Introduction

FASTag is a prepaid, vehicle-specific tag that enables cashless toll payments for hassle-free travel across highways in India. Upon linking to a car and sticking to the windshield, the FASTag uses RFID technology to deduct toll charges electronically from the linked savings account/current account/prepaid wallet, with no stoppage or cash payment. Keep reading to know about the ways to check FASTag balance online and through mobile apps for a smoother journey.

In order to ensure seamless travel, it is always beneficial to check and maintain your FASTag balance. Low-to-zero balance may lead to blacklisting, thus jeopardizing the punctuality of your journey and toll cash payment in hand. 

Why Check Your FASTag Balance Regularly

• Avoid Penalties: Prevent blacklisting by ensuring your FASTag always has sufficient balance.
• Count the Deductions: Keep track of toll charges and detect any unauthorized transactions.
• Uninterrupted Travel: Have your account balances maintained, and get through toll plazas without any trouble.

What Exactly is FASTag?

A passive RFID tag used to automate toll collection on national highways; this is how FASTag works- for toll amounts to be automatically deducted from the linked account as your vehicle passes through the FASTag lanes, without having to stop to make payment.

How to Get the FASTag

Various banks under the National Electronic Toll Collection scheme, like SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, etc., issue FASTags. The FASTag can be linked with your savings account, or it can be recharged whenever needed.

The advent of Paytm, Amazon, Google Pay, and other portals allowed easy management of FASTag. These platforms provide ways to buy FASTag, recharge FASTag, and check FASTag balance from their websites and apps, making highway travel an absolute joy.

What are the positives and negatives of FASTag?

While FASTankAPuls gives a little edge to highway travel, it has its niggles, just like any other technology. Weighing its pros and cons might help you decide on how to use it better.

• Reduced Waiting Time at Toll Plazas
• FASTag helps reduce long queues as the toll payment is on the go and smoothens the flow of traffic. Uranium fuel and emission savings also help here.
• Sort of Cashless Payments
• FASTag does not require user cash. Transactions are smooth, fast, and secure.
• Online Recharge Available
• Users can recharge FASTag anytime through applications or platforms, including the Bajaj Finserv BBPS or App, which helps them contribute to hassle-free travel.
• Transparent Transactions
• Detailed records of toll payments and account balances are provided to keep track of all spending.

Drawbacks of FASTag

• Technical Faults
• Tag readers periodically fail to work. 
• Billing Errors: Sporadic overcharging or wrongful deductions occur, so you must contact customer service.

Where can I purchase a FASTag?

You can apply for FASTag either online or offline, depending on what is suitable for you.

Offline Purchase

• FASTag is available for offline purchase at thousands of authorized physical outlets like:
• All National Highway (NH) toll plazas
• RTO offices and major transport terminals
• Selected branch offices of 26 authorized banks
• More than 40,000 POS (Point-of-Sale) machines set up by member banks
• Just approach any of these centers with your vehicle documents and ID proof, and a FASTag will be issued instantly.

Online Purchase

Prefer to order from home? FASTag is available online from:

1. NHAI FASTag: Order from the Flipkart app and other major e-commerce websites.
2. Bank-Issued FASTags: You can also purchase FASTag directly from multiple banks’ websites or apps:

• Paytm Payments Bank (via the Paytm App)
• ICICI Bank (via iMobile App)
• Axis Bank
• HDFC Bank
• IDFC FIRST Bank
• Airtel Payments Bank (via Airtel Thanks App).

How to Check FASTag Balance (Step By Step)

No matter what platform you are using, be it Paytm, MyFASTag, or others, checking your FASTag balance is simple and hassle-free. Here is how you can do it:

1. Check FASTag Balance on Paytm App

 Step 1: On your mobile device, click on the Paytm app.

 Step 2: Search “FASTag” in the search bar, and click on ‘FASTag Recharge’.

 Step 3: Next screen, click on ‘Pay’.

 Step 4: Click ‘View FASTag details’.

 Step 5: Now your FASTag balance will be displayed with other relevant details.

While you provide your vehicle number for the UPI recharge transaction, make sure you provide the correct bank UPI handle as per your bank, and please ensure that you confirm the UPI ID before proceeding to make the payment.

