Why is Electrify America Holding $50 on My Card?

Charging and Infrastructure
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I’ve been using Electrify America stations for a while now, but I keep running into the $50 hold that they place on my credit card during the charging process. Here’s what I’ve figured out and what I’d love to discuss with others:

What’s the Deal with the $50 Hold?

It seems like a lot of users are experiencing this hold, but I can’t find a clear answer on why it happens. Is it a security measure? A way to ensure payment for charging?

Duration and Refunds

From what I’ve noticed, the hold doesn’t immediately disappear after charging. How long does it typically take to get that money back? Are there cases where it’s taken longer than expected?

Personal Experiences

I’ve had a couple of frustrating experiences where the hold has affected my budgeting. Has anyone else noticed this? If so, what steps did you take to deal with it? Any responses or solutions to share would be appreciated!

I think it’d be really useful for all of us to compile our experiences and get a clearer picture of what to expect from Electrify America. Let’s discuss and help each other out with any tips or insights that could make the charging experience smoother!

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I’ve noticed the $50 hold too! It’s supposed to ensure that Electrify America can cover the cost of potential charging fees, especially if you’re using a credit card.

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But $50 seems steep! I understand they want to protect against fraudulent charges, but it’s a big hit on your card until released.

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4

I think the hold is a bit high too, but it does get released after your session is complete. It can take a couple of hours though, which is frustrating!

5

Exactly! I had a session where it took nearly a day for the hold to be released. It’s nerve-wracking!

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I believe the reason for the $50 hold is to ensure enough funds are available for EV drivers, but they could perhaps communicate this better.

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True! But what happens if you don’t have that much available? It can lead to a lot of inconvenience.

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I am curious if anyone has found a trick to speed up the release process for the hold. It’d be great if they could make it more efficient.

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I agree! Sometimes I feel like I’m being held hostage by my own card!

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Honestly, I wonder if it’s also just a way for Electrify America to secure more funds briefly. It feels borderline unfair at times.

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For sure! It’s hard to enjoy the convenience of EV charging when you have to worry about your wallet getting lighter!

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Well, at least it’s better than worrying about running out of gas. Just wish they were clearer about the hold! Anyone else feel that way?

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Ha! True! Communication is key. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a class for ‘EV Charging 101.’

14

I noticed the $50 hold too! It can really mess with budgeting, especially if you’re running low on funds for travel. I had to adjust my spending habits for a few days while that hold was in place.

15

Exactly! I was stuck trying to figure out how to pay for gas, which was stressful during my road trip. I get that they need some security, but it’s tough when you’re on a tight schedule.

16

I’ve had my card held as well. It’s just surprising since I thought my balance would reflect the actual charge. Anyone know if this is a standard practice for all charging stations?

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Yes, it seems to be standard with Electrify America. I had to wait for it to drop before I could use my card again on another charge. Very inconvenient! I wish they would clarify this better to users.

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So frustrating! I felt like I was playing a game of financial limbo trying to charge my EV and manage my expenses. It’s like a tightrope walk!

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Honestly, the $50 hold had me in a panic one time when I needed to charge quickly. I had to call customer service just to get peace of mind that my funds weren’t gone forever!

20

That’s wild! I mean, they should make this process smoother. Who has time to deal with that on a busy trip? They need to get it together!