Dollar toll charges on credit cards refer to small fees automatically applied when a cardholder crosses toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. These charges are typically processed through electronic toll systems like E-ZPass or FasTrak and are reflected as a toll fee on the credit card statement. This convenient method saves time by eliminating the need for cash payments at toll booths.
However, users should monitor their statements to ensure accuracy, as multiple tolls or processing fees can increase over time. Always keep track of toll-related expenses to avoid unexpected charges.
What Are Dollar Toll Charges?
Dollar toll charges can vary significantly based on the rental agreement and the toll service options selected. Here’s a detailed overview of the typical charges associated with tolls when renting from Dollar Car Rental:
Toll Service Options
- PlatePass® All-Inclusive Tolling:
- This pre-paid toll service allows unlimited toll usage for a low daily rate.
- The daily rate is typically around $9.99 per day, which covers all tolls incurred during the rental period without additional charges for each toll used.
- Pass24®:
- Available in select locations, this service offers unlimited 24-hour toll usage for a daily fee, allowing renters to bypass toll booths without needing cash or coins.
- The fee is generally $2.50 per day, capped at $10.00 per week
How to Avoid Dollar Toll Charges: Proven Strategies
To avoid dollar toll charges, consider the following proven strategies:
1. Avoid Toll Roads
- Use Navigation Apps: Set your preferred mapping service (like Google Maps or Waze) to avoid toll roads. This can help you find alternative routes that do not incur tolls, allowing you to opt out of toll packages offered by rental companies.
2. Use Your Toll Transponder
- Bring a Personal Transponder: If you have a personal toll transponder (like E-ZPass), check if it’s accepted on the toll roads you plan to use. This can help you avoid the rental company’s convenience fees, which can be substantial.
3. Research Rental Company Policies
- Choose Wisely: Some rental companies, like Silvercar, do not charge additional fees for tolls. Others may have more favorable policies that allow you to use your own transponder without incurring extra costs. Compare policies before booking your rental.
4. Consider Pre-Paid Toll Options
- Evaluate Options: Some companies offer pre-paid toll plans that cover all tolls for a daily fee. While this may seem convenient, calculate whether it’s cheaper than paying the actual tolls plus any administrative fees.
5. Pay Cash Where Possible
- Cash Payments: In some regions, cash lanes are still available for tolls. If you’re traveling in such areas, carrying cash can help you avoid rental car toll charges altogether.
6. Plan Your Routes
- Educate Yourself: Before your trip, familiarize yourself with the toll roads in your destination area. This proactive approach can help you plan routes that minimize or eliminate toll charges.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and potentially eliminate unnecessary dollar toll charges during your rental car experience.
Best Credit Cards for Avoiding Toll Charges
1. Citi® Double Cash Card
- Toll Benefit: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay off your balance).
- Additional Perks: No annual fee and an introductory APR for balance transfers.
- Why It’s Great for Tolls: Since toll payments count as purchases, you can earn 2% cash back on every toll payment.
2. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Toll Benefit: 3% cash back in the category of your choice, including gas stations, where many toll cards or passes are recharged.
- Additional Perks: 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Why It’s Great for Tolls: Opt for gas station rewards to maximize toll-related purchases when you recharge your toll pass.
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Toll Benefit: 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, making it ideal for recharging toll transponders.
- Additional Perks: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming subscriptions.
- Why It’s Great for Tolls: Use it at gas stations to recharge your toll accounts and earn cash back while doing so.
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Toll Benefit: Earn 1.5% cash back on toll payments and every other purchase.
- Additional Perks: 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 5% on travel purchased through Chase.
- Why It’s Great for Tolls: It’s a good all-around card for daily commuters, especially those who make frequent road trips.
5. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Toll Benefit: 5% cash back on two categories of your choice, which can include tolls or transportation.
- Additional Perks: 2% cash back at gas stations and 1% on all other purchases.
- Why It’s Great for Tolls: Choose transportation as one of your 5% categories to maximize savings on toll charges.
6. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Toll Benefit: Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, including toll payments.
- Additional Perks: No annual fee, and a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Why It’s Great for Tolls: Simple and straightforward, this card offers excellent value with a flat 2% cash back on tolls and other expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dollar toll charges refer to fees applied to your credit card when using toll roads during a car rental. These charges can include actual toll fees plus additional administrative fees from the rental company if you don’t use their toll service.
To avoid unexpected charges, consider using a personal toll transponder like E-ZPass, which allows automatic toll payments without incurring additional rental fees. Additionally, regularly check your credit card statements to spot any unfamiliar charges.
Yes, certain credit cards offer rewards on travel and transit purchases, including tolls. Cards like the Citi Custom Cash® Card or U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card can provide cashback or points on these expenses, helping you offset costs.
If you see an unfamiliar charge on your credit card statement, contact your credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge. Prompt action can help resolve issues quickly and prevent further unauthorized transactions.
Yes, some companies, like Hertz, have more reasonable rates for their toll programs than Dollar. It’s advisable to research and compare policies before renting.
Administrative fees can vary by company but often range from $15 to $25 per toll incurred, in addition to the actual toll charge
Yes, you can challenge a charge by contacting the customer service of the rental company and providing evidence or details about your trip. Persistence and clear communication are key in these situations.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date content, credit card terms, conditions, and offers are subject to change at the discretion of the card issuers. Readers are encouraged to thoroughly review and verify all terms before applying for any credit card.