When you start a charging session on the Chargefox network, you may notice a temporary $30 pre-authorisation on your payment card. This is not an additional charge. It is a temporary hold that helps ensure a reliable and seamless charging experience. You will only be charged for the actual cost of your charging session.
When you start a charging session on the Chargefox network, you may notice a temporary $30 pre-authorisation on your payment card.
This is not an additional charge. A pre-authorisation is a temporary hold used to verify your payment method before charging begins.
Important: You may temporarily see both a $30 pre-authorisation hold and the final charging transaction on your account at the same time. This is normal. The charging transaction and the pre-authorisation are processed separately. The charging transaction will remain as the final payment for your session, while the pre-authorisation hold will be released by your bank or card provider.
About the $30 pre-authorisation
Chargefox applies a $30 pre-authorisation when a charging session begins.
A pre-authorisation is a temporary hold placed on your payment card before charging starts. It helps confirm that your payment method is valid and available for payment.
This process is commonly used by fuel stations, hotels, car rental companies and other pay-as-you-go services.
The $30 pre-authorisation is not an additional charge and is separate from the final charging transaction.
Pre-authorisation helps reduce payment failures, improve session reliability and support a smoother charging experience across the Chargefox network.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pre-authorisation?
A pre-authorisation is a temporary hold placed on your payment card before charging begins. It helps verify that your payment method is valid and available for payment.
Is the $30 pre-authorisation an additional charge?
No. The $30 pre-authorisation is not an additional charge.
It is a temporary hold placed on your payment method before charging begins. You will also see a separate transaction for the actual cost of your charging session.
Why does Chargefox use a pre-authorisation?
Pre-authorisation helps make charging more reliable for drivers.
By verifying payment details before a session starts, Chargefox can help reduce failed transactions, minimise payment-related issues and support a smoother charging experience across the network.
When is the $30 pre-authorisation applied?
The temporary hold is applied when you start a charging session using a payment card linked to your Chargefox account.
What happens after my charging session ends?
Once your session is complete, you'll be charged for the energy you used during your charging session.
The charging transaction and the pre-authorisation hold are processed separately. The charging transaction will remain on your account as the final payment for your session, while the $30 pre-authorisation hold will be released by your bank or card provider.
Why can I see both a $30 hold and a charging charge on my account?
This is normal.
The pre-authorisation hold and the final charging transaction are separate transactions. Depending on your bank's processing times, you may temporarily see both transactions on your account at the same time.
Once the pre-authorisation is released, only the final charging transaction will remain.
How long does it take for the pre-authorisation to be released?
The timing is determined by your bank or card provider.
Some financial institutions release pre-authorisation holds quickly, while others may take several business days. During this time, you may see both the temporary $30 hold and the final charging transaction on your account.
Why is the pre-authorisation amount $30?
The $30 amount helps cover most charging sessions across the network while providing a simple and consistent experience for drivers.
What if my charging session costs less than $30?
You will be charged the actual cost of your charging session once it is complete.
The $30 pre-authorisation is a separate temporary hold and is not reduced by the value of your charging session. The hold will be released by your bank or card provider according to their processing timeframes.
What if my charging session costs more than $30?
The pre-authorisation is not a spending limit.
If your charging session costs more than $30, you'll be charged the full cost of your session once it is complete.
Will I see the pre-authorisation on my bank statement?
You may see the pre-authorisation listed as a pending transaction, temporary hold or authorisation, depending on your financial institution.
You may also see the final charging transaction as a separate charge before the pre-authorisation has been released.
Does this affect Chargefox subscriptions?
No. This does not affect your Chargefox subscription, membership benefits or charging discounts.
You'll continue to receive any applicable subscription pricing and benefits.
Is pre-authorisation common?
Yes. Pre-authorisation is commonly used by fuel stations, hotels, car rental companies and other pay-as-you-go services to verify payment details before a transaction occurs.
What should I do if my pre-authorisation hasn't been released?
If the pre-authorisation is still visible after several business days, we recommend contacting your bank or card provider first, as they control how quickly temporary holds are released.
If you still need assistance, please contact Chargefox Support.
Will free charging stations have pre-authorisation?
No. Chargers that are free to use will not have a pre-authorisation.
Do people who have a subscription, voucher or fleet charging have a pre-authorisation placed on their card?
No. Those who hold a Chargefox subscription, voucher balance or centralised fleet billing will not incur pre-authorisation.