Hitting the expressway anytime soon? Make sure to use an RFID balance checker before your trip! This helps you avoid tollway delays and ensure a smooth journey. Imagine taking NLEX or SLEX during a holiday and entering the RFID lane, only to discover your balance won’t let you through. Topping up your RFID before your journey guarantees a hassle-free drive, saving time for you and other motorists.

In this guide, find out the types of RFIDs used on Philippine expressways and the consequences of having insufficient load in your account. And finally, learn how to check your RFID balance to save yourself from penalties (and unnecessary stress!).

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has made contactless payments on Philippine expressways possible. The process simply requires installing RFID tags on your vehicle’s windshield or bumper and loading up. Dedicated antennas at toll plazas will then read the “sticker” and deduct the toll fee.

Many drivers only check their RFID balance through the automatic readers at the toll gates. Please avoid this practice! You can easily miss the display of your remaining balance or forget the amount you saw, especially if you don’t frequent expressways.

If your balance is insufficient, you can get stuck in the RFID lane, triggering a warning under the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) three-strike policy. Upon the third violation, authorities will confiscate your driver’s license and issue you a traffic violation ticket.

Note: The three-strike policy also applies to motorists who use the RFID lane without RFID tags. 

Your RFID balance checker depends on the electronic toll collection system you’ll use. Two platforms are available: Easytrip and Autosweep. If you expect to travel north and south of Metro Manila, you need to open an RFID account or wallet on both systems.

Metro Pacific Tollways Company runs Easytrip on the following expressways:

• NLEX (North Luzon Expressway)
• SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway)
• CAVITEX (Manila-Cavite Expressway)
• C5 Link (connects CAVITEX to C-5 in Taguig)
• CALAX (Cavite-Laguna Expressway) 

San Miguel Corporation operates Autosweep on the following expressways:

• SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)
• STAR Tollway (Southern Tagalog Arterial Road) 
• NAIAX (NAIA Expressway)
• Skyway
• TPLEX (Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway)
• MCX (Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway)

You can install and activate your Easytrip or Autosweep RFID at various locations and gas stations. Check their respective websites or social channels to find the outlets nearest you.

Once you've registered an account with Easytrip or Autosweep, making an RFID balance inquiry is easy and quick. Here's how to check the balance in your Easytrip RFID account. 

• Go to the Easytrip website. You'll see the "Quick Balance Inquiry" pop-up window.
• Enter the account number and additional info you select (you can choose from plate number, email, or contact number).
• Tick the box to agree to the terms and conditions. 
• Click "Check Balance" to display the remaining balance in your Easytrip account.

• Download the "MPT DriveHub" from the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Log in to your account.
• Go to "Account" at the bottom of the screen to view your current balance. You'll also see a "Top Up" button on this page.

Type "BAL<space>Easytrip account number" and send it to 0919-160-1553 (P1/text).

Autosweep RFID users also have multiple options for checking their account balances.

• Go to the Autosweep website and click "Balance Inquiry" from the menu at the top of the page.
• Log in to your account. 
• Select the Autosweep RFID account you want to check under "Enrolled Accounts" on the dashboard.

• Download the "Autosweep RFID Mobile App" from the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Click the "Quick Balance" button at the bottom to view your balance without logging in.
• Enter your Autosweep RFID account number.
• Click "Check Balance" to display your remaining load.

Autosweep has two account types. Autosweep RFID To-Go (ATG) is for registering one vehicle per account. Autosweep Premium allows enrollment of several vehicles in one account, with the load shared by all vehicles.

• For Autosweep ATG accounts, type "Autosweep<space>BALINQ<space>ATG card number" and send it to 0917-860-8655.
• For Autosweep Premium accounts, type "Autosweep<space>BALINQ<space>plate number" and send it to 0917-860-8655.

If your RFID balance checker shows you’re running low, use the Easytrip and Autosweep apps. Or, you can choose among reloading partners, such as banks, credit cards, convenience stores, and digital payment apps.

Many people prefer reloading via GCash for convenience and security. The mobile wallet helps avoid the varying service charges (depending on how much you top up) on RFID apps. On GCash, there's just a flat service fee for Easytrip (₱12) and Autosweep (₱10) for any amount you load.

Here's how to top up your RFID via GCash:

• Open the GCash app.
• Go to "Bills" and select "Transportation" under Categories. 
• Search for AutoSweep RFID or Easytrip RFID.
• Enter the amount, your account number, and email address (optional).
• Select "Next" to review payment details.
• Tap "Next" at the right corner of the screen for one last look.
• Press "Confirm" to proceed.
• You should receive an in-app receipt and an SMS confirmation of your transaction. 

You can also schedule auto-reloading for your RFID accounts on GCash; just make sure your wallet has enough funds. Then, go on your RFID balance checker to see if your load was credited. If not, call these RFID hotlines:

• Easytrip: Dial 1-35000 
• Autosweep: Dial +632-5318-TOLL (8655)

Unexpected app maintenance or technical glitches may cause delays in updating your account. So, it’s best to reload a day or two before driving on an expressway. Stay on top of driving requirements, like maintaining your RFID balance and renewing your LTO registration. Understanding and following these procedures is crucial for responsible driving and avoiding unnecessary complications on the road.

Get a reliable internet connection with a postpaid plan or prepaid promo once you're on the road to help with directions. This is especially handy if you need to find nearby gas stations, restrooms, or your exit.

Need to top up your RFID? You can also use your Globe Rewards points in the GlobeOne app, which you can easily download on your mobile phone, to load your Autosweep and Easytrip accounts. Keep an eye on your RFID balance checker to make your journey smooth and hassle-free. Do your part in keeping the roads safe. Most of all, enjoy your trip!