2. Check FASTag Balance on myFASTag App

Step 1: Download and install the MyFASTag app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Step 2: Open the app and log in using your registered mobile number and the OTP.
Step 3: Go to the ‘Balance’ or ‘Account Summary’ section.
Step 4: Your FASTag balance, recent transactions, and vehicle details will be displayed.

Note: Make sure your FASTag is registered with the MyFASTag app and linked to your mobile number.

3. Check FASTag Balance Using Vehicle Number

Step 1: Visit your FASTag issuer’s website or mobile app (e.g., SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc.).
Step 2: Log in to your account using your credentials.
Step 3: Look for the option to check the balance or view account details.
Step 4: Enter your vehicle number if prompted.
Step 5: Follow any additional verification steps.
Step 6: Your balance will be shown on the screen.

Some issuers also allow balance checks via SMS or toll-free numbers—check with your issuer for details.

4. Check FASTag Balance via SMS

Whenever you pass through a toll booth, you will receive an SMS notification containing

• The toll amount charged  
• The name and/or location of the toll plaza  
• The updated FASTag balance  

To know your balance, simply look up the most recent FASTag SMS on your phone. 

5. Check your FASTag Balance by calling the NHAI Toll-free number. 

Simply call the NHAI Toll-Free number +91-8884333331 as a missed call from your registered mobile number.  

You will receive an SMS shortly on your mobile with your current FASTag balance. 

Benefits of FASTag

• Faster payment at toll locations – No more continuously waiting in lines to pay at the booths
• Cashless payments from the time you get out of your vehicle to the time you are back in your vehicle – A complete cashless toll payment experience. The toll amount is automatically deducted.
• Fast Payments as you go to/from most toll plaza locations in India – Known to work at almost all toll plazas across India.
• Instant notifications – when money is deducted, any low balance updates, and/or recharges

Common Issues and Troubleshooting, and How  to Fix Them

• FASTag is meant to make toll payments quicker and cashless; however, users often experience the same issues. The most common issue is recharge failure; money gets deducted, but it doesn’t show in the balance. This typically happens due to poor connectivity and/or use of unauthorized platforms. Make sure you only recharge on official apps like Park+ and that you are connected to a good data connection. 
• Compatibility issues: Incompatibility can occur when the tag is improperly situated, defective, blocked by a metal windshield, or multiple tags. Always mount the tag properly behind the rearview mirror and use special holders for metal-bodied vehicles.
• Activation glitches: Activation problems mainly result from incorrect registration entries, processing delays, or mistakes on the activation documents. If there are problems, check everything twice, and contact your provider to see if the activation hasn’t moved in more than 24 hours.
• Payment Discrepancies: Payment problems such as double tolls or incorrect deductions can be resolved with records and by promptly notifying the toll issuer of the problem.
• Account management: issues like incorrect information, account transfer of ownership, or tag replacements can be avoided by simply checking you’re up to date with the records and accounts with the issuer.

Conclusion

Keeping an eye on your FASTag balance is a small step that makes a big difference in ensuring stress-free, uninterrupted travel on toll roads. With the convenience of mobile apps, bank websites, and SMS alerts, staying updated has never been easier. Just make sure your contact details are current and you’re using the correct app for real-time updates and notifications.

A quick balance check now and then can prevent payment failures, unexpected delays, and the hassle of manual toll payments, so you can enjoy a smooth ride every time.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I only check the FASTag balance with the vehicle number? 

Yes, you can check your FASTag balance using your vehicle number by visiting the official website or app of your FASTag issuer. Log in using your credentials, enter your vehicle number if necessary, and your balance will be displayed. Some banks also provide balance checks through SMS or customer service.

2. How do I know which bank my FASTag is from? 

You can identify the bank issuing your FASTag by checking the tags pasted on your vehicle – it usually carries the bank’s logo. Alternatively, you can check your SMS alert or email from toll transactions, which usually refer to the bank. You can also call the NHAI customer helpline at 1033 for assistance.

3. Can I use a FASTag for two vehicles? 

No, a FASTag is valid for only one vehicle. This is connected to the registration number of the vehicle and cannot be used for many vehicles. You have to buy a separate FASTag for each vehicle that you do yourself.