Is ChargeLab for real? I cannot use my Debit Card (Resolved)

[Misterrobot]

My local DCFC is owned by Mid American Energy, a large utility in Iowa, US. They recently changed my favorite station from Shell to ChargeLab. I tried to sign up for an account only to receive word that Debit Cards cannot be used.

"I'm sorry you're having challenges with updating your payment info. Are you entering a credit card? Debit cards won't be accepted. Same with many (not all) foreign cards."​

And they appear not to be part of the Ford Plug and Pay network.

Ya, I can use a credit card but I don't want to...

Just looking for feedback.

Tanks!!!

Ron

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[stoopid]

Most 'debit' cards can also be used as a credit card, if that option at checkout is selected. I assume your debit has a visa/mastercard logo on the front?

Fwiw, I haven't personally made a true debit transaction in 15+ years, rather not have anyone given direct access to my bank funds. Credit card and pay off the balance each month.

 

[Misterrobot]

Most 'debit' cards can also be used as a credit card, if that option at checkout is selected. I assume your debit has a visa/mastercard logo on the front?

Fwiw, I haven't personally made a true debit transaction in 15+ years, rather not have anyone given direct access to my bank funds. Credit card and pay off the balance each month.

Their customer service emailed me back right away. I do have a Visa and debit card combined into one. It obviously must be some mixed up in the way their portal tried to validate my card with my bank. My bank is telling me they are using the wrong expiration date. I’ll see if I can’t update this tomorrow.

 

[RickMachE]

A merchant can tell if it is a debit card, and refuse to accept it. Happens all the time. You cannot select how a card is used in this manner, like at a retail location..

No, ChargeLab is not part of BlueOval Charge Network.

 

[Misterrobot]

ALL GOOD. ChargeLab was sending my bank the wrong CC/Debit card expiration date yesterday. This morning I was able to enter my preferred form of payment through the app.

Sad that ChargeLab and Ford cannot partner in the Plug and Pay program.

Capt Ron

 

[eStang]

Don't these Mid American Energy chargers have credit card readers on them so they can be activated without an app, like a gas pump?

 

[Misterrobot]

Don't these Mid American Energy chargers have credit card readers on them so they can be activated without an app, like a gas pump?

I will check on the reader soon. There are 3 DCFC in the Quad Cities and the one at Kwik Star is the only one with the new ChargeLab chargers installed.

 

[Misterrobot]

Update from ChargeLab via my local energy supplier. Sums up that only pure DEBIT cards are not accepted and an acknowledgement of not being a part of the Ford Plug and Pay network.

Arashdeep Shergill (ChargeLab) Jun 12, 2025, 9:44 AM EDT Hi Ron, Thank you for reaching out to ChargeLab support. My name is Arashdeep. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. We sincerely appreciate hearing from our customers, as your feedback helps us better understand what we can improve to enhance your overall experience. We’re sorry to hear that you found the ChargeLab app and website frustrating to navigate. That is certainly not the experience we aim to deliver. If you’re open to it, we’d really appreciate more details about which parts of the app or process felt confusing or unintuitive. This would help our product and design teams take a closer look and make targeted improvements. Regarding your concern about debit card support, we currently process payments through Stripe, a widely used payment processor. Stripe applies a $30 pre-authorization hold when you initiate a charging session. Unfortunately, some debit cards, especially those issued by smaller banks or with certain international settings, may not support this kind of hold. Visa debit cards typically work, but we understand the inconvenience this causes and are actively reviewing options to improve support for a broader range of payment methods. You also brought up a great point about the Ford Plug & Charge network. We recognize the value of seamless, in-vehicle charging integration, and your suggestion is well noted. I have submitted this as a feature request to our product team to explore future compatibility with Ford’s network. As Ford continues to grow its EV market share, we absolutely see the potential here. Lastly, to help reduce your reliance on mobile apps for charging, you do have the option to order a ChargeLab RFID card. This links directly to your account and payment method, allowing you to simply tap your card at the charger to begin a session without needing your phone. Thank you again for your thoughtful message. We truly value your support, especially as a local customer in Eastern Iowa who is new to our network. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can assist further. Warm Regards, Arashdeep

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