Paytm Payments Bank has been one of the largest issuers of the FASTag. What RBI’s directive has meant is that Paytm FASTag users will have to close their account by March 15, 2024, i.e., deactivate, and then only can they get a new FASTag from another NHAI-authorised issuer.
Also read: Full list of NHAI-authorized FASTag issuers
Álso read: Many Paytm FASTag users facing issues closing account, complain on social media; are you able to close your Paytm FASTag?
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recommended Paytm FASTag customers to obtain a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024. This will help to avoid penalties or additional fees when commuting on National Highways. According to the NHAI advisory issued on March 13, 2024, “To ensure seamless travel experience and avoid inconvenience at toll plazas, NHAI has advised Paytm FASTag users to procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024. This will help in avoiding penalties or any double fee charges while commuting on National Highways. In line with the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India regarding restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank, the Paytm FASTags users will not be able to recharge or top-up the balance post 15th March 2024. However, they can use their existing balance to pay toll beyond the stipulated date.”
Also read: Can you use your Paytm wallet after March 15; how to close Paytm account
Users finding it difficult to close Paytm FASTag
You cannot port your Paytm Payments Bank FASTag nor is the credit balance transfer feature available in the FASTag product. Therefore, you will have to close your old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank and request the bank for a refund.
Further, after putting in the closure request it takes some time for the FASTag account to get closed. This is the message you will get when you put in a request to close the account: “Your FASTag will be closed within 5-7 working days. Security deposit and minimum balance maintained will be refunded to your Paytm Payments Bank wallet.”Many users have taken to social media stating that they are finding it difficult to close their Paytm FASTag.
Click here to find out how to close Paytm FASTag and the difficulties users are facing in closing their account.
If you are someone who has started the process of close, here is how to check Paytm FASTag status
Call on the Paytm toll free number: 1800-120-4210 and mention your mobile number against which the tag has been registered along with the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) or Tag ID. Paytm Payment Banks customer Support agent will get in touch with you to confirm the closure of FASTag. Also, customers can raise concerns from the 24×7 help section of their Paytm app by selecting ‘Fastag’ category and a suitable issue.
How to check NETC FASTag status
Step 1: visit https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/netc-fastag/check-your-netc-fastag-status
Step 2
Select Search by FASTag ID or Vehicle
Step 3
Enter Captcha
Step 4
Click on check status.
How do you know my Paytm FASTag is active or not?
If you have an active tag – you can check it under the “Manage Tags” section in your FASTag sub-wallet.
How to check FASTag balance Online through website?
Step 1
Visit the official website of the Fastag issuer for your vehicle.
Step 2
Log in to your Fastag account and look for the option to check your Fastag account balance.
Step 3
View the Fastag account statement to learn more about previous payments.
What Paytm is saying
Accorrding to a set of FAQs released by Paytm Payments Bank, on March 14, 2024: We are already offering HDFC Bank FASTags and also offer the FASTag recharge of other partnered banks on the Paytm app. However, you can not purchase Paytm Payments Bank FASTags though you can recharge it before 15th March and use the balance until it’s exhausted.