questions about our new E-Z pass

[LoriC1964]

We are driving to WDW for the first time in a few weeks. We applied for and just received our new E-Z pass tag. We have never had an account before.

I feel really dumb asking this...but despite my best efforts to find the information on the E-Z pass websites, I can't find the answers to my question.

We set up the new account with a $25 deposit and we have a credit card linked to the account. If we "use up" the $25 in the account during our trip, will a charge automatically be made against our credit card account for any "overages"? Are the charges to credit card made in certain increments (maybe $25) or just for the amount of the tolls? The paperwork shows the replenishment method as "mastercard" which is the credit card we have linked to the account. Should I "add" money to the E-Z pass account as soon we use up our initial $25?

 

[Ladcassidy]

When your account gets low, it will automatically replenish (add another $25 to the account). You don't have to do anything.

 

[goofy4tink]

Every other month or so, I see a charge of about $30 to my EZ Pass account. Yep, it's automatic. Sometimes you may go through a toll and see it come up as 'low balance'. Don't worry about it..it will be reset automatically.

 

[jessa07]

If you're planning an out of state trip, you should still load up beforehand with the toll money you need. Apparently, out of state tolls take a couple days to post, and if they post before your account recharges, you might not be able to use your EZ Pass for a bit. We found this out the hard way and had to pay cash all the way from MI to MD!

 

[LoriC1964]

Thanks everyone!

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

If you're planning an out of state trip, you should still load up beforehand with the toll money you need. Apparently, out of state tolls take a couple days to post, and if they post before your account recharges, you might not be able to use your EZ Pass for a bit. We found this out the hard way and had to pay cash all the way from MI to MD!

That shouldn't happen. Typically the recharge threshold is $10. So as you use the transponder for tolls as soon as you hit or drop below $10, it grabs another $25 from your credit or debit card and brings the balance up to near $35. So it's impossible to go below $0 unless the card where it's pulling funds from doesn't have the funds. Doesn't matter how many days it takes a toll to get subtracted.

BobK/Orlando

 

[CPT Tripss]

If you're planning an out of state trip, you should still load up beforehand with the toll money you need. Apparently, out of state tolls take a couple days to post, and if they post before your account recharges, you might not be able to use your EZ Pass for a bit. We found this out the hard way and had to pay cash all the way from MI to MD!

I won't say that this can't happen, but it never happened to me on long, expensive trips.

To OP, if your usage turns out to be high, the replenishment amount my increase. I jumped from $25 to, I think $75, maybe more when I had a $5 a day commute. I think they my also have grabbed more to replenish when I drove from NJ to IL and back . . .

 

[DVCgrace]

Also, toll facilities south of North Carolina do not participate in E-Z Pass.

It does not work in Florida.

 

[francie57]

We have the same thing as you, an automatic $25 charge to our credit card when it has been used. We have never had any trouble using the EZpass when driving from CT to NC. It will automatically reload your account. We have never even seen the low balance light at the toll booths. You shouldn't have any trouble and you really don't need to put extra money on your account before you leave - that is why you gave a cc number to be used. As another poster said, it won't work in Florida, they have the SunPass and don't accept EZpass.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I received something recently were they dropped the auto fee amount lower...maybe $20 or $15. There were other considerations but I don't have the letter in front of me. We are out on the road using the EZ Pass fee up.

 

[hydrotony]

EZ Pass is a separate system than the SunPass that Florida uses. If you are going to drive on any toll roads or toll bridges in Florida, you must use the CASH lane or you can buy pre-paid SunPass transponders in just about any chain drugstore or department store in Florida or order one by phone or internet.

 

[LoriC1964]

I appreciate all the responses.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you're planning an out of state trip, you should still load up beforehand with the toll money you need. Apparently, out of state tolls take a couple days to post, and if they post before your account recharges, you might not be able to use your EZ Pass for a bit. We found this out the hard way and had to pay cash all the way from MI to MD!

I agree this shouldn't happen. I have had EZ Pass for many years and have never had a problem with reload delays. Perhaps the issue was with your credit card.

 

[mmouse50]

has anyone ever got a sunpass transponder for a rental car? Meaning if I fly in and then drive around FLA. how would I get the rental license plate linked to my sunpass account?

 

[seashoreCM]

has anyone ever got a sunpass transponder for a rental car? Meaning if I fly in and then drive around FLA. how would I get the rental license plate linked to my sunpass account?

1. You may obtain a Sunpass subscription regardless of what state you live in. You may use that transponder in the rental car. You should contact Sunpass either on line or over the phone to add that license plate information as soon as possible after you pick up the rental car and remove that license plate info as soon as possible after you return the rental car.

2. You can subscribe to the rental company's toll payment program (usually somewhat more expensive). No Sunpass subscription of your own needed.