Some providers reserve a fixed amount from the linked card to ensure that there are sufficient funds available for the charging process. This can lead to the payment being declined if the budget on the card is insufficient.
Here are some examples of providers:
EnBW
Via App/RFID: As a rule, there is no pre-authorization block if you use the EnBW app or the RFID charging card and have a verified payment method (e.g., credit card) linked to it.
Directly at the Terminal: If, however, you use the credit card terminal directly at a newer EnBW charging station (without using the app), a security deposit amount is blocked in advance.
Tesla
Tesla usually performs a brief test authorization on the linked credit card at the start of the session. (We also see transactions in our system without any blocks).
The amount varies depending on the country and currency, but in Europe, it is usually a small security deposit (often around €25). The block is released immediately after the charging process is successfully completed and paid for.
Ionity
If you pay at Ionity via direct payment (e.g., scanning the QR code and entering your credit card details) or directly at the station's NFC payment terminal, a standard pre-authorization of €40 is applied. This amount is later offset against the actual cost of the charging process.
Shell
Via App/RFID: If you use the Shell app, there is no advance deposit; billing happens after the fact.
Ad-hoc Charging: When charging ad-hoc (scanning the QR code without an account), a variable security deposit (often €30 to €50) is reserved on the credit card here as well.
Fastned
If you pay directly at the Fastned station terminal using a bank, debit, or credit card (including Apple Pay / Google Pay), a fixed reservation of €40 is made.
After charging, you are only billed for the energy consumed, and the remaining balance of the €40 is cancelled.
NextCharge
NextCharge does not use a traditional deposit by default; instead, it operates on a prepaid credit (wallet) principle. You actively top up your NextCharge account with a fixed amount in advance (e.g., €20, etc.). To do this, you must register with NextCharge beforehand.
No unexpected amount is blocked on your credit card during charging because the funds are already in your NextCharge account.
Note: So far, we do not have any users in our system who have used NextCharge. Our information is based on research.
Summary
In summary, the amount of potential pre-authorizations varies significantly depending on the provider. As a general rule: if the charging process is handled via an app rather than paid directly at the charging station terminal, these blocks are waived in some cases.