FASTag has become a mandatory component of highway travel in India, enabling seamless toll payments through RFID-based electronic deduction from a prepaid wallet. As FASTag recharges have become a regular monthly expense for vehicle owners, many cardholders are exploring whether a FASTag recharge by credit card can earn reward points and contribute to maximising the value derived from their credit card spending.
The answer is nuanced and depends on the specific credit card product and the platform used for the recharge by credit card Bajaj Markets provides clarity on this topic and helps cardholders identify credit cards that offer the best rewards on FASTag and other utility payments.
How FASTag Recharge by Credit Card Works
A FASTag recharge by credit card can be completed through multiple channels, including the Paytm Payments Bank FASTag portal, the NETC FASTag portal, the IHMCL website, the NHAI One app, or through net banking and mobile banking applications linked to the FASTag issuing bank.
The recharge amount is debited from the linked credit card, and the corresponding value is credited to the FASTag wallet. The recharge by credit card process is instantaneous in most cases, and the recharged balance is immediately available for use at toll plazas across National Highways.
Do Credit Cards Reward FASTag Recharge Transactions?
Whether a FASTag recharge by credit card earns reward points depends on how the transaction is categorised by the credit card issuer. Most credit card reward programmes classify FASTag recharges as utility payments or prepaid wallet loads.
Some issuers reward such transactions at the standard reward earning rate applicable to all spends, while others exclude wallet loads, including recharge by credit card for FASTag, from their reward programmes.
Fuel credit cards and cards with accelerated rewards on utility payments may offer better reward rates on FASTag recharges than general-purpose credit cards. Bajaj Markets recommends reviewing the reward programme terms and conditions of a credit card before assuming that FASTag recharges will earn points.
Which Credit Cards Reward FASTag Recharge by Credit Card?
Credit cards with a strong utility payment rewards component are the most likely to offer reward points on FASTag recharge by credit card transactions.
Fuel credit cards, in particular, often categorise FASTag recharges alongside petrol and diesel spends, offering accelerated reward rates. Some premium credit cards with broad utility bill reward coverage also include FASTag recharge by credit card within their eligible spending categories.
Cardholders who use their vehicle extensively and make frequent FASTag recharges should specifically look for credit cards that explicitly include FASTag transactions in their reward-earning framework. Bajaj Markets provides a comprehensive credit card comparison tool that allows users to filter cards based on reward categories, including utility payments.
Maximising Value from FASTag Recharge by Credit Card
To maximise the reward value earned from a FASTag recharge by credit card, cardholders should consolidate all FASTag recharges on the single credit card that offers the highest reward rate on utility or fuel transactions.
Additionally, some credit card issuers offer periodic bonus reward promotions on utility payments, during which the reward rate on recharge by credit card transactions may be temporarily elevated.
Cardholders should also ensure they are paying their credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that would negate the value of rewards earned. Bajaj Markets helps cardholders identify the most rewarding credit cards for their specific spending categories, including FASTag recharge by credit card usage.
In Conclusion, A FASTag recharge by credit card can indeed earn reward points, provided the credit card selected offers rewards on utility or prepaid wallet transactions. However, not all credit cards extend their reward programmes to cover FASTag recharge by credit card transactions, making it essential to verify the terms before selecting a card for this purpose. Visit Bajaj Markets to compare credit cards that reward FASTag and other utility payments, and find the product that delivers the best value for your spending pattern.
