what is utr number
19 Feb 2025

UTR Number: Meaning, Full Form & Its Significance Explained

Open an NRI Savings Account

A Unique Transaction Reference (UTR) number is essential in banking and financial transactions, especially in India. Whether you're making an NEFT or RTGS payment, this 16 or 22-character code ensures that every transaction is traceable and easily identifiable. Simply put, it acts as a transaction's unique ID, much like a tracking number for a courier package. Understanding the UTR number is essential for tracking payments, resolving issues, and keeping your financial records in check. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about UTR numbers, including their purpose, how to find them, and why they matter for secure and efficient banking.

What is the Purpose of Having a UTR Number?

A UTR number serves as a unique identifier for tracking financial transactions. While it’s widely known for its role in NEFT and RTGS transfers, it also plays a crucial role in keeping tax records organised for individuals and businesses. If you're self-employed or have additional sources of income, the UTR number is used when submitting tax returns to ensure your tax records are accurately filed. It helps maintain order and efficiency, making the entire process more transparent.

Open an NRI Savings Account


How to Find a UTR number?

If you want to track a UTR number online, the easiest way is to obtain it through your NRI savings account statement. The UTR typically consists of 16 or 22 alphanumeric characters. Here’s how to find it

  1. Bank statements or Passbooks
    To find your UTR number, check your bank statement or passbook. The UTR appears beside each transaction, helping you track fund movements easily.
  2. Internet banking
    Log in to your bank’s online portal and navigate to the transaction history section. The UTR number tracking option is available in the detailed transaction view.
  3. Mobile banking
    Most banking apps, such as DBS Treasures, allow you to easily find your UTR number under transaction details, making it convenient to track the status of your NEFT and RTGS transactions in one place.
  4. Email or SMS Notifications
    Most banks send transaction confirmations via email or SMS, often including the UTR number. If you’re wondering how to find your UTR number, check these notifications for quick access.

Where is the UTR Number in Google Pay?

The UTR number in the Google Pay app can be found in the transaction details or history section. It may also be displayed as the "Transaction ID" or "Reference Number.

Where can I find the UTR number in PhonePe?

To locate the Unique Transaction Reference number in the PhonePe app, go to the history tab, select the payment for which you want to find the UTR number, and you will see a 12-digit number in the "Debited From" section on the screen.

UTR Numbers for NRE and NRO Accounts

If you hold an NRI account, whether NRE or NRO, you may need to track your international fund transfers using a UTR number. Understanding the difference between NRE and NRO accounts is important when handling remittances, repatriations, and tax implications. Learn more about the difference between NRE and NRO accounts .

How UTR Numbers Work in India?

A UTR number is assigned to every NEFT and RTGS transaction in India. It serves as a tracking ID, helping banks and customers monitor the status of fund transfers. When a transaction is initiated, the banking system generates a unique 16- or 22-character UTR, ensuring seamless identification across financial institutions.

The Reserve Bank of India and digital platforms rely on the UTR to efficiently resolve transfer-related queries. You can use this number to check whether a transaction has been processed, is still pending, or has failed.

Features of a UTR Number

  • Unique Identifier - Every NEFT and RTGS transaction is assigned a distinct UTR number, preventing duplication or confusion.
  • Bank-Specific Format - While the number length remains standard, the format may vary slightly across banks.
  • Tracking Capability - Customers and banks can use the UTR number to verify a transaction’s status in real-time.
  • Cross-Bank Usability - Since NEFT and RTGS function across different banks, the UTR ensures transactions can be traced regardless of the sender’s or receiver’s bank.
  • Quick Dispute Resolution - If a transaction is delayed or fails, the UTR number helps banks investigate and resolve the issue efficiently.

UTR Number - Importance & Uses

If your NRI account is debited but the beneficiary hasn't received the funds, you can use the UTR number and contact the bank's customer support team to trace the transaction. All banks in India keep their customer service information updated on their websites.

For premium banking services, you can reach out to your dedicated Relationship Manager to inquire about the transaction. Be sure to keep the UTR number handy, as you will need to provide it to your bank representative.

