Don’t want to stop at every toll plaza you come across and wait in long queues? Using a FASTag helps to simplify and speed up your travel. Since their introduction in 2014, FASTags have become immensely popular among frequent travellers and many banking companies provide these tags. But with so many options to choose from, how do you decide which FASTag is the best?
One such extremely popular bank that offers FASTags is IDFC. This tag seamlessly binds with your IDFC bank account for smooth transactions across tolls in India. Read on as we go over everything you need to know about IDFC FASTag, from the application process and charges all the way to seeking customer support.
What is IDFC FASTag?
Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to facilitate automatic toll payments, IDFC First Bank offers an electronic toll-collecting tag called IDFC FASTag. This tag is then attached to the windshield of your car and it deducts the toll amount straight from your FASTag account as you pass toll plazas.
The IDFC FASTag cuts wait times at toll gates and replaces cash payments entirely. Part of the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) scheme, it guarantees consistency across every toll plaza around India. IDFC FASTag offers a simple, cashless toll payment experience regardless of your role, personal car owner, or business fleet operator.
What are the benefits of an IDFC FAStag?
Having an IDFC FASTag comes with multiple benefits, some of which are:
- Cut Down on Waiting Times: Cruise through toll booths without waiting in line, which reduces fuel consumption and idling for your vehicle. You can reach your destination quicker as you don’t have to wait in a queue.
- Nationwide Implementation: As of now, over 600 toll booths have incorporated FAStag readers for your convenience. In a few years, all toll plazas will have FAStag data readers.
- Cashless Transactions: You don’t have to carry cash or hand over the exact amount each time.
- Track Spending: You are notified via SMS each time your FAStag account is debited, so you can effortlessly track how much you spend. This is useful for those who have to maintain records for reimbursement purposes.
- 3-in-1 feature: Not only do you get to bypass long lines and avail cashless transactions, but you can use the IDFC FAStag to refill at fuel stations and park securely as well.
IDFC FAStag application process
Online
The IDFC Fastag application online process takes just a few minutes:
- Download the FIRSTforward mobile app on your phone.
- Enter details like mobile number, vehicle number, etc. Make sure the information entered is accurate.
- You must upload documents such as an Aadhaar Card, vehicle registration paperwork, etc.
- Make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before proceeding for verification.
- An OTP will be sent to your mobile number, using which you have to confirm the details.
- Select the payment method of your choice to complete the transaction.
Offline
If the online method doesn’t work for you, the IDFC FAStag can be purchased at the nearest IDFC Bank branch as well. Take a look:
- Go to your nearest IDFC Bank branch or visit a designated point of sale (could be a fuel station, toll booth, etc.).
- Talk to the FAStag executive and submit the necessary documents.
- Pay the amount required.
The FAStag sticker is dispatched to your mailing address once the payment is successful (applicable for both online and offline methods). A unique customer ID and wallet ID are generated and sent via SMS. Once you receive the IDFC FAStag, activate it by recharging and fixing it on your windshield.
What are the documents required for an IDFC Bank FAStag application?
Before you apply for an IDFC Bank FASTag, you must gather the following documents:
Personally owned vehicles
- Vehicle registration document
- PAN card
- Address and identity proof like driver’s license, Aadhaar card, etc.
Cars listed under the company name
- Company deed as applicable in case of organisations, trusts, or partnerships
- Authorisation letter detailing information about the signatory
- Owner identification documents
- Address proof of authorised signatory
Commercial vehicles
- Tax token
- Goods carriage permit
- GST registration papers
- Vehicle registration documents
- Address and identity proof of owner
Fees & Charges for an IDFC FAStag
The verification process of your application generally takes 3 to 5 business days, after which it is directly mailed to your address. A joining fee of Rs.100 is required, along with a security deposit (depending upon the vehicle class) and an initial recharge amount. You have to maintain a minimum balance amount in your FAStag account. If the tag has to be replaced, you are charged Rs. 100 as a replacement fee. Here is a detailed table for better understanding:
| Particulars | Charges (in Rs.) |
| Tag Issuance Fee | Rs.100 (Including GST) |
| Refundable Security Deposit | Rs.200 – Rs.500 (Based on vehicle class) |
| Minimum Balance at the Time of Issuance | Rs.100 – Rs.500 (Based on vehicle type) |
| Toll Charges | As per actual toll rates |
| Reissue/Replacement Fee | Rs.100 (Including GST) |
What facilities can you avail of an IDFC FAStag?
The IDFC FAStag offers you multiple facilities apart from making toll payments. Some of the facilities are:
Toll Charges
- There are specific FAStag lanes at toll booths for you to drive through.
- The reader automatically scans the IDFC FAStag.
- The fee is immediately deducted from the account linked to the FAStag.
Fuel Payments
- Download the IDFC FIRSTforward app.
- Go to the “Fuel Payments” section in the menu and activate it.
- At the fuel station, give them your mobile number (linked with the FAStag), along with the last 4 digits of the vehicle registration number.
- An OTP will be sent to the Point of Sale terminal from the bank. Enter the OTP and fuel charges are debited accordingly.
