Cariqa places a temporary hold (or payment pre-authorization) to ensure that users have sufficient funds to cover the expected cost of the charging session.
What is a a temporary hold (or pre-authorization)?
A pre-authorization is a temporary hold placed on your payment method for an estimated amount before your charging session begins. It’s not an actual charge—it simply reserves funds to ensure the transaction can be covered. Any unused amount is released shortly after the session is complete.
How does Cariqa determine the temporary hold amount?
The temporary hold amount is based on the estimated cost of the charging session, taking into account factors like the charging rate, the connector speed, the currency and the country in which the station is located - meaning that the amount may vary over time and from one station to another. The temporary hold amount will be displayed upfront before charging begins, just below the button to initiate charging.
When will the actual charge be made?
After the charging session is completed, the actual charge will be processed based on the exact summary of the charging session (amount of energy consumed, session duration, etc). The temporary hold will then be adjusted to reflect the final charge, and any remaining funds will be released back to your account. In the unlikely scenario where the pre-authorized amount is not enough to cover the actual cost, an additional charge will be made to cover the remaining difference.
How long does it take for the temporarily held funds to be released?
Pre-authorized funds are usually released immediately after the session ends and the final charge is processed. However, the exact time frame depends on your bank / payment provider and can range from a few minutes to a few days. If the session does not proceed as planned (e.g., no energy is delivered, or the session is quickly canceled), the pre-authorized amount will typically be released within a few hours. The timing for the release of funds, however, may still vary based on your bank / payment provider's policies.
What happens if the temporary hold fails?
If the temporary hold fails due to insufficient funds or issues with your payment method, an error message will be displayed on screen and the charging session will not begin. You can update your payment details and try again.
Is there any fee associated with the temporary hold?
No, there is no fee for the temporary hold itself. You will only be charged for the total cost of the charging session, and any holds that were placed will be adjusted accordingly.