RTP System Operating Rules

Systems it applies to

• RTP →

Publisher: The Clearing House →

Versions ClearingPost holds (4)

1. Effective 10-04-2026effective 4 Oct 2026current

   What changed: Compendium of RTP Rule Change Summaries, section 1 'Summary of RTP Rule Changes - Effective October 4, 2026': the edition (i) supports One Leg Out (OLO) Payments on the RTP network, (ii) modifies rules on Requests for Payment that are RTP/Zelle Messages, and (iii) makes clarifying, conforming and cleanup changes. Section I.A adds ten defined terms: Domestic Payee, Domestic Payer, Foreign Payee, Foreign Payer, OLO Beneficiary, OLO Intermediary Institution, OLO Originator, OLO Payment, Swift, UETR. Section II.B adds an exception to the prohibition on RTP Payments involving a Foreign Financial Institution to permit OLO Payments and returns of funds from them. Section II.E is renamed 'Limitations on Foreign Payments' from 'Prohibition on Foreign Payments'. New Section III.K opens an optional early-adopter period on 4 October 2026, during which Participants may send OLO Payments only to other participating early adopters; from the general availability date of 31 March 2028 every Receiving Participant must receive inbound OLO Payments except where rejection is permitted. Section III.H requires OLO Payment Messages to use the OLO local instrument code, to identify the OLO parties and the OLO Originator or Foreign Payer address, and where provided to carry date, city and country of birth, legal entity identifier, and the Swift UETR. Section II.G extends fraud reporting to fraud affecting OLO Originators and Foreign Payers. Section V.E.2 lets a Receiving Participant that responded 'accept without posting' delay its funds-availability decision beyond 11:59 p.m. the next business day when it needs information from a third party to complete a legal or compliance review. Section VII.B.2.d disapplies the Request for Payment warranty to Requests for Payment that are RTP/Zelle Messages. Changes to Section III.I.2 (Minimum Requirements for OBO Payments; Requirements for Receiving Participants) take effect 31 March 2028.

   This version at the publisher ↗
2. Effective 09-30-2026effective 30 Sep 2026

   What changed: Upcoming edition listed by The Clearing House as 'Upcoming RTP Operating Rules: Effective 09-30-2026' and published at https://www.theclearinghouse.org/-/media/New/TCH/Documents/Payment-Systems/RTP/RTP-Operating-Rules-Effective-September-30-2026.pdf. The cover reads 'RTP Operating Rules, September 30, 2026'. The document's Revision History states the edition was initially published in December 2025 following approval of changes regarding Indirect Domestic Send (IDS) Payments. The Revision History states an updated version was published in April 2026 to incorporate additional changes related to the Liquidity Management Transfer (LMT) Service and to make formatting enhancements. The Revision History records that the LMT Service changes were approved on 13 April 2026 and take effect on 1 June 2026. Supersedes the edition effective 1 June 2026.

   Publisher page (not this version) ↗
3. Effective 06-01-2026effective 1 Jun 2026

   What changed: In-force edition listed by The Clearing House as 'Current RTP Operating Rules: Effective 06-01-2026'; cover reads 'RTP Operating Rules, June 1, 2026' and the contents page 'RTP Operating Rules, Effective June 1, 2026'. Supersedes the 01-01-2026 edition and precedes the upcoming 09-30-2026 and 10-04-2026 editions. The document carries no change log, so the specific amendments are not itemised here.

   Publisher page (not this version) ↗
4. Effective 01-01-2026effective 1 Jan 2026

   What changed: Current RTP Operating Rules effective January 2026; includes On Behalf Of (OBO) payment framework with full compliance now mandatory (deadline passed April 16, 2026). TCH may require OBO-sending participants to undergo third-party compliance audits. An upcoming version effective September 30, 2026 is announced alongside updated Participation Rules. RTP Customer Display Requirements for Credit Transfers and Request for Payments take effect July 1, 2026.

   Publisher page (not this version) ↗