How to recharge FASTag using Google Pay (GPay): Step-by-step guide

Published on 24 Dec, 2021, 6:20 AM IST

Updated on 9 Jul, 2024, 6:23 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

9 min read

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated the use of FASTag. This electronic toll collection system employs accessible radio-frequency identification technology to make seamless cashless payments at national highway toll plazas. Vehicle owners must register for a FASTag account and affix the reusable tags on their windshields. As vehicles cross toll plazas, the tags are wirelessly scanned, and toll fees are instantly deducted from the prepaid account linked to the tag.

This electronic system has been made compulsory for all classes of four-wheeled vehicles since February 16, 2021, to enhance digital payments of highway tolls and decongest toll plazas by allowing automated toll transactions without requiring vehicles to stop. FASTags can be conveniently recharged online via multiple payment modes.

Contents

How to link FASTag with Google Pay

For FASTag recharge using Google Pay, you will have to link your FASTag account with GPay. The below steps will explain the process of linking FASTag to Google Pay.

Step 1: Open the Google Pay (GPay) app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Tap on the 'New Payment' button.
Step 3: Further, tap on the 'Bill Payment'.
Step 4: From the Payment Categories, select 'FASTag recharge'.
Step 5: You will get a list of all the banks and institutions providing FASTag recharge service. Select the FASTag issuer bank. You will find your issuer bank name on your FASTag sticker.
Step 6: Tap on the 'Get Started' option.
Step 7: The 'Link Account' page will open. Enter your car’s registration number (without spaces) — for example, AB01AB1234. Further, enter your FASTag account information and tap on 'Next'.
Step 8: Review the information and click on 'Link Account'.

After completing these steps, your FASTag account will be linked with Google Pay to enable FASTag recharge.

How to recharge FASTag using the GPay app

After linking your FASTag account with GPay, you can now easily make your FASTag payment through Google Pay. The process is quick, simple and hassle-free as it hardly requires a few minutes to complete the recharge. Below are the steps to recharge your FASTag via Google Pay.

Step-by-step procedure to recharge FASTag using Google Pay

Step 1: After linking your FASTag account with Google Pay, you will find the ‘Pay’ button below the screen. Tap on that button.
Step 2: Enter the recharge amount.
Step 3: Click the tick icon and confirm the bank account or card you want to complete the payment with.
Step 4: Click on Pay, enter your UPI PIN, and complete the payment.

That’s it; your GPay FASTag account will get recharged with the amount you entered.

How to Check FASTag Account Balance

Via Issuer Bank's Website/App

Most banks that issue FASTags provide an option to check your balance on their net banking portal or mobile app. Log in to your account and navigate to the FASTag section to find your balance.

Through SMS Service

You can send an SMS from your registered mobile number to the bank's predefined SMS number in a specified format to receive your FASTag balance. The SMS format varies across banks. Check with your bank for the process.

On NHAI Portal

You can also check your FASTag balance on the National Highway Authority of India's portal. Follow these steps:

Go to the official website.
Enter your Vehicle Number and FASTag ID
Enter the captcha code and submit.
Your FASTag balance will be displayed on the next page.

Check your bank's website or app first for simplicity. The SMS and NHAI portal options provide an easy way to check balance without logging in, but the process varies slightly across banks. Refer to your bank for the exact steps to use these alternate channels.

Benefits of Using FASTag

Saves Time at Toll Plazas

Using FASTag can save you several precious minutes at every toll plaza. The radio frequency identification technology enables automatic deduction of toll fees without having to stop at toll booths, unlike cash transactions. This allows vehicles with FASTag to drive through dedicated lanes without wasting time in queues or interactions. During traffic jams, FASTag vehicles save significant time, sometimes 30 minutes or more.

Cashless/Digital Payments

FASTag allows cashless transactions at toll plazas across India, saving you from the hassle of keeping change or cash. It facilitates automatic digital payments through the linked wallet or bank account as you drive through the toll gates. You never have to worry about dealing with invalid currency issues or exact changes again.

Real-Time Alerts

FASTag provides instant SMS notifications regarding all wallet recharge status and toll transactions. This includes the date, time, location, and amount deducted for each transaction. This helps you accurately track spending and wallet balance from time to time.

Online Transaction History

Most banks provide electronic statements with complete online transaction history for your FASTag account. You can instantly access the last 10 transactions or download detailed e-statements showing the timeline, location, and amount deducted with FASTag at toll plazas.

Fuel Savings

As stopping and idling at toll gates is no longer necessary, FASTag saves fuel costs. Vehicles can drive through without halting, preventing fuel waste while idling at toll queues.

