IFSC is an abbreviation which stands for Indian Financial System Code. India's banking system usually uses the IFSC code as a unique identifier.
Image Source-Google | Image-By-TheToolx.com |
Various banks in the country often use it to transact money online in transactions done through systems that include Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS). It’s crucial for you to have access to the receiving bank’s IFSC code for you to transfer money from one Indian bank to another. Additionally, the code contains eleven characters which entails different pieces of information concerning every bank, specifications of the bank and its geographical location.
In this article, we will explore different details of IFSC code from its definition, its format, how it’s used among others.
What Is An IFSC Code?
IFSC code is an Indian Financial System code which contains 11 unique characters that is used in facilitating the transfer of money online. (e.g. ICIC0000337)
Who Issues IFSC Codes in India?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the bank responsible for issuing IFSC Codes in India. If various branches of banks within India wish to participate in major Indian e- banking systems and electronic payments systems like Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), the RBI usually assigns unique IFSC Codes to the branches globally.
Furthermore, the RBI usually ensures that the database of all the IFSC Codes issued to all the banks is up to date. This characteristic makes any bank or branch in India to consider the RBI IFSC Code as an accurate and reliable source of information in terms of IFSC Codes.
What is the Format of an IFSC Code?
An IFSC Code comprises eleven alphanumeric characters. The first four characters are letters that show the name and identity of the specific bank whereas the last six characters are alphanumeric or numeric characters which are unique and are used to identify a specific bank. The fifth character in the code is usually zero and it has no difference from one code to another.
To elaborate on the information given above, if the IFSC Code is XXXXYZZZZZZ, then the characters would be interpreted as:
- The first four characters (i.e. XXXX), usually represent the bank code.
- The fifth character (i.e Y), is usually reserved for future use but not current use. It's always a 0 (zero) according to the current format of IFSC.
- The last six characters (i.e. ZZZZZZ), represent the code of the specific branch bank.
This uniqueness of IFSC codes plays a crucial role for banks in identifying and differentiating between various branches within the same bank as well as ensuring that money goes to the right bank. For you to make payments or carry out transactions safely without encountering any problems, it’s important that you double-check the details of the bank which include the IFSC code, the bank’s location and the bank’s name as well.
How Can You Send Money within India Using an IFSC Code?
To send money within India using IFSC Code, you need to add a beneficiary in your online banking portal. You also need to provide the IFSC code for their bank and after completing these, you are capable of transferring money to the preferred recipient with ease. Some banks in India have screens that help and guide you the entire process.
0 Comments