Pay at Pump Services

The method customers use to pay for fuel at automated fuel pumps is evolving. When a customer taps or inserts their card prior to filling up, their bank or card issuer will temporarily hold up to €50 from their available balance. After the customer completes fueling, the exact fuel cost is charged to their card, and any remaining held amount is released back into their account.

If customers encounter any issues with a Pay at Pump transaction, they should reach out to their bank or card provider for assistance.

What’s changing?

Self-service fuel stations will now verify that customers have sufficient funds before allowing them to fill up. Previously, a €1 pre-authorisation was made on customers’ accounts to confirm card validity before fueling, with the actual fuel charge appearing a day or two later.

Under new regulations, self-service pumps will temporarily reserve up to €50 on the customer’s account before they start refueling, though some fuel retailers may set a lower hold amount.

Once fueling is completed, the correct charge is processed, and any unused reserved funds are returned to the customer’s account.

Why the change?

This updated system aims to protect both customers and petrol retailers. Previously, fuel purchase transactions could take several days to appear, which complicated financial management for customers.

Now, transactions will post immediately after filling up, giving customers a real-time reflection of their available balance. Additionally, it ensures that customers have enough funds to cover their fuel purchase.

What if the customer’s account holds less than €50?

If an account has less than the €50 reservation amount, the bank or card company notifies the pump to allow fueling only up to the available balance. The pump will then automatically stop once the approved limit is reached.