ERAC Toll Charge on Credit Card – Legit or Scam?

If you’ve noticed an “ERAC Toll” charge on your credit card statement, you might be wondering why it’s there. This charge commonly appears when you rent a vehicle from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and travel on toll roads.

The charge includes the cost of tolls incurred during your trip and an administrative fee for processing them.

What is ERAC Toll Charge?

An “ERAC Toll” charge appears on your credit card when you rent a vehicle from Enterprise and travel through toll roads without manually paying the tolls. Instead of requiring you to stop at toll booths, Enterprise has implemented a toll management system to simplify the process for renters. While convenient, this system automatically adds toll charges to your credit card, along with administrative fees.

When you drive a rental car through toll plazas, the system detects the vehicle’s license plate as it passes. The tolling authority sends the toll data to Enterprise, which processes the payment on your behalf. In addition to the toll amount, Enterprise adds a convenience fee to cover the administrative costs of managing these payments. The fee is typically between $3.95 and $4.95 per day but can vary based on your rental agreement and the toll regions.

Many customers are unaware of this arrangement until they see the charges on their credit card statements. The rental agreement you sign usually includes this information, but it’s often buried in the fine print. As a renter, it’s essential to understand this system, as the charges can add up quickly if you frequently use toll roads.

To avoid confusion, you can ask the rental agency about toll policies before taking the car. Some renters may also find it helpful to use their personal toll transponders or avoid toll roads altogether to minimize fees. Being proactive can save you from unexpected costs later.

How Are Toll Payments Collected?

When you drive a rental car through toll roads, the toll payments are collected through Enterprise’s automated toll management system. This process ensures you don’t have to stop at toll booths or worry about paying the tolls directly. While this system offers convenience, it also comes with additional charges.

Enterprise uses the vehicle’s license plate to record toll transactions. As you pass through toll plazas, the tolling authority captures the license plate details and associates them with the rental car. The toll amount is then billed to Enterprise, which processes the payment on your behalf. Once the payment is made, the charge is forwarded to your credit card, along with a convenience fee. This fee covers the administrative costs of handling toll payments and varies depending on your rental agreement.

One of the main benefits of this system is the time-saving aspect. You can drive seamlessly through electronic toll plazas without worrying about cash or cards. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the fees involved. For example, in some cases, the daily administrative fee is charged even if you use a toll road only once during your rental period. This can lead to higher costs than expected.

To manage these charges effectively, consider reviewing the toll policies of your rental car agreement. If possible, use a personal toll pass or prepay tolls online to reduce administrative fees. Understanding how these payments are collected can help you plan your trips more efficiently.

What to Do If You Don’t Recognize the Charge?

If you come across an ERAC Toll charge on your credit card and don’t recall using a rental car or toll roads, it’s essential to act promptly. Start by verifying the charge on your statement. Look for details such as the transaction date, amount, and merchant name. This can help you determine whether the charge is legitimate or potentially fraudulent.

Next, check your records for any recent car rentals with Enterprise or related transactions. If you’ve rented a car but don’t remember using toll roads, consider reviewing your rental agreement and trip details. Sometimes, toll charges may apply even if you unknowingly drove through electronic toll lanes. You can also log in to Enterprise’s toll management portal to view the tolls and associated receipts linked to your rental.

If you still don’t recognize the charge or believe it’s a mistake, contact Enterprise’s customer service immediately. Provide them with details like the charge amount, transaction date, and any supporting documentation. They can investigate the charge and clarify whether it’s valid. In some cases, they may offer refunds if an error occurred.

Additionally, reach out to your credit card issuer to report the charge. They can place the transaction under review and, if necessary, issue a temporary refund while they investigate. It’s also a good practice to monitor your credit card statements for any unusual activity to ensure your account remains secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

Can I Dispute an ERAC Toll Charge?

Yes, you can dispute an ERAC Toll charge if you believe it is incorrect. To begin, review your rental agreement and toll receipts to ensure the charges align with your usage. If discrepancies exist, contact Enterprise’s customer service directly to address the issue. Additionally, your credit card provider may assist in disputing the charge if Enterprise fails to resolve the matter.

What Happens if I Don’t Pay Tolls While Renting a Car?

If you don’t pay tolls manually, the tolling authority bills Enterprise directly, and the company processes the charges. This results in the toll amount, plus an administrative fee, being charged to your credit card. Ignoring tolls during your rental period will not exempt you from these fees, as Enterprise automatically manages toll payments.

Is the Convenience Fee Applied Daily or Per Toll?

The convenience fee is typically applied daily. This means you’ll be charged the fee for each day you use a toll road, regardless of how many tolls you pass through. However, policies may vary by location, so confirm this detail with Enterprise when renting a vehicle.

Wrapping Up

Encountering an ERAC Toll charge on your credit card might initially seem puzzling, but it’s a routine part of renting a vehicle from Enterprise. These charges typically include toll fees for roads you used during your trip and a daily convenience fee for the company’s toll management service. While the system offers convenience by automating toll payments, the associated fees can add up if not properly understood.