FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) is a formal bank-issued certificate confirming receipt of international payment through official banking channels. This guide covers the exact process to request FIRC from India's major banks and when you actually need it vs when a gateway-generated FIRA is sufficient.
FIRC vs FIRA: Quick Distinction
FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice): Generated by payment gateways like Playto Pay. Instant, free, auto per transaction. Accepted by most GST officers and for ITR documentation.
FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate): Issued by your AD bank on request. Takes 2-5 business days. Costs ₹500-₹2,000 per certificate. More formally authoritative.
When you need bank-issued FIRC specifically:
- STPI export performance reporting
- Large GST refund claims (above ₹10 lakh) where officer insists on FIRC
- SEIS scheme claims (verify current DGFT requirements)
- Bank-specific loan or credit facility documentation
- Specific regulatory purposes requiring bank letterhead documentation When Playto Pay FIRA is sufficient: Day-to-day GST zero-rating documentation, ITR filing, most standard business compliance.
HDFC Bank: How to Get FIRC
Method 1: Net Banking (HDFC SmartHub / Corporate Banking)
-
Log in to HDFC Corporate Net Banking
-
Navigate to Trade Services → Inward Remittance → FIRC Request
-
Select the specific transaction (by date/amount/UTR)
-
Submit request
-
FIRC generated and available for download in 2-3 business days Method 2: Branch Visit / Trade Finance Desk
-
Visit your HDFC branch's Trade Finance / Forex desk (not general teller)
-
Carry: account number, transaction date, SWIFT reference, approximate amount
-
Submit written FIRC request
-
Cost: approximately ₹500-₹1,500 per FIRC (confirm current charges with branch)
-
Timeline: 3-5 business days Method 3: Email to Relationship Manager
For corporate accounts with a dedicated RM: email your RM with transaction details and request FIRC. Often the fastest route.
ICICI Bank: How to Get FIRC
Method 1: ICICI Trade Online Portal
-
Log in to trade.icicibank.com
-
Go to Inward Remittances → FIRC Certificate
-
Select transaction and request FIRC
-
Download when ready (2-3 business days) Method 2: iMobile or Net Banking
-
ICICI net banking → Trade Finance Services → FIRC Request
-
Some accounts have this feature; corporate accounts typically do Method 3: Branch
-
ICICI forex-enabled branch trade finance desk
-
Written request with transaction details
-
Cost: ₹500-₹2,000 per certificate
-
Timeline: 3-5 business days
Kotak Mahindra Bank: How to Get FIRC
Method 1: Kotak Net Banking → Trade Finance
-
Log in to Kotak Corporate Net Banking
-
Trade Finance → Inward Remittance → FIRC
-
Select transaction and submit request Method 2: Branch / Relationship Manager
-
Kotak's trade finance team at your home branch
-
Email your RM with SWIFT reference and transaction date
-
Cost and timeline similar to HDFC/ICICI
SBI (State Bank of India): How to Get FIRC
Method 1: SBI Corporate Banking Portal
-
SBI's CINB (Corporate Internet Banking) portal
-
Trade Finance module → Inward Remittance Certificate Method 2: Branch
-
SBI forex-enabled branch
-
Request through the Trade Finance counter
-
SBI's FIRC process can be slower than private banks: allow 5-7 business days
What to Provide When Requesting FIRC
For any bank, prepare:
- Account number
- Transaction date (or approximate date range)
- SWIFT UTR reference number (from your bank statement credit entry)
- Amount and currency (USD/GBP/EUR)
- Remitter name (your client's name)
- Purpose of remittance (brief description)
FIRC Cost Comparison
| Bank | FIRC Cost (Per Certificate) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC | ₹500-₹1,500 | 2-3 business days |
| ICICI | ₹500-₹2,000 | 2-4 business days |
| Kotak | ₹500-₹1,500 | 2-3 business days |
| SBI | ₹250-₹1,000 | 4-7 business days |
| Playto Pay FIRA | Free | Instant |
At 50 transactions/month: Bank FIRC costs ₹25,000-₹1,00,000/month. Playto Pay auto-FIRA: ₹0.
FAQ
How do I get FIRC from HDFC for international payments? Log in to HDFC Corporate Net Banking → Trade Finance → Inward Remittance → FIRC Request. Or visit HDFC's Trade Finance desk at your branch with transaction details.
How much does FIRC cost from Indian banks? ₹500-₹2,000 per certificate depending on bank and account type. Playto Pay auto-generates FIRA (equivalent for most purposes) at zero cost.
Is FIRC required for GST refund claims? Not always. Playto Pay FIRA is accepted by most GST officers. Bank FIRC may be required by conservative officers for large refund claims above ₹10 lakh.
How long does FIRC take from Indian banks? 2-5 business days for private banks. 4-7 days for SBI. Playto Pay FIRA is instant.