “Self” makes the account holder the payee and is meant for cash withdrawal. Some branches accept “Self for RTGS”, but “Yourself for RTGS” is the standard format.
Do I need to write the beneficiary’s details on the RTGS cheque?
The beneficiary’s details go on the RTGS application form, not on the front of the cheque. Many banks ask you to write the beneficiary’s name and account number on the back of the cheque and sign it, which links the cheque to that transfer.
What is the minimum amount for an RTGS cheque?
The minimum amount for RTGS is ₹2 lakh, as per the RBI, and there is no upper ceiling. For amounts below ₹2 lakh, use NEFT or IMPS instead.
Should I cross an RTGS cheque?
Crossing an RTGS cheque is optional. The cheque is payable to your own bank and processed as an internal debit, so crossing does not affect the transfer. Follow your branch’s instruction if it prefers a crossed or uncrossed leaf.
Should the cheque amount include RTGS charges?
At most banks, RTGS charges are debited separately from your account, so the cheque amount equals the transfer amount. Some branches ask you to write the cheque for the transfer amount plus charges. Confirm with your branch before writing the cheque.
How long does RTGS take after submitting the cheque?
Under the RBI’s RTGS framework, the beneficiary’s bank must credit the account within 30 minutes of receiving the transfer message. Branch-submitted RTGS also includes the time the branch takes to verify your cheque and form.
Can I do RTGS by cheque on a Sunday?
No. RTGS runs 24×7, but a cheque-based RTGS request must be submitted at the branch during working hours. Branches are closed on Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays. Use net banking or mobile banking for RTGS outside branch hours.
This article is for general information on banking procedures. Charges, limits and form formats vary by bank and account type. Check with your bank branch before making a high-value transfer.