Why Do We Reserve Funds Before Charging?
An Explanation of the Pre-Authorization Process at ChargeIn Stations
Dear Customers,
At ChargeIn, our priority is to make your charging experience as convenient, fast, and stress-free as possible. That’s why we want to explain the concept of pre-authorization – the temporary reservation of funds from your bank account before a charging session begins.
What Is Pre-Authorization?
Pre-authorization is a temporary hold placed on funds in your account to ensure that your card or account has sufficient balance to cover the cost of charging. This is a standard practice, commonly used not only in e-mobility but also for things like car rentals or hotel bookings.
At ChargeIn, the pre-authorization amount is between PLN 200 and PLN 300, depending on the station or charger type. This amount is not actually charged – it is only held temporarily until the session ends.
What Happens If the Session Doesn’t Start?
Sometimes, usually due to technical issues, a charging session may fail to start. In such cases, the funds are not charged by ChargeIn, and the hold should be automatically released.
Here’s the key point: the time it takes for the funds to return to your account depends on your bank – not on ChargeIn.
How Long Does the Refund Take?
In most cases, the held amount is returned to the customer’s account within 1 to 7 business days, depending on the bank and card type. Unfortunately, we cannot speed up this process, as ChargeIn never actually receives or holds the funds. The pre-authorization is managed entirely by payment systems (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) and your bank.
What Are We Doing to Improve This?
We continuously monitor and fix technical issues at our stations.
We’re working on reducing pre-authorization amounts and improving the clarity of in-app messages.
If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact us at: aplikacja@chargein.com – we’re always here to help.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. We know that every złoty counts, and we’re committed to full transparency and providing the best service possible.
