If you are looking for the safest alternatives to Paytm FASTag, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you about the top 5 alternatives of Paytm FASTag that offer security, convenience, and reliability. But first, let us understand what FASTag is and why it is important.
What is FASTag and Why is it Important?
FASTag is a prepaid electronic toll collection system that allows you to pay toll fees automatically without stopping at toll plazas. It is a sticker that is affixed to the windshield of your vehicle and is linked to your bank account or wallet. When you pass through a toll plaza, the FASTag reader scans the tag and deducts the toll amount from your account or wallet.
FASTag is important because it saves you time, fuel, and money by avoiding long queues and cash transactions at toll plazas. It also reduces air pollution and traffic congestion by enabling smooth movement of vehicles. FASTag is mandatory for all vehicles from January 1, 2021, as per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Top 5 Safest Alternatives for Paytm FASTag
Paytm FASTag is one of the most popular and widely used FASTag providers in India. However, some users have reported issues such as delayed activation, incorrect toll deduction, poor customer service, and security breaches with Paytm FASTag. If you are facing any of these problems or want to switch to a safer and more reliable FASTag provider, here are the top 5 alternatives of Paytm FASTag that you can consider:
1. ICICI Bank FASTag
ICICI Bank FASTag is issued by ICICI Bank in association with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It offers a secure and hassle-free way of paying toll fees with features such as instant activation, online recharge, SMS alerts, monthly statements, and 24/7 customer care. You can apply for ICICI Bank FASTag online or offline and link it to your ICICI Bank account or any other bank account. The tag fee is Rs. 99.12 and the minimum recharge amount is Rs. 200.
Official URL: https://www.icicibank.com/personal-banking/cards/prepaid-card/fastag
2. HDFC Bank FASTag
HDFC Bank FASTag is issued by HDFC Bank in partnership with NPCI. It provides a convenient and seamless way of paying toll charges with benefits such as online activation, easy recharge, real-time updates, cashback offers, and dedicated customer support. You can apply for HDFC Bank FASTag online or offline and link it to your HDFC Bank account or any other bank account. The tag fee is Rs. 100 and the minimum recharge amount is Rs. 100.
Official URL: https://apply.hdfcbank.com/digital/fastag
3. SBI Bank FASTag
SBI Bank FASTag is issued by SBI Bank in collaboration with NPCI. It enables a fast and smooth way of paying toll fees with advantages such as online registration, quick recharge, transaction history, reward points, and a 24/7 helpline. You can apply for SBI Bank FASTag online or offline and link it to your SBI Bank account or any other bank account. The tag fee is Rs. 100 and the minimum recharge amount is Rs. 100.
Official URL: https://fastag.bank.sbi/
4. Axis FASTag
Axis FASTag is issued by Axis Bank in conjunction with NPCI. It facilitates a simple and easy way of paying toll charges with features such as an online application, instant recharge, SMS notifications, an online portal, and a toll-free number. You can apply for Axis FASTag online or offline and link it to your Axis Bank account or any other bank account. The tag fee is Rs. 100 and the minimum recharge amount is Rs. 200.
Official URL: https://www.aubank.in/personal-banking/digital-banking/payments/fastag
5. IDFC First Bank FASTag
IDFC First Bank FASTag is issued by IDFC First Bank in coordination with NPCI. It allows a safe and secure way of paying toll fees with benefits such as online activation, auto-recharge, email alerts, web access, and customer care. You can apply for IDFC First Bank FASTag online or offline and link it to your IDFC First Bank account or any other bank account. The tag fee is Rs. 100 and the minimum recharge amount is Rs. 100.
Official URL: https://www.idfcbank.com/fastag.html
Do You Need to Deactivate Paytm FASTag?
The ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ regulation mandates the deactivation of your Paytm FASTag account. According to this rule, each vehicle can only have one FAST tag linked to it. Consequently, users must close their Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) accounts to receive a refund and then procure a new FASTag from a different bank. This process ensures compliance with the regulatory requirement and facilitates a seamless transition to an alternative FASTag provider.
How to Deactivate the Paytm FASTag Account?
To deactivate your Paytm FASTag account, you need to follow these steps:
- Launch the Paytm application on your mobile device.
- Within the Paytm App, locate and tap on the Profile section. This is typically represented by your profile picture or icon.
- In the Profile section, look for the option labeled ‘Help & Support‘ and select it.
- From the menu options available under Help & Support, locate and choose ‘Banking Services & Payments‘.
- Within the Banking Services & Payments section, you will find various options. Look for and click on the FASTag option.
- Once you’re in the FASTag section, you should see the option to interact with Paytm support. Look for “Chat with us” or a similar option to initiate a request for deactivation.
You can also contact Paytm customer care at 1800-120-4210 to request for deactivation of your Paytm FASTag account.
How to Choose The Best FASTag For Car?
To choose the best FASTag for your car, consider the following factors:
- Provider: Compare offerings from banks like SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and Axis, as well as non-banking options like Paytm, Airtel Payments Bank, and PhonePe.
- Cost: Look at the issuing fee, security deposit requirements, and recharge options offered by different providers.
- Features: Evaluate features such as multiple vehicle registration, low balance alerts, transaction statements, and customer support availability.
- Discounts and Cashback: Consider exclusive offers, fuel discounts, and cashback programs available with different FASTag providers.
