Learn the Various FASTag Charges - How Do They Work?

Synopsis:

  • FASTag allows seamless toll payments using RFID technology, avoiding cash transactions at toll booths.
  • Key FASTag charges include a one-time tag joining fee, a refundable security deposit, and a threshold amount for activation.
  • Recharges can be made via various methods, including PayZapp, UPI, HDFC Bank’s website, mobile banking, and NetBanking.
  • Benefits of FASTag include hassle-free driving, the convenience of online recharge, and real-time updates on toll deductions.
  • FASTag users can earn 2.5% cashback on transactions at National Highways.

Overview HDFC Bank FASTag Prepaid Card, in partnership with the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) initiative, is aimed at enabling travellers to pass through toll plazas seamlessly. With FASTag, users can cross toll booths without stopping to pay cash. To make headway towards a system wherein the totality of toll collection happens through FASTag, the government has made it mandatory for all vehicles to have a FASTag from 16th February 2021, without which you will need to pay double the toll amount.

It is simple. Once you issue the HDFC Bank FASTag, use it like any other prepaid card. The amount loaded in the wallet is linked to your FASTag number. Users need to display the tag number on the vehicle’s windshield screen. Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, every time the car crosses a toll booth, the system captures the tag number and deducts appropriate toll charges from your FASTag wallet.

You can read more on how FASTag works here.

What are the charges for FASTag?

The charges for FASTag activation are nominal. However, there are three kinds of FASTag charges of which a user should be aware- 

Tag Joining Fee 

A one-time charge is levied only the first time for registration as a FASTag User. This charge is applicable once you initiate and activate your vehicle's Tag. The current fee is ₹100, including applicable taxes. 

Security Deposit

A negligible amount is taken as a security deposit, which is fully refundable against no dues at the closure of the account. The amount varies depending on your vehicle class. In case of insufficient funds in your Tag account, the security deposit might be used by banks to adjust any outstanding toll charges. 

Threshold Amount

The threshold amount is the minimum recharge applicable during Tag activation. This amount will be fully available on your Tag account to pay for any toll charges immediately upon tag activation. The threshold amount depends on the vehicle class. 

The details of the current security deposit and threshold amount charges are elaborated below:

FASTag Charges Terms and Conditions Applicable

  • GST applies to all the charges mentioned above.
  • Online recharge may attract negligible convenience fees. Convenience fees on using a credit card are 1.10% of the transaction value, the debit card is 1% of the transaction value, and NetBanking is ₹8.00 per transaction.
  • The charges mentioned above are subject to change.
  • Toll amounts are deducted from the account, depending on the vehicle class and the toll plaza used.

How to reload/recharge your HDFC Bank NETC FASTag wallet

You can reload/recharge your card using the following convenient methods:

1. Via PayZapp

  • Step 1: Log in to your PayZapp account and click on the “Recharge/Bill Pay” tab
  • Step 2: Under the “Utility/Bill Pay” module, click on the “FASTag” icon
  • Step 3: Select the “HDFC Bank FASTag” option, then enter your Vehicle Registration No. (or) Wallet ID and click on the “CONFIRM” tab
  • Step 4: The screen will update your current wallet balance and maximum recharge amount with customer details like name and vehicle registration number. Input the recharge amount (within the limit of “Maximum recharge amount”). Select the payment option and complete the transaction.

2. Via UPI Application

UPI applications can be PayZapp, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, PhonePe, or any ‘UPI’ Applications)

  • Step 1: Open any UPI application
  • Step 2: Click on Pay by UPI ID and enter the VPA
  • Step 3: Enter the pre-defined VPA for HDFC Bank NETC FASTag Recharge (e.g.: netc.MH12AB1234@hdfcbank)

3. Via HDFC Bank NETC FASTag Website

  • Steps: Visit portal > Recharge icon > Select Record (Wallet ID) > Enter amount & proceed.

or

  • Steps: Visit portal > Quick Recharge tab > Enter VRN, Mobile no., and amount > Enter OTP and make payment.

Note: Your FASTag wallet login credentials for the online portal cannot be used to recharge FASTag for others.

4. Via HDFC Bank MobileBanking

  • Step 1: Log in to your HDFC Bank MobileBanking. Click on “Pay” module
  • Step 2: Click on the “Add Biller” tab to provide your vehicle details.
  • Step 3: Click on “FASTag” icon
  • Step 4: From the dropdown list, Select “HDFC Bank FASTag” and input details such as your vehicle registration number, your Wallet ID no., update the Biller Name (for your future reference), and click on the “Continue” tab
  • Step 5: Check the details provided by you, add a tick mark on the T&C box and click on the “CONFIRM” tab. On your confirmation, the Biller will get added to your biller list, completing the one-time process of updating the details about your vehicle activity.
  • Step 6: To recharge/reload your wallet, please click on the added biller name
  • Step 7: Check the vehicle no. and wallet details and enter the recharge amount. Select the payment option from the dropdown list in the “Pay From” field and click  “PAY” to complete the payment journey.

5. Via HDFC Bank NetBanking

  • Step 1: Log in to HDFC Bank NetBanking. Under the “BillPay & Recharge” module, click on the “Continue” tab.
  • Step 2: Under the “Pay” module, click on the “FASTag” icon
  • Step 3: Select the “HDFC Bank FASTag” option, then enter your Vehicle Registration No. (or) Wallet ID and click on the “Pay” tab
  • Step 4: The screen will display your current wallet balance and maximum recharge amount along with customer details like Name and Vehicle Registration No.
  • Step 5: Under the “Payment Amount” field, input the recharge amount (within the limit of “Maximum recharge amount”), then select the payment option and complete the transaction.

Benefits of FASTag

The benefits of FASTag are numerous; here are some:

Hassle-free Driving

With FASTag, the RFID automatically scans the tag number and deducts appropriate toll charges from the account. Users can save time and fuel and drive hassle-free without frequent stops at toll plazas.

Convenient

FASTag users can activate SMS/ e-mail communication to stay updated on Wallet toll deductions and check balances. Recharge facilities are available online, and FASTag charges are minimal. Users can also access the web portal to track their FASTag toll charges statements. 

Earn Cashback

With FASTag, users can earn 2.5% CashBack on all transactions made at National Highways.

Conclusion

Join FASTag and pass through toll gates without stopping or fumbling for cash. With negligible charges for FASTag, HDFC Bank, in partnership with NETC, strives to ease travel across state and national highways.

Know How to check your FASTag balance online in 4 simple steps.

​​​​​​​*The charges mentioned above are subject to change. Please connect with the HDFC Bank team to know the latest information. Terms & conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.