Wondering about the ERAC toll charge on your credit card? Learn its meaning, fees, and how to dispute or avoid unnecessary costs.
If you’ve noticed a mysterious ERAC toll charge on your credit card statement, you’re not alone. Many people are puzzled by this unexpected fee, often appearing weeks or even months after renting a car. But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll break down what this charge is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to avoid unnecessary fees in the future. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time car renter, this guide is your one-stop solution to understanding ERAC toll charges.
Article Breakdown
What is an ERAC Toll Charge?
An ERAC toll charge stands for Enterprise Rent-A-Car toll charge. It reflects toll fees incurred while driving a rental car on toll roads. When you drive on these roads, you usually pay tolls in one of three ways: cash, your personal transponder, or the rental company’s toll system. The ERAC toll charge often appears if you use Enterprise’s TollPass service, which covers tolls on your behalf and bills you later.
Why Does This Charge Appear?
There are several reasons why this charge might show up:
- Automated Toll Systems: Most modern toll roads are cashless, using cameras to scan license plates or transponders for toll payments. If you drove through such tolls in a rental car, Enterprise is billed and then passes the cost onto you.
- Convenience Fees: In addition to the toll amount, Enterprise often adds a convenience fee for processing these charges.
- Delayed Billing: The toll charge might not appear immediately. In some cases, it takes weeks or even months for toll authorities to report the charge to Enterprise.
How Much Does an ERAC Toll Charge Cost?
The cost of an ERAC toll charge depends on two main components: the toll amount and the convenience fee.
- Toll Amount: This is the actual fee for driving on the toll road.
- Convenience Fee: Enterprise charges a daily convenience fee, typically between $3.95 and $4.95, up to a cap of $30 per rental.
For example, if you pass through a $2 toll road on two separate days, you might pay $4 in tolls plus $8–$10 in convenience fees, resulting in a total charge of $12–$14.
Common Complaints About ERAC Toll Charges
Unexpected Charges Long After Rental Ends
One of the most common frustrations is seeing the charge appear weeks or months after the rental period. This delay happens because toll authorities take time to process and report toll violations.
Double Billing with Personal Transponders
Even if you use your personal transponder, you could still get charged by Enterprise. This happens when the rental car’s license plate is billed in addition to your transponder.
High Fees for Small Tolls
A small toll fee, like $1, can balloon into a $5 or $10 charge once the convenience fee is added. For infrequent toll users, this feels excessive.
How to Verify ERAC Toll Charges
Step 1: Check Your Rental Agreement
Your rental agreement includes details about toll charges and convenience fees. Look for sections on TollPass or toll coverage.
Step 2: Review Your Rental Receipt
Enterprise provides an itemized receipt, either at the time of return or through their online portal. This should detail any toll charges.
Step 3: Access the TollPass Site
Enterprise’s partner, HTA (Highway Toll Administration), allows you to view and pay toll charges online. Visit HTALLC TollPass and enter your rental information.
How to Avoid ERAC Toll Charges in the Future
Use Your Own Transponder
Bring your personal transponder and register the rental car’s license plate to avoid being charged by Enterprise.
Opt Out of TollPass
Request to opt out of Enterprise’s TollPass system. Be prepared to pay tolls manually or avoid toll roads entirely.
Pay Toll Fees Directly
If possible, pay tolls in cash or use a toll-by-plate service to settle the charges directly with the toll authority.
What to Do If You’ve Been Overcharged
Dispute the Charge with Enterprise
Contact Enterprise’s customer service with your rental agreement and any toll receipts to contest overcharges.
File a Dispute with Your Credit Card Company
If Enterprise refuses to issue a refund, file a dispute with your credit card company. Provide evidence, such as toll receipts and correspondence with Enterprise.
Escalate to a Toll Authority
If the issue stems from a toll authority error, reach out to them directly with proof of payment or a detailed explanation.
Key Takings
- ERAC toll charges result from using toll roads in a rental car managed by Enterprise.
- Charges include the toll fee plus a convenience fee, often $3.95–$4.95 per day.
- You can verify charges through your rental agreement, receipts, and the HTA TollPass portal.
- To avoid charges, use your transponder, pay tolls directly, or opt out of TollPass.
- Overcharged? Dispute with Enterprise or your credit card issuer.
Additional Resources
- Highway Toll Administration’s TollPass Portal: A tool to review and pay tolls associated with Enterprise rentals.
- Enterprise Toll Collection Policies: Detailed explanations of how tolls are handled and billed.
- How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge: A step-by-step guide by the FTC for resolving billing disputes.
- National Toll Roads Directory: A comprehensive directory of toll agencies across the U.S.
