Chicago toll roads accept payment through I-PASS, Tollway credit cards, and pay-per-use options

Chicago's toll system operates through the Illinois Tollway, which manages the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-355), and the Chicago Skyway. You can pay tolls in three ways: with an I-PASS account (the fastest and cheapest option), with a Tollway credit card, or by paying cash or credit at toll plazas. Each method has different costs and convenience levels.

I-PASS is an electronic transponder system that charges your account automatically as you pass through toll points. The Tollway credit card lets you pay tolls without a transponder, though you'll be charged a higher rate. Cash payment at toll booths is available at some locations but is being phased out in favor of electronic payment.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS users pay the lowest toll rates and get automatic deductions from a prepaid account; the transponder costs $25 initially but is reusable.
  • Tollway credit cards charge a higher per-toll rate than I-PASS but don't require a physical transponder and work on any vehicle you drive.
  • Cash payment at toll plazas is still available at some locations but costs more than both I-PASS and credit card rates.
  • You can set up I-PASS or a Tollway credit card account online, by phone, or at customer service centers in the Chicago area.

I-PASS: The electronic transponder system and how it works

I-PASS is the Illinois Tollway's electronic toll collection system. When you have an active I-PASS account, a small transponder mounted on your windshield communicates with toll readers as you pass through toll points. The toll is automatically deducted from your prepaid account balance. You receive a monthly statement showing all tolls charged.

I-PASS rates are significantly lower than other payment methods. A toll that might cost $2.50 with a credit card could cost $1.50 or less with I-PASS, depending on the route and time of day. To open an I-PASS account, you pay a one-time $25 transponder fee, then add money to your account. The transponder is yours to keep and works on any vehicle you drive—you can move it between cars or lend it to someone else.

You can set up I-PASS online at illinoistollway.com, by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277), or at customer service centers. Most people set up accounts online and add funds using a credit or debit card. Your account can be set to automatically replenish when the balance drops below a certain amount, so you don't run out of money mid-trip.

Tollway credit cards: Paying without a transponder

If you don't want to buy and maintain a transponder, you can use a Tollway credit card. This is a payment method, not a physical card you carry—it's linked to your license plate. When you drive through a toll point without an I-PASS transponder, the Tollway's cameras read your plate and bills the credit card on file.

Tollway credit card rates are higher than I-PASS rates but lower than cash. You'll pay a per-toll charge that varies by route, typically ranging from $2 to $3 per toll. You receive a monthly invoice for all tolls charged. This method works on any vehicle you drive, since it's tied to your plate number, not a physical device.

To set up a Tollway credit card account, visit illinoistollway.com or call 1-800-UC-IPASS. You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card. There is no upfront fee to open the account. The main trade-off is that you pay more per toll than I-PASS users, but you avoid the transponder purchase and the need to manage a prepaid balance.

Cash and credit payment at toll plazas

Some toll plazas still accept cash and credit card payment at staffed booths, though the Tollway is gradually converting to all-electronic collection. Where cash booths remain, you can pay with bills or coins. Credit card payment at toll booths is also available at some locations. These rates are the highest of all payment methods.

Cash payment is becoming less common. The Tollway has announced plans to move toward all-electronic tolling, meaning future toll collection will rely entirely on I-PASS, credit card accounts, or license plate recognition. If you plan to use tolls regularly, opening an I-PASS or credit card account now will save you money and avoid the hassle of finding remaining cash booths.

Setting up an account: Online, by phone, or in person

The fastest way to open an I-PASS or Tollway credit card account is online at illinoistollway.com. You'll need a valid driver's license, a current address, and a credit or debit card. The online process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you choose I-PASS, your transponder will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days.

You can also call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277) to open an account by phone. A customer service representative will walk you through the process and can answer questions about rates and coverage. Customer service centers are located in Chicago and the surrounding area if you prefer to set up an account in person.

When you open an account, you'll choose how much money to add initially. For I-PASS, most people start with $25 to $50 after paying the transponder fee. You can add funds anytime online, by phone, or at a customer service center. If you set up automatic replenishment, your account will charge your card when the balance drops below a threshold you choose.

Toll rates and how they vary by route and time

Chicago toll rates depend on which road you're using, the direction you're traveling, and sometimes the time of day. The Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), and Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-355) each have different toll schedules. The Chicago Skyway, which connects to the Indiana Toll Road, has its own rates.

I-PASS rates are always lower than credit card rates on the same route. For example, a single toll might be $1.50 with I-PASS and $2.50 with a credit card. Some routes use congestion pricing, meaning tolls are higher during peak travel times and lower during off-peak hours. The Tollway publishes a toll calculator on its website where you can enter your starting point and destination to see the exact toll for your trip.

If you cross into Indiana on the Chicago Skyway or connect to the Indiana Toll Road, you'll pay additional tolls. Those tolls can be paid with I-PASS if your account is set up for interstate use, or with a credit card account. Check the Tollway website or call customer service to confirm your account covers the routes you plan to use.

Resolving toll violations and unpaid tolls

If you drive through a toll point without payment or with an insufficient balance, the Tollway will send you a violation notice. The notice includes the toll amount plus a violation fee. If you have an I-PASS account with automatic replenishment enabled, this situation is unlikely because your account will charge your card when the balance runs low.

If you receive a violation notice, you can pay it online at illinoistollway.com, by phone, or by mail. Paying promptly avoids additional penalties. If you believe the violation was issued in error—for example, if your transponder malfunctioned or your account was set up incorrectly—you can dispute it by contacting customer service with documentation of your account status at the time of the toll.

Unpaid tolls can affect your vehicle registration renewal in Illinois. If you have outstanding toll violations, you may not be able to renew your registration until the tolls are paid. This is why setting up an account with automatic replenishment is the most reliable way to avoid violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use I-PASS on rental cars or borrowed vehicles?

Yes. You can move your I-PASS transponder between vehicles. If you're renting a car, ask the rental company if they have a transponder you can use, or bring your own and mount it on the rental's windshield. For borrowed vehicles, straightforward transfer your transponder to that car for the trip.

What happens if I lose my I-PASS transponder?

Contact the Tollway customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS to report it lost. They can deactivate the old transponder and send you a replacement. You'll pay a replacement fee, typically around $25. In the meantime, you can use a Tollway credit card account to pay tolls on your plate.

Do I need a separate account for each vehicle I own?

No. With I-PASS, one transponder works on any vehicle you drive. With a Tollway credit card account, one account works on any vehicle because it's tied to your license plate. You only need one account regardless of how many cars you own.

Can I get a refund if I prepay more than I use?

Yes. If your I-PASS account has a balance remaining and you want to close the account, you can request a refund of the remaining balance minus the transponder fee. Contact customer service to process the refund. Refunds are typically issued within two to three weeks.

What if I'm visiting Chicago and only need to pay tolls once?

You can use a Tollway credit card account without opening an I-PASS account. Set it up online or by phone before your trip, link a credit card, and you'll be billed for each toll as you drive. There's no upfront fee, and you can close the account after your visit.