An Introduction to FASTag – How Important Is It?
FASTag is a digital toll collection system that uses RFID or radio frequency identification technology. It's a tag attached to the vehicle's windshield. When your car (be it private or commercial) passes through the toll plaza, the scanner reads it. Automatically, the toll amount gets deducted from your linked prepaid account. The significance of FASTag is already known to all. However, to help you understand them in brief, let's find out the benefits in the following points:
No More Waiting at the Toll Plazas
Using FASTag can dramatically decrease waiting times. Your vehicle can pass through toll plazas without stopping, reducing congestion and increasing highway convenience.
Save Fuel with Less Idling at the Toll Booths
Electronic toll collection eliminates the need for cars to stop and idle at toll booths. It reduces fuel use and saves drivers money. It also reduces harmful environmental impacts by reducing carbon emissions.
Electronic toll-collection systems let cars pay their tolls online. This reduces the need to pay the money in hand and eliminates physical contact, which reduces the risk of developing contagious diseases. Besides, it also gives you the convenience of shortening transaction times and improving the entire travel experience, especially on lengthy routes, including multiple toll plazas.
Reduced Air Pollution at Toll Plazas
FASTag reduces waiting times and idling at toll booths, resulting in fewer emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter. This increase in air quality benefits both travellers and toll plaza employees and promotes healthier surroundings along the roadways.
Top Features of the Union Bank of India FASTag
Union Bank of India offers a robust FASTag solution that comes with the following benefits and features:
Effective Transit
FASTag enables automatic debit of the exact toll amount, facilitating a smoother and quicker process through toll plazas and saving time.
Cashless Payment
FASTag users eliminate the need for cash at toll transactions, so you don't have to worry about carrying exact change.
Get SMS Alerts
Registered users receive instant SMS alerts for toll transactions, low-balance notifications, and more on their mobile phones.
Missed Call Balance Alert
Users can instantly check their wallet balance by calling the missed call alert number from the registered mobile number.
Digital Recharge
You can easily top up your FASTag online using a Credit Card, Debit Card, Net banking, or UPI.
Steps to Apply for Union Bank of India FASTag Online
Applying for a Union Bank FASTag is a straightforward process. You have two primary options: online application or visiting a branch. Let's look at both methods:
Step 1 –
Visit the official Union Bank of India website – unionbankofindia.co.in
Step 2 –
Now, you need to navigate to the FASTag section.
Step 3 –
After this, you need to tap on the "Apply Online" button.
Step 4 –
Fill in the required details, such as your personal information, vehicle details, and KYC documents.
Step 5 –
Upload scanned copies of necessary documents (vehicle registration certificate, driving license, etc.).
Step 6 –
Make the payment for FASTag and the initial balance.
Step 7 –
Apply and note down the reference number.
Once your application is processed and approved, you'll receive FASTag via courier at your registered address.
The documents required for applying are below:
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
Passport-sized photograph
Driving License
Address Proof
PAN Card
Copy of Permit and Fitness Certificate for commercial vehicles
Note that you can also apply at the branch. But for this process, you must carry your original documents and photocopies. Please fill out the application form and submit it with the required documents. After this, a bank representative will process the application and deliver the essentials for the FASTag.
Fees and Additional Charges Associated with the Union Bank of India FASTag
Union Bank FASTag costs Rs. 100. Union Bank of India customer service hotline is 18002586400. If there is a mistake in the deduction from your FASTag, you can contact the helpline number provided on the FASTag for correction. The team will examine the request, and if they discover any errors, they will initiate a chargeback claim with the acquiring bank.
You can recharge your FASTag online through your debit or credit card, net banking, or UPI. For this reason, you need to purchase the tag and link it to your prepaid account. You can recharge or top up your tag to meet your needs.
Steps to Undertake to Recharge Union Bank of India FASTag Online
Keeping your FASTag account adequately funded is essential to ensure smooth travel. Union Bank offers multiple convenient options for online recharge:
Method 1 – Opting for Net Banking
Recharging your FASTag through Union Bank net banking is a convenient and secure way to ensure your vehicle's seamless passage through toll plazas without carrying cash or worrying about exact change.
Step 1:
Visit the Union Bank website and enter your username and password to log in to your net banking account securely.
Step 2:
After you log in, you need to look for the "FASTag" section. It is in the main menu or under the "Payments" or "Services" tab. Tap on the option to proceed to the next step.
Step 3:
If your Union Bank account has several FASTags, please select the one you wish to top up from the options provided.
Step 4:
Enter the amount you wish to recharge your FASTag with. Double-check the amount to ensure it's correct. Proceed to confirm the transaction by following the on-screen instructions, which may include entering an OTP for security verification.
Method 2 – Credit Card or Debit Card Transactions
Using the Union Bank mobile banking app to recharge FASTag via credit or debit card offers convenience and ensures you always have sufficient balance for seamless toll payments. It excludes the necessity for cash payments and offers a stress-free way to manage your FASTag account directly from your mobile device. Here's a method to proceed through debit or credit card:
Step 1:
On the FASTag recharge portal or app, enter your 16-digit Credit or Debit Card number and expiry date (i.e., MM/YY). You also need to provide the CVV on the back of your card.
Step 2:
Next, you must authenticate the transaction by entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email address.
Step 3:
Enter the desired recharge amount on the payment page and double-check it for accuracy.
Step 4:
After you enter the OTP, it gets verified. Next, complete your transaction by clicking on the 'Submit' or 'Proceed' button.
Step 5:
When the recharge is successful, you will receive a confirmation message on the screen and through SMS or email confirming the recharge of your FASTag account. The system will deduct the amount from the Credit or Debit Card linked to the FASTag account.
Method 3 – The UPI Mode (BHIM in this case)
You may recharge FASTag through UPI, such as BHIM, Paytm, etc. Using BHIM UPI for FASTag recharge offers a secure method and allows you to manage toll payments easily. So, to top up your FASTag account using BHIM UPI, follow these steps:
Step 1:
In the first step, you must log into the BHIM UPI application. Open the BHIM UPI-enabled app on your smartphone and log in to your account using your credentials.
Step 2:
After this, you can initiate your payment by navigating to the payment or the recharge option within the app.
Step 3:
For individual customers, enter the beneficiary VPA ID.
Step 4:
Now, it's time to verify the VPA ID. Note that it will be verified to ensure it is correct and valid.
Step 5:
After this, you must enter the recharge amount you wish to add to your FASTag account.
Step 6:
Next, you must authenticate the transaction by entering your UPI PIN. This step ensures the security of the transaction.
Step 7:
To simplify future transactions, save the VPA ID under your beneficiary list in the BHIM UPI app.
After verifying your identity, the app interface will verify the recharge transaction via SMS or email. The recharge amount from your linked bank account will be debited using BHIM UPI.
A Concluding Thought
So, you have learned the methods for applying and recharging Union Bank of India FASTag online. Remember to keep your FASTag recharged whenever you take your car off-road for an adventurous journey. It should be appropriately attached to the vehicle's windshield for hassle-free transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
