ChargePoint Credit Card Hold: Did Anyone Else Get This?

[matwlev]

Does it matter if I use my credit card vs. ChargePoint RFID card or app?

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[Maquis]

Does it matter if I use my credit card vs. ChargePoint RFID card or app?

It’s still using the card you stored with CP. No different.

 

[Paul H. Martinez]

I got it as well.
I can’t think of any gas stations near here that holds a deposit while you pump.
I do know that in the big money game (think big banks) the $50 or $75 they’re holding from you and who knows how many others at the same time for even a brief period will accrue some interest. Its about the money and profit. Really, ever heard of anyone stealing a charge? Good there are more options now.

 

[jefftuck]

One reason they do this is because everyone has their cards tied to apps on their phones now.

Previously, I’m assuming they just checked to see that the card was valid. However, while charging, I could use the app to lock my card. If their first attempt to charge my card was after the session was done, my card would decline, and I’d drive away for free. Now, since the hold happens before the session starts, they get to charge up to the hold, even if you lock the card.

As others have noted, every gas station and tons of hotels do this. Watch out for bars to start, too. Bars that swipe your card to start a tab are noticing that folks are locking their cards before they walk out for the night.

 

[kdonnel]

I got it as well.
I can’t think of any gas stations near here that holds a deposit while you pump.

Nearly every gas pump I have used in the past 10+ years place a hold. In all 15-20 states I have visited in that time.

Typically $175.

 

[CarolinaMachEGT]

Yes, I got that email also. I wouldn't sweat it.
It's long been a common practice in many retail industries as many have commented.
I have a ChargePoint station at home. Love the app.

 

[IgorKl]

i just got hit with $75 hold for $0.50 L2 charging session

 

[Maquis]

I got it as well.
I can’t think of any gas stations near here that holds a deposit while you pump.
I do know that in the big money game (think big banks) the $50 or $75 they’re holding from you and who knows how many others at the same time for even a brief period will accrue some interest. Its about the money and profit. Really, ever heard of anyone stealing a charge? Good there are more options now.

They're not “holding any money.” Your available credit on the card is simply reduced.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

seriously?????

Yes, seriously. They're the only charging chain doing this out here. It even applies at a free station in Kona. Yes, free. Ask me how I know.

They're not “holding any money.” Your available credit on the card is simply reduced.

As long as they release the hold, they're not. There's a very large gas station here that takes several days to release the hold. So during that time, you're out the gas cost plus the hold. Their hold is $150.

 

[RickMachE]

Yes, seriously. They're the only charging chain doing this out here. It even applies at a free station in Kona. Yes, free. Ask me how I know.

As long as they release the hold, they're not. There's a very large gas station here that takes several days to release the hold. So during that time, you're out the gas cost plus the hold. Their hold is $150.

But isn't gas like $7 a gallon in Paradise?

 

[RickMachE]

I got it as well.
I can’t think of any gas stations near here that holds a deposit while you pump.
I do know that in the big money game (think big banks) the $50 or $75 they’re holding from you and who knows how many others at the same time for even a brief period will accrue some interest. Its about the money and profit. Really, ever heard of anyone stealing a charge? Good there are more options now.

As others have said, funds haven't moved at all. Nobody makes anything.

 

[Maquis]

As long as they release the hold, they're not. There's a very large gas station here that takes several days to release the hold. So during that time, you're out the gas cost plus the hold. Their hold is $150.

Both they don’t actually have your “hold” money.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Both they don’t actually have your “hold” money.

Sort of. They reduce your credit limit or prohibit use of real funds if you’re using a debit card. Those that don’t immediately release the hold after the sale is made (gas, airfare, DCFC, etc) are at the very least conducting a despicable business practice in the case of a credit card, and arguably committing theft in the case of a debit card. While having a hold for 5 days on a gas purchase isn’t going to bother me, for some folks it might be an issue (Low credit limits on a particular card or use of debit card). The 5 days hold wasn’t pulled out of a hat either.

On the bright side I managed to bad mouth that particular business for many years running in an annual article I wrote for triathlete publication.

 

[twriter]

No, they don't need to do this at all--but it is interesting reading all of the CP apologists basically with the same argument that "others do it," like it is a perfectly fine thing to do so that makes it OK. What's worse are the people who claim that it won't affect "most" users, as if the small minority of users it might affect don't count. That's just classist BS, wholly absent any shred of empathy.

Let's make it clear: It is both wholly unnecessary and it is quite consumer unfriendly.

Let's look at what they say specifically:

A pre-authorization charge is a temporary hold placed on your payment method before a charging session begins, and is part of standard card-network processing, used widely to prevent failed charges and interruptions. When you start a charging session with ChargePoint, our payment processors may place a temporary authorization hold on your card to confirm the payment method and ensure necessary funds are available.​

​

Please note that a pre-authorization is not an extra charge—it appears as “pending” and is released by your bank after the transaction settles for the actual amount used. This is standard across fueling and EV charging. This hold affects your balance but will not be posted/charged to your bank account. Only your final charging session total will be processed and charged to your account.​

​

Now this is of course lawyerly stuff--and certain claims just aren't true. For example, "part of standard card-network processing." You use your card in thousands of places to make purchases where you are charged for just the amount, relatively immediately, and nothing additional is held on your account. Or "This is standard across fueling and EV charging." Again, not true. Done in many places and with many networks, but certainly not everywhere, which means it most definitely is not "standard."

But they do it because they can, and hey, what are you going to do? Find another level 2 charging network? It's not like there's another one across the street, with better prices and better policies, right across the street or down the block like exists with gas stations. Nope, this is monopolist behavior, and the people who are affected the least will be the loudest defenders.

 

[RodHower]

why is this "annoying"? This is a non issue for 99.5% of people. Have you charged then gone to a restaurant and had your card declined because of a $50 "hold" on your card? sheesh..

A $50 fee for my $3.4 max charge in 8 years

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