Is It Normal for ETC to Display a Charge Card?
2 Answers
It is normal for ETC to display a charge card. After activating ETC, the tolls incurred on highways are directly deducted from a debit card or credit card. ETC credit cards typically operate on a post-payment basis, with monthly settlements before deducting from the bank credit card account. Once the credit card bill is issued, simply follow the normal repayment process. How ETC Works: Through an onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, dedicated short-range communication is established with microwave antennas in the ETC lanes at toll stations. This leverages computer networking technology to process backend settlements with banks, enabling vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping while automatically paying the required fees. Benefits of Installing ETC: Saves time by eliminating the need to queue and wait. Environmentally friendly—vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, thereby minimizing pollution. Reduces wear and costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle acceleration and braking, lowering mechanical wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees. Improves efficiency—ETC lanes can theoretically increase vehicle throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and higher-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
I think it's quite normal for ETC debit cards to have delayed deductions. Last month when I went on a long-distance trip, I zoomed through the toll station, and the deduction only showed up on my phone bill three or four days later. After checking with the bank customer service, I learned that there's naturally a time lag between the highway data and the bank system reconciliation, unlike stored-value cards which settle on the spot. However, if you see unfamiliar toll station records on your bill or overcharges, you should be alert. My colleague was mistakenly charged three times for Shanghai toll fees last year—he never even left Zhejiang province. It wasn't until he complained to the ETC service outlet that he got his money back. I suggest everyone pay attention to three key details in the deduction SMS: license plate number, time, and location of passage.
