A Guide to Managing Your FASTag Balance

FASTag is a prepaid system for toll payments in India. Based on the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, it deducts the toll amount automatically from your FASTag account. This eliminates the need to halt and pay cash.
Starting February 15, 2021, the fitment of FASTag is mandatory for all vehicles. Without a valid FASTag, you must pay double the toll amount. Thus, you should ensure that your FASTag account works properly and has sufficient balance.
While many are aware of how to obtain FASTag, most don’t know:
- How to check the FASTag balance?
- How to transfer the unused FASTag balance to their bank account?
- How to set up automatic FASTag recharge?
Do you also fall in the same category? In this article, let’s find answers to all these questions and learn how you can manage your FASTag balance better.
How to check your FASTag balance
To check your FASTag, you can follow any of the following three options:
-
Check on online portals
FASTag is offered by several leading banks and NBFCs. To know your latest FASTag account balance, you can visit your FASTag provider’s website or mobile application. Here simply log in and check the balance (mostly under the label ‘Account Summary’)
-
SMS and e-mail alerts
Most FASTag service providers send real-time SMS and email updates for every transaction. These updates show you the:
- Amount deducted for the trip
- Current FASTag account balance
- Date of the trip
- Location of the toll plaza
From these updates, you can easily keep track of your FASTag account balance.
3. Contact your service provider’s customer care
To provide you with the latest FASTag account balance, several service providers have set dedicated:
- Customer care portals
- Toll-free numbers
- Missed-call services
Using these services you can check your FASTag account balance anytime.
How to transfer unused FASTag balance to your bank account
Since FASTag is a prepaid account, you must recharge it before making toll payments. This sometimes leads to situations where you have deposited an extra amount into your FASTag account as you were unaware of the exact toll fees.
In such cases, you can easily transfer your unused FASTag balance back to your bank account. Simply follow these steps:
Step I: Log in to your FASTag account
Use your FASTag provider’s website or mobile app to access your account. Visit the login page and enter your username and password.
Step II: Check your balance
Look at your account dashboard to see your current balance. Decide if you want to transfer the entire balance or just a part of it.
Step III: Request the transfer
Find the option to transfer or close your FASTag balance. This might be under sections like ‘Account Settings’ or ‘My FASTag.’ Some providers let you do this online, while others may ask you to fill out a form or send an email.
Step IV: Verify your bank details
Ensure your bank account is linked properly. You might need to provide details like a cancelled cheque and your bank account’s IFSC.
Step V: Wait for confirmation
Once you submit the request, the transfer usually takes 7-10 days. Check your bank account statement to confirm the money has been deposited.
How can you set up automatic FASTag recharges
With FASTag you can even set up ‘auto-recharge’. This allows you to avoid any interruptions at toll plazas and removes the need for manual recharges.
However, to get your FASTag properly scanned at the toll plazas you must affix it carefully on the windshield near the rearview mirror. In case, you need adhesives or cleaning materials, you can purchase them from online marketplaces or offline stores.
Follow these to set up auto-recharge:
- Pick a FASTag provider that supports auto-recharge.
- Connect your FASTag with either a bank account or a prepaid wallet.
- Decide on the trigger (like recharging when your balance drops below Rs. 200) and choose the top-up amount.
- Give permission for automatic deductions from your bank or wallet.
Conclusion
By smartly managing your FASTag balance, you can easily make toll payments and avoid paying double the toll fees. To do so, you must regularly check your balance through:
- Online portals
- SMS alerts
- Customer care
Additionally, by following some simple steps, you can easily transfer your unused balance to your bank account and even set up auto-recharge. All these efforts allow you to travel hassle-free across Indian highways.