Rewards & Cashbacks

Some issuing banks provide reward points or cashback offers when you recharge your FASTag wallet or use it for transactions at toll plazas. This helps save extra money if you use FASTag frequently.

How to recharge FASTag using GPay app

After linking your FASTag account with GPay, you can now easily make your FASTag payment through Google Pay. The process is quick, simple and hassle free as it hardly requires a few minutes to complete the recharge. Below are the steps to recharge your FASTag via Google Pay.

Step-by-step procedure to recharge FASTag using Google Pay

Step 1: After linking your FASTag account with Google Pay, you will find the ‘Pay’ button below the screen. Tap on that button.
Step 2: Enter the recharge amount.
Step 3: Click the tick icon and confirm the bank account or card you want to complete the payment with.
Step 4: Click on Pay, enter your UPI PIN, and complete the payment.

That’s it; your GPay FASTag account will get recharged with the amount you entered.

Also, read: How to Check FASTag Balance

Things to remember before making your FASTag recharge through Google Pay

Keep the following points in mind before FASTag recharge using GPay.

The maximum recharge limit may be capped at Rs. 2,000 per day for limited KYC FASTag customers.
A maximum recharge limit of Rs. 1,00,000 for full KYC customers.
There are no transaction charges for FASTag recharges through UPI (like Google Pay).
Recharges done through debit cards, credit cards, or net banking may attract payment gateway charges, wherever applicable.
The recharge limit may vary as per the bank portal or application and the issuing bank

Conclusion

Recharging your FASTag using Google Pay is quick and convenient. Link your FASTag account details to GPay, specify the recharge amount, confirm the payment method, and complete the transaction. With real-time alerts, electronic statements, automated cashless payments at toll plazas, and added benefits like fuel savings and rewards, using a FASTag linked to GPay makes toll travel seamless while saving time and money. Remember, applicable recharge limits are based on KYC status when topping up your prepaid FASTag wallet through GPay.

Frequently asked questions

The above sections address most of the questions about recharging FASTag using Google Pay. Below are a few more questions regarding FASTag.

How does FASTag work?

FASTag has automated the toll collection via the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The toll charges are automatically debited from the tag account as the moving vehicle with an RFID tag affixed on the windshield passes through the toll booth’s scanner.

How can I buy FASTag?

You can buy FASTag by visiting the ACKO Drive website or logging in to the app. Alternatively, you can also purchase FASTag by visiting Point of Sale (POS) locations at Toll Plazas/NETC Member Banks POS outlets/their sales offices/distribution agents. One can also make an online application at the issuer bank's portal or NHAI.

What are the documents required to purchase a FASTag for my car?

You need the following documents to buy FASTag for your vehicle.

Passport size photo of the vehicle owner
KYC documents of the vehicle owner
Signed FASTag application form
RC (Registration Certificate) of the vehicle
Driving License
Vehicle image

What should I do if there is a double deduction of toll charges?

In case of double deduction, contact the customer service of your issuer bank and raise a complaint. The bank will raise a chargeback for a duplicate deduction based on merit.

What are the benefits of using a FASTag?

Using a FASTag accrues the following benefits to the customers.

Faster transportation.
Time-saving due to lesser traffic.
Eliminates the problem of carrying cash and change to the toll plaza.
Fuel-saving.
Online transaction benefits like SMS alerts, transaction summary, account balance, and usage.

What is the validity of FASTag?

The FASTag has a validity of 5 years. After purchase, you only need to recharge for continual usage.

What are the charges for FASTag?

As per the guidelines of the Government of India, the cost of FASTag is a maximum of Rs. 100. However, when you buy FASTag from ACKO Drive, you get your tag for free as there are no additional charges. All you have to pay is the minimum wallet balance of Rs. 100.

What if my FASTag is not reading at the toll plaza?

If your FASTag is not being read at the toll plaza, first check if the tag is correctly affixed on the windshield without any obstruction. Also, check if the tag balance is sufficient and if the tag is still valid. If the issues persist, contact the toll plaza customer care or your FASTag issuer for assistance.

Can I use FASTag in other countries?

No, FASTag is valid only for toll payments on national highways in India. It cannot be used to pay tolls in other countries, as each country has its own electronic toll collection system.

What documents do I need for FASTag KYC?

For full KYC, you must submit documents like a passport-sized photograph, ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/DL, etc.), Address proof, and a Vehicle RC copy. For minimum KYC, ID proof is enough. KYC helps enhance your recharge limits.

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