This guide explains pre-authorization holds placed on payment cards during charging sessions, detailing why they occur and how the hold amount varies based on your plan balance and account status.
What is a pre-authorization hold?
A pre-authorization hold is a temporary payment reservation placed on your card account to ensure valid funds are available before a charging session begins. This security measure helps us protect our charging network and keep plan subscription prices as low as possible for drivers.
Once your session is complete, the hold is immediately released and replaced by the final amount billed for your session (if any).
⏳ Note on Processing Timelines: The duration of the hold is entirely dependent on your financial institution. It typically takes 2–5 business days for the temporary hold to clear and for the finalized charge to reflect on your statement.
Hold Details & Plan Tiers
How will this appear on my card statement?
Pre-authorization holds are controlled by your bank and usually appear in your mobile banking app under one of two labels:
PENDING
HOLD / TEMPORARY
Pre-Authorization Hold Structure
To account for potential overage fees when a subscription balance runs low, hold amounts are calculated based on your remaining plan balance or your driver status at the time of your session:
| Driver Status / Plan Balance | Hold Amount | Detail |
|
High-Allowance Subscribers (More than 30 kWh remaining) |
$0 Hold (Waived) |
Applies to Subscribers with a kWh Allowance Plan charging via the app who have a healthy energy balance remaining for the month. |
|
Low-Allowance Subscribers (30 kWh or less remaining) |
$30 Hold (Reduced Rate) |
Applies to all Basic and Essential plan users, as well as any other subscriber whose remaining monthly balance has dipped to 30 kWh or less. |
| Pay As You Go Members |
$30 Hold (Reduced Rate) |
Applies to drivers with a free EVCS account who do not have an active subscription and pay per session via the app. |
| Guest Drivers |
$50 Hold (Default Rate) |
Applies to non-members initiating a session directly at the physical card reader (CCR) or via the web guest checkout. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid or minimize pre-authorization holds?
Yes! The best way to reduce or entirely waive holds is to manage your membership tier and launch your sessions directly within our software platform:
To waive holds completely ($0): Ensure you are subscribed to a high-allowance tier and have more than 30 kWh remaining. Always initiate the charge using the EVCS mobile app.
To receive the reduced hold rate ($30): Ensure you initiate your Pay As You Go, Basic, or Essential session inside the logged-in EVCS mobile app.
You can sign up by visiting account sign-up page or directly on the EVCS app.
What happens if a hold does not drop off after my session?
If a temporary hold remains pending on your banking statement for longer than 10 business days after your session has closed, please contact Customer Support team through the Help Center. We will gladly verify that the session has successfully settled on our end so your bank can expedite clearing the hold.