Business · Companies · 19 hrs ago
Tesco explains temporary £120 holds at Pay at Pump
Tesco says Pay at Pump may place a temporary £120 hold on a customer's card to check that funds are available.
The hold applies at Tesco petrol stations when drivers pay at the pump, rather than inside the store.
The £120 is not the final fuel charge; Tesco says it charges only for the fuel bought.
If an account has less than £120, the card issuer may approve a lower amount, which the pump will display as the limit.
Some issuers may not allow a lower authorisation, so Tesco advises trying another card.
A delay from the card issuer can leave £120 showing on a bank statement for a time, and customers with concerns should contact their bank.
Tesco places a temporary £120 pre-authorisation hold when customers use Pay at Pump.
The hold checks whether enough funds are available and is not the final amount charged.
Customers are charged only for the fuel they buy.
A £120 transaction may still appear on a bank statement if the card issuer does not update the balance in real time.
Tesco advises customers with concerns to contact their bank.
- Who
- Tesco and customers using its Pay at Pump service.
- What
- Tesco temporarily holds up to £120 to check available funds, but says customers are charged only for the fuel they buy.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Tesco Pay at Pump terminