Why is money reserved on my card when I charge? – Plugsurfing

⏱ Estimated reading time: 2min

✅ Quick answer

When you start a charging session, €30, or the equivalent in your local currency, is reserved on your card. It's a temporary hold, not a payment. You only pay the actual cost of the session, and the reservation is released within 24 hours.

💡 Why we reserve an amount

The final price of a session isn't known until you stop charging. The reservation makes sure your card can cover it, and the amount stays reserved until your session ends. This applies whether you start with the app or your charging card.

When you start in the app, you'll see a short note about the reservation on the Price screen, before you select Continue.

{Visual: Price screen with the reservation note highlighted}

🧾 What you pay in the end

The session costs less than the reservation: You only pay the session cost, and the rest is released. For example, with a €30 reservation and a €25 session, you pay €25.
The session costs more than the reservation: You pay the full session cost in one transaction, and the reservation is released. For example, with a €30 reservation and a €35 session, you pay €35.
Two transactions for one session: If your card doesn't have enough funds for both the reservation and the full session cost, you'll see two transactions: one for the reserved amount and one for the rest. Together, they add up to the session cost. For example, with €40 available, a €30 reservation, and a €35 session, you're charged €30 and €5.

🔄 Reservation but no session?

If your session didn't start, the amount can stay reserved for up to 24 hours. If you try again during that time, no second amount is reserved.

🏦 Still see the amount after 24 hours?

We release the reservation automatically within 24 hours. After that, it's up to your bank to return the amount to your account, so contact your bank.

🛠️ Questions about a charge?

Contact Plugsurfing support in the app: Account → Help and support → Chat with digital assistant. On your computer, use the Plugsurfing support chat. Have the date, time, and location of the session ready.