Is there a service fee for ETC if not used for a year?

[SanGabrielle]

ETC will incur a service fee if not used for a year. Here are the relevant details: 1. Reason: Currently, although the ETC cards issued by major banks do not impose a minimum annual spending requirement on vehicle owners, they still require a certain number of transactions to waive the annual fee. Additionally, fees such as SMS service charges and card loss handling fees must also be paid by the vehicle owner. 2. Billing System: The system utilizes dedicated short-range communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at toll stations. It employs computer networking technology to process backend settlements with banks, enabling vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping at toll stations.

[OPreston]

I previously used an ETC card linked to my ICBC credit card. Last year, I traveled a lot and didn't drive much, so the ETC wasn't used for a whole year. Then the bank sent me a bill charging a 100 yuan annual fee, which really upset me! After asking for clarification, I found out that it's a common issue with credit card-linked ETC services—annual fees may still be charged even when inactive. You must check the contract terms or call customer service. I suggest car owners not ignore this; regularly check your card status. You can switch to free ETC services, like the newly issued ABC card with no annual fee, to avoid unnecessary expenses. Even if you drive less, you should still save hassle and money.

[Teresa]

We veteran car owners have all been through this: Does ETC charge an annual service fee if unused for a year? It depends on the card's origin. For bank-issued ETCs, especially those linked to credit accounts, annual fee policies are common; even if you don't use it, fees may still apply if the terms haven't been terminated. Don't be lazy—contact your bank to clarify the details. Many newer ETC solutions, like Bank of China's, are now free. Every penny saved counts, so avoid unexpected charges by not forgetting about it in some corner.

[SanNicole]

As far as I know, ETC charging rules vary by card. Bank versions often have annual fee mechanisms, and inactivity for a year may incur account management fees. Current policies encourage free usage, but it's best to check card agreements to avoid losses. Keeping ETC active is more beneficial for car owners, saving money and hassle.

[WalkerRose]

I think ETC has many benefits, saving time by avoiding queues and traffic jams. Regarding costs, whether ETC is idle for a year depends on the service provider: many banks have canceled annual fees to prevent users from abandoning it, but if your card is bound, you may need to check. It is recommended that car owners do not leave it idle for too long, activate and use it to enjoy toll discounts, while supporting eco-friendly travel. Verify the policy to avoid future worries.

[LaGriffin]

When I first got my ETC, I was worried about similar issues: what if the card isn't used for a year and service fees apply? After checking, I found that some bank cards do charge annual fees, especially credit-based ones. I directly installed the official app to monitor the status, with no fee alerts; before leaving it idle, I confirmed the agreement details, or opted for an annual-fee-free ETC tag for peace of mind. Newcomers should pay extra attention to these details to avoid pitfalls.