Parking Fees
- You can easily avail parking at FAStag-enabled plazas by driving through the designated FAStag lane.
- An RFID reader scans the tag, with the fees being deducted as per the parking charge structure there.
How to check your IDFC FAStag balance?
Keep track of your IDFC FAStag balance so you don’t run low on funds. There are a couple of quick ways to check your balance:
- Log in to the IDFC FAStag portal or download the IDFC FAStag app on your phone. Use your IDFC FAStag login credentials. Click on the FAStag account number, and you are redirected to a page where you can check the balance by entering your vehicle number.
- Send a Hi to +919555555555, and you will receive several options; select the one to check your balance.
How can you recharge an IDFC FAStag?
The great thing about IDFC FASTag is that it provides multiple options to recharge your tag, which are:
FIRSTForward App
- You can either download the FIRSTForward app or use the web portal.
- Enter your registered mobile number, after which you receive an OTP, which is to be used for logging in.
- Go to the Menu and select “Recharge”.
- Enter the amount or choose from the pre-determined ones.
- Select the payment option of your choice and complete the transaction for IDFC FAStag recharge.
UPI
- Open your UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.).
- Use this UPI address – etoll.<vehicle number>@idfcnetc.
- Follow the instructions for payment.
- Once the payment is processed, the FAStag account gets recharged automatically.
- Save the IDFC Bank WhatsApp number in your phonebook – +919555555555.
- Send a “Hi” to this number.
- You get an automated reply with multiple options; please select “Recharge FAStag”.
- The details of your FAStag will pop up on your screen. Just confirm and follow the procedure to recharge.
How to install an IDFC FAStag on your car?
- Clean the windshield of your car thoroughly.
- Peel off the protective adhesive film from the FAStag sticker.
- Stick the FAStag in the middle of the windshield, below the rear-view mirror. It should be visible so the FAStag readers can scan it.
What is the IDFC FAStag MAX Program?
To make road trips safer and seamless, IDFC Bank has come up with a MAX program, which offers all the benefits of the IDFC FAStag, along with several new features. If you opt for the MAX program, you don’t have to pay any security deposit and can maintain a zero balance in your FAStag account. Take a look:
- Get reimbursement for obtaining a PUC (Pollution under Control) certificate, up to Rs. 200.
- Don’t worry about vehicle breakdowns! If your car suddenly stops on the road or there is a flat tyre, MAX has it covered with its complimentary roadside assistance program. In case the car requires repairs, arrangements will be made for a tow truck to pick it up and take it to a nearby service station within a 50 km radius.
- Complimentary fuel delivery services of up to Rs. 500 are also available during vehicle breakdown.
- If there is a major breakdown that could take hours, the program will arrange for temporary accommodation.
- Payments are calculated as per services availed, sans any security deposit or minimum balance requirements.
IDFC FASTag Customer Care
Contact the IDFC FASTag customer support staff if you have questions about your IDFC FASTag or run into any problems. Their channels of help are meant to provide quick fixes for account administration, recharge problems, toll deductions, and tag-related questions.
Contact Details:
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-266-9970
- Email Support: fastag.support@idfcfirstbank.com / etollservices@idfcfirstbank.com.
- Website: Visit the IDFC First Bank website and head to the FASTag section for additional information.
The customer care team is available to resolve any concerns and ensure a smooth experience with your FASTag. For immediate assistance, keep your Customer ID or Vehicle Registration Number handy when calling.
Summary:
The IDFC FAStag is valid for 5 years and will make travelling a lot easier, as it lets you avail services related to toll payments, fuel charges, and parking fees. You are spared from the trouble of navigating long queues at toll plazas, which saves fuel and lets you resume the journey within seconds! Cashless payments also mean you don’t have to fork over the exact change every time, guaranteeing a secure and stress-free travel experience.
FAQs
Q. Why download the FIRSTforward FAStag App?
The app can be used to check FAStag status, review statements, block the FAStag in case of thefts, recharge the FAStag, and even transfer funds between two tags.
Q. Are there any concessions on toll taxes for local vehicles?
Certain regulations permit vehicle owners residing within a 20 km radius of toll booths on national highways to seek exemptions from paying toll taxes, provided they submit the correct paperwork.
Q. What is the difference between hotlisted and blacklisted IDFC FAStags?
A FAStag is hotlisted due to a negative balance, which can be reactivated by recharging it. However, blacklisting is more serious as regulatory authorities do it, and your tag becomes active only if the bank receives a request from authorities.
Q. Are there any discounts on IDFC FAStag transactions?
Discounts or offers aren’t available on toll charges, although you might get cashback for fuel and parking payments.
Q. What happens to the IDFC FAStag if you sell your car?
A tag closure request has to be submitted before you sell the vehicle, as the same FAStag can’t be transferred to the new car. Go to the “Self-Service” menu of the FirstForward app to close the present tag. Once it is done, you can purchase a fresh FAStag for the new vehicle. Rest assured; any leftover funds will be transferred to the account of your choice.
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