How to Find the UTR Number for NEFT Transactions?

NEFT transactions are processed in batches, and each transaction is assigned a Unique Transaction Reference number for tracking. If you need to retrieve the UTR for an NEFT transfer, consider the following:

  • Understanding the Format – NEFT UTR numbers are typically 16 characters long and contain a mix of letters and numbers, reflecting details such as the bank code and transaction timestamp.
  • Timeframe for Availability – Since NEFT transactions are settled in batches, the UTR number may not be generated instantly but should be available within a few minutes to an hour.
  • Finding It via Banks – Most banks display the UTR number under NEFT transaction details on online banking platforms, mobile apps, or email confirmations.

How to Identify the UTR Number for RTGS Transactions?

RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) transactions, unlike NEFT, are processed individually and instantly, making UTR tracking crucial for high-value fund transfers. Here’s how to identify an RTGS UTR number:

  • Recognising the RTGS UTR Format – RTGS UTR numbers are 22 characters long, with the first four characters representing the bank code and the remaining characters containing transaction details.
  • Immediate UTR Generation – Unlike NEFT, RTGS transactions generate a UTR number instantly upon processing, enabling real-time tracking.
  • Confirming Through Payment Receipts – If you’ve made an RTGS transfer at a bank branch, the UTR number is usually printed on the transaction receipt. If the transaction was done online, it will be visible in the transaction details.

Both NEFT and RTGS UTR numbers are essential for tracking payments, ensuring smooth transactions, and resolving any transfer delays or disputes.


Final Note: There’s no need to memorise the UTR number for your transactions, as delays in fund transfers are uncommon. If your payment doesn’t reach its intended recipient, most banks will automatically refund the amount if it was debited. This gives you the flexibility to easily re-initiate the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I get a UTR number for a UPI transaction?

    To get the UTR number for a UPI transaction, you can use the UPI app or your bank’s app.

    1. Open the UPI or bank app.
    2. Go to the transaction history or account statement section.
    3. Find the transaction you want to check.
    4. Look for the UTR number or reference ID in the transaction details.
  2. Is the IFSC code and the UTR number the same?

    No, the IFSC code and UTR number are not the same. The IFSC code, which stands for Indian Financial System Code, is an 11-character alphanumeric code that identifies a specific bank branch in India. On the other hand, a UTR number, which stands for Unique Transaction Reference number, is a key identifier for each individual transaction made through a bank.

  3. What is the difference between the UTR and UPI numbers?

    A UTR number is a distinctive code assigned to each transaction in banking systems, used to track and identify transfers, particularly in NEFT and RTGS processes in India. It ensures that specific transactions can be traced and verified by banks. On the other hand, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a digital payment system that enables real-time money transfers between bank accounts via mobile devices. While a UTR number is specific to a single transaction for tracking purposes, UPI serves as a platform for conducting a wide range of financial transactions easily and securely.

  4. Is it safe to give a UTR number?

    Yes, generally, it is considered safe to share a UTR number, as it is a unique transaction identifier and does not contain sensitive personal or financial information. However, you should only share it with trusted parties or businesses that legitimately need it to track a specific transaction and be cautious about sharing it with unknown entities to prevent potential fraud.

  5. How long does it take for a UTR number to be generated?

    The time taken for a UTR number to be generated depends on the type of transaction. For NEFT, the UTR number is usually available within a few minutes to an hour since transactions are processed in batches. For RTGS, the UTR number is generated immediately as the transaction is processed in real time.

  6. What is the difference between a Unique Transaction Reference (UTR) and a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)?

    A Unique Transaction Reference (UTR) is an alphanumeric code used in banking and financial services to identify and track individual financial transactions, ensuring each transaction is distinct. In contrast, a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a ten-digit number assigned by tax authorities, such as HMRC in the UK, to identify and manage individual taxpayers’ or businesses' tax records for tax filings and communications with tax authorities.

References: 1

Open an NRI Savings Account