Can I apply for ETC with poor credit?

[DiZoe]

It is possible to apply for an ETC credit card even with poor credit. As long as the car owner meets the application requirements and has all the necessary documents, the ETC credit card can generally be processed. However, poor credit may affect the actual credit limit granted. ETC cards are not limited to ETC credit cards; they also include ETC prepaid cards, ETC debit cards, and ETC savings cards. ETC prepaid cards and ETC savings cards require topping up before use, eliminating credit risk, and thus have no credit requirements. ETC debit cards primarily involve overdraft spending, which carries certain credit risks, so ETC institutions have credit requirements for applicants. Personal credit reports are one of the important reference materials for ETC credit card approval, but not the only one. If the applicant meets all other conditions and is in an unsaturated ETC market or during a promotional phase for ETC applications, there is a certain chance of successfully obtaining an ETC credit card. Regardless of whether the applicant can successfully obtain an ETC card, maintaining a good credit record is essential. To avoid affecting daily life, applicants should repay debts as soon as possible to eliminate negative credit records in the personal credit system. Reasons for ETC credit card rejection include: Having too many credit cards, especially those with low limits and infrequent use, may lead to rejection. Having a poor credit record, such as overdue repayments or unpaid debts. No local card-issuing branches, meaning the bank will directly reject the application even if the car owner submits it. Age not within the 18-60 range or not owning the car under one's name. Insufficient repayment capacity. According to Article 16 of the "Credit Reporting Industry Management Regulations," credit agencies retain personal negative information for five years from the termination of the adverse behavior or event; information older than five years should be deleted. Note: If the first ETC deduction fails, staff will notify the car owner via SMS and attempt another deduction within 2-3 days. If both attempts fail, the ETC account will be considered overdue, and the car will not be able to pass through the ETC lane on highways. For postpaid users signed with banks, unpaid tolls can be settled at the bank counter. For prepaid or rechargeable users, they can top up at an ETC service center to restore the whitelist status. Normal passage is usually restored within 48 hours. Ensure sufficient balance in the bank card or ETC account to cover toll fees during use. According to the "Guidelines on Financial Services Supporting Toll Road System Reform" issued by the central bank and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, ETC arrears exceeding 30 days will be reported to the credit system. If the ETC is linked to a credit card, even a one-day delay may affect personal credit.

[McFelicity]

As a veteran driver with nearly 20 years of experience, I've seen many friends worry about applying for ETC due to poor credit reports. I remember a couple of years ago, my cousin with a low credit score was directly rejected when he went to the bank to apply for ETC. The bank said his credit check failed and refused to bind his card. Later, I suggested he try a prepaid ETC card—just go to the highway service point or local traffic office to get a cash-rechargeable card type, no need to bind a bank card, with super-fast approval and no credit check. He had the device installed and was on the road the same day. Although this method might offer fewer points or discounts, it doesn’t delay driving safety, and ETC saves the hassle of queuing for scanning codes, which is very practical. I always remind fellow drivers that if you have credit issues, don’t panic—first call the local highway customer service or use the ETC Assistant tool on WeChat to apply for the device, often bypassing credit checks. However, in the long run, it’s still necessary to repair your credit record to avoid affecting insurance or maintenance.

[McChloe]

Hey buddy, when I first bought my car, my credit report was a mess, and I was worried about getting rejected for an ETC application. Back then, I searched online and found out that most banks check credit records when applying for ETC—what if my score was too low to bind a bank card? Luckily, a friend recommended using Alipay's mini-program to directly apply for an ETC device. Just upload your ID, and it’s done—no credit report checks at all. Preload a few hundred bucks, and you’re good to go—automatic toll deductions on highways are super convenient. Later, I discovered that some city transit card points also offer cash-based ETC cards. For example, the Shanghai Transportation Card APP gets it done in a few steps with no credit check barriers. Anyway, now I cruise through tolls without a hitch, and I’ve even recommended it to a few buddies in our group chat. Remember, a bad credit score doesn’t stop you from enjoying tech conveniences. Of course, it’s best to fix your credit score early to avoid other hassles, but for ETC, there’s always a solution—don’t lose hope.

[StAna]

I often help fellow car enthusiasts with their questions. It's quite normal for ETC applications to be linked to credit records. When banks or third-party platforms handle ETC applications, checking credit reports is standard practice. A low credit score might lead to rejection of card binding, making device installation difficult. However, prepaid cards like certain transportation card ETCs can be processed directly without relying on credit approval, solving major issues. Technically speaking, this is the most reliable solution.