ERAC toll charges are fees that show up on your credit card statement when you use certain toll roads
ERAC stands for Electronic Road and Congestion charging. When you see an ERAC charge on your credit card, it means you drove on a toll road that uses electronic toll collection, and the toll operator charged your card directly. The charge appears as a line item on your statement, usually within a few days of when you used the road.
ERAC toll systems are used in several countries and regions, most commonly in Europe and the Middle East. The toll operator has your card information on file — either because you registered it when you first used the toll road, or because a rental car company provided it — and bills you automatically each time you pass through a toll zone.
These charges are legitimate and expected if you drove on a toll road. However, they sometimes confuse cardholders because the charge description on a statement can be unclear, or because the cardholder did not realise they were entering a toll zone.
Key Takeaways
- ERAC charges appear when you use a toll road with electronic collection; the toll operator bills your card automatically.
- The charge will show on your credit card statement within a few days, usually with the toll operator's name or a reference number.
- If you rented a car, the rental company may have registered your card without telling you, so check your rental agreement.
- If you do not recognise the charge, contact your card issuer or the toll operator to confirm the date and location of the toll.
- You can dispute the charge with your card issuer if you believe it is wrong, but you will need proof you did not use that road.
How ERAC charges appear on your statement
The charge description varies depending on which toll operator billed you. Common descriptions include the operator's name (such as "Salik" in Dubai, "Toll+" in the UAE, or regional toll authority names), a reference number, or a generic phrase like "Electronic Toll" or "Road Charge."
The amount depends on the toll road and the distance you travelled. Some toll systems charge a flat fee per crossing; others charge by distance or time of day. The charge will list the date you used the road, though it may take two to five business days to appear on your statement after you drove through the toll zone.
If you used multiple toll roads during a trip, you may see several separate ERAC charges on your statement, each one corresponding to a different toll crossing or zone.
Why ERAC charges appear on a rental car
If you rented a car and see an ERAC charge, the rental company registered your credit card with the toll operator when you picked up the vehicle. This is standard practice at rental agencies in countries with electronic toll systems. The rental company does this so that tolls are charged to you directly rather than to the rental company, which would then bill you separately.
Check your rental agreement — it should mention that your card will be charged for tolls. Some rental companies charge a small processing fee on top of the actual toll amount. If you want to avoid this, ask the rental company at pickup whether you can pay tolls a different way, such as with a prepaid toll card or by paying cash at a toll booth (if one is available).
If you did not authorise the rental company to use your card for tolls, contact the rental company and your card issuer to dispute the charge. You will need to show that you did not consent to the toll arrangement.
Checking whether an ERAC charge is correct
To verify an ERAC charge, gather the following information: the date on your statement, the amount charged, and the toll operator's name or reference number. Then contact the toll operator directly using the phone number or website listed on your statement.
Provide the toll operator with your card details and the charge date. They can tell you which road you were charged for, the exact time you passed through, and whether the amount is correct. Many toll operators have online portals where you can log in and view a history of your charges, including photos of your vehicle at the toll point.
If the charge is correct but you do not remember using that road, it is possible you drove through a toll zone without realising it. Many electronic toll systems do not have visible booths or barriers — you straightforward drive through and are billed automatically.
Disputing an ERAC charge with your card issuer
If you believe the ERAC charge is wrong — for example, you were charged twice for the same crossing, or you did not use that road — contact your credit card issuer and request a dispute. You will need to explain why you think the charge is incorrect.
Your card issuer will ask you for evidence. This might include a receipt from the toll operator, a statement from the toll operator showing the charge details, proof of your location at the time (such as a hotel receipt or flight itinerary), or a written statement from the rental company confirming you did not use that vehicle on that date.
The dispute process typically takes 30 to 60 days. During this time, your card issuer will contact the toll operator to verify whether the charge is legitimate. If the toll operator cannot prove you used the road, the charge will be reversed and credited back to your account.
Preventing unwanted ERAC charges in the future
If you are renting a car in a country with electronic tolls, ask the rental company at pickup whether tolls will be charged to your card. Request an alternative arrangement if possible — some companies offer prepaid toll cards, or you can pay tolls separately after your trip.
If you are driving your own car, check whether your country or region uses electronic tolls and whether your vehicle is registered with the toll system. In some places, you must register your vehicle or purchase a toll pass before driving on certain roads. Driving without registration can result in fines in addition to the toll charge.
Keep your credit card information up to date with toll operators if you drive regularly in areas with electronic tolls. If your card expires or is replaced, update your details so that charges do not fail and you do not incur late fees.
What to do if you do not recognise the toll operator
If the charge description on your statement does not clearly identify the toll operator, search the reference number or charge description online. Most toll operators have websites where you can enter a reference number and see details of the charge.
You can also contact your credit card issuer and ask them to provide the merchant category code or the toll operator's full name and contact details. This information is usually available on your statement or in your online account.
Once you have identified the toll operator, contact them directly to confirm the charge. If you still cannot identify the operator or the charge, file a dispute with your card issuer. Provide as much detail as you can about when and where you were travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse to pay an ERAC charge?
No. If you used a toll road, you are legally required to pay the toll. Refusing to pay can result in fines, vehicle registration holds, or legal action by the toll operator. If you believe the charge is incorrect, dispute it with the toll operator or your card issuer rather than refusing payment.
Will an ERAC charge affect my credit score?
A single ERAC charge will not affect your credit score. However, if you dispute the charge and lose the dispute, and then do not pay it, the toll operator may report the debt to a collection agency, which could harm your credit. Pay the charge or resolve the dispute promptly.
How long does it take for an ERAC charge to appear on my statement?
Most ERAC charges appear within two to five business days of when you used the toll road. Some toll operators batch charges and may take up to two weeks to bill. Check your statement regularly so you can spot any charges you do not recognise.
What if I used a toll road by accident and did not know it was a toll zone?
Contact the toll operator and explain the situation. Some operators offer a grace period or a one-time waiver for first-time users who did not see signage. However, they are not required to waive the charge. If they refuse, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer, though you will need evidence that the toll zone was not clearly marked.
Can I get a refund if I paid a toll twice?
Yes. Contact the toll operator with the dates and amounts of both charges. Provide proof that you only drove through once (such as a photo of your receipt or a statement from the rental company). The operator should refund the duplicate charge within one to two weeks. If they do not, dispute both charges with your card issuer.