ERP payments made easy: All the ways you can pay

ERP stands for electronic road pricing - the system used in Singapore to regulate traffic and charge road users according to when and where they drive. You’ll pay an ERP fee when you pass under the electronic gantries in your car during operational hours - failure to pay is against the law and will result in a fine.

There are various ways you can make ERP payments using a physical ERP card or a virtual solution. This guide covers your options so you can figure out the best way to pay your ERP charges, and stay on the right side of the law.

Table of contents:
The basics of ERP fees New to Singapore? You need Wise Where to buy cashcard in Singapore NETS Motoring Card aka NETS CashCard EZ-Link Card NETS VCashCard (Virtual CashCard) EZ-Link Motoring serviceERP violations and fines Paying an ERP fine online

The basics of ERP fees

ERP charges are used to keep traffic flowing on the roads in Singapore. By imposing charges for some key routes - which change according to demand - drivers are encouraged to pick less congested roads, and travel outside of peak hours.

The actual price you pay will depend on where you’re driving, the time of day, and the car you’re in. Bigger cars are usually more costly, and ERP costs are set in half hour intervals, adjusted over peak times like school holidays and on the eve of public holidays.¹

You can pay ERP fees in 2 basic ways - either using a prepaid ERP card which is entered into your in-vehicle unit (IU), or by signing up to a post paid service. The post paid service is convenient as you don’t need to top up your payment card - simply link it to your eligible bank account. However, the prepaid card is also a handy option as it can be used for ERP charges, and also for car park costs.

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New to Singapore? You need Wise

If you’re travelling in Singapore, or are a new arrival on the island and plan on driving, you’ll want to set up your ERP payments in advance to avoid late fees or fines. We’ll cover the different payment options in more detail in just a moment.

If you’re paying using a foreign currency, or need currency conversion while you settle in Singapore, you could be better off with Wise.

Wise offers a smart online multi-currency account and card which you can use to top up your ERP card. You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate when you convert your currency, with no markups or hidden fees. That can work out much cheaper than using your regular bank account when you travel or need to switch between currencies.

Start saving today with Wise

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Where to buy cashcard in Singapore

Let’s take a look at the different card options, and where you can find them.

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NETS Motoring Card aka NETS CashCard

The NETS Motoring Card can be used for ERP payments and all car park costs in Singapore.² ³ It’s compatible with both the current style of IU, and the on-board units which are being rolled out for the next generation ERP system. Here’s what you need to know:

Card name	NETS Motoring Card
Cost to buy	SGD10, inclusive of SGD5 stored value
Fees	Some fees may apply to top up at convenience stores
How to top up	Top up your card at NETS top up machines, many ATMs, convenience stores, or using an app for virtual top up. You can also link your card to your chosen ERP credit card or debit card for automatic top ups.
Validity period	Validity is marked on the back of your card
Refunds	Get a refund within 2 years of the end of the card validity period³
Other features	Buy your card at petrol stations, convenience stores or through the NETS customer service centre Earn Wink+ loyalty points as you use your card

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EZ-Link Card

Even if you’re a visitor or new arrival in Singapore, you’ll probably have an EZ-Link card already as a simple, smart way to ride public transport. Use your card to pay ERP charges as well, if you decide to drive on the island.⁵ ⁶ Here’s how to get and use your EZ-Link card.

Card name	EZ-Link Card
Cost to buy	SGD12 with SGD7 stored value through TransitLink offices. You can also buy through convenience stores and petrol stations - price varies, but SGD10 with SGD5 stored value is common⁷
Fees	No monthly fees Top up fees apply if you’re adding funds through a convenience store or Community Club
How to top up	Top up using the machines in MRT stations, at TransitLink service counters, in convenience stores, ATMs, at Community Clubs or malls. You can also set your card to auto-top up for convenience⁸
Validity period	Check your card validity on the EZ-Link app or at a top up machine
Refunds	Get a refund at TransitLink offices or many MRT stations
Other features	Use your EZ-Link card to make other purchases at selected online and physical retailers

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NETS VCashCard (Virtual CashCard)

NETS also offers a virtual cash card option which means no physical card to carry round.⁹ You can use this virtual cash card to pay for ERP charges - but it’s not yet accepted for car park payments, making this a smart addition to a regular NETS card, but not necessarily a replacement.

Card name	NETS VCashCard
Cost to buy	Free to download the app
Fees	Free to register, no monthly charge. You may pay top up fees depending on which card you use to fund your virtual cash card
How to top up	Top up using your locally issued credit or debit card - UOB card payments are fee free
Other features	Car park payments are expected to be available in future

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EZ-Link Motoring service

EZ-Link is part of life for all Singaporeans, as one of the first prepaid card options out there - but you can also use EZ-Link card free, for ERP payments and some car parking charges.¹⁰ Here’s the low down.

Card name	EZ-Link Motoring
Cost to buy	Free to download the app, or register through the online portal
Fees	Free to register, no monthly charge but you will need to agree to a pre-authorisation which allows EZ-Link to hold some of your funds against future payments
How to top up	Top up using your Citibank or DBS credit or debit card
Other features	Some car park payments can be made using this service - more parking options are being added in future

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ERP violations and fines

If you pass through an active ERP gantry and do not have a valid card in your IU - or the card doesn’t have enough money on it to pay the fee, you’ll need to pay a fine.¹¹ You’ll get a notification about the violation within a day or two, and will then have 2 weeks to pay the fine plus an administration fee. The administration fee is reduced if you pay online or using another digital channel or ATM.

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Paying an ERP fine online

The easiest way to pay any ERP fine you receive is online. Simply head to the One Motoring website, and select the option for LTA e-payment services.¹² Here you’ll be able to pay your ERP fines and fees, as well as carry out other online transactions like renewing your road tax.

Understanding ERP charges is important if you plan to drive in Singapore. Use this guide as a starting point, to make sure you’re driving legally and without any hassle. And don’t forget - if you’re an expat or traveller and need to pay your ERP charges and daily expenses from a foreign currency, you could save if you choose Wise.

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Sources:

1. OneMotoring - Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)
2. NETS
3. NETS Motoring Card
4. NETS FAQ - What should I do if my Auto Top-Up enabled NETS Motoring Card is blocked?
5. EZ-Link
6. EZ-Link - Card
7. EZ-Link - Where to get your card
8. EZ-Link - Top-up and Refund
9. vCashCard
10. EZ-Link - Motoring service
11. Motorist
12. OneMotoring - LTA e-payment services

Sources checked on 17 May 2021