In a bid to go cashless and ease congestion at tolls, Touch ‘n Go has recently implemented new features like RFID lanes, eWallet and PayDirect.
Before this, topping up a TNG card only required cash transactions with no online transactions involved, but now, the relatively new TNG eWallet app has provided customers with a few more features that are designed to make transactions easier.
Malay Mail reported that customers are getting confused trying to figure out how all these functions work as there are different rules for similar functions. So, here’s a simple breakdown of how each of these features work.
Source: Vernon Chan
PayDirect
The most recent implementation is PayDirect, which allows you to link your TNG card to your eWallet. This means that money is deducted directly from your eWallet whenever you tap your TNG card or use it with a SmartTAG at tolls.
Note: Your TNG card balance and eWallet balance are not the same, therefore, your TNG card balance is NOT affected when you use PayDirect.
However, when your eWallet balance runs out of money, you CAN use your TNG card balance for the PayDirect function.
With that being said, this is NOT how RFID works.
Source: SoyaCincau
RFID
RFID is a radio frequency chip that comes in the form of a sticker that you place on the front of your car. This is not linked to your TNG card or SmartTAG.
Similar to PayDirect, toll fees are deducted directly from your eWallet when using RFID, however, the only difference is that when your eWallet balance runs out, you CANNOT use your TNG card balance to pay for tolls.
To clarify further, here’s a visual representation of how PayDirect and RFID works.
Source: WOB
It is understandable that customers are confused about how PayDirect and RFID work as both of them are extremely similar, with only minor differences that have major effects when the eWallet balance runs out.
Perhaps one piece of advice RFID users can follow is to always maintain a healthy eWallet balance at all times, while PayDirect users have the option of using their TNG card balance when their eWallet balance runs out.
To avoid all this, users can always enable the credit card auto-reload function on the TNG eWallet app. This allows you to set how much to reload and when to reload with no extra surcharge. Once this is set up, you wouldn’t have to worry about your eWallet balance running out.
Meanwhile, PayDirect is now available for toll payments at supported highways only. This means that users still need to have a sufficient TNG card balance for non-supported highways and certain parking locations.
All these new features from TNG sure are very confusing. I had a hard time understanding it too! Hopefully you now understand how PayDirect and RFID works, but if you’re still confused, you can always visit www.touchngo.com.my for further clarification.
Also read: Drivers on PLUS Highways Won’t Be Able to Top Up Touch ‘n Go At Tolls From Now Until 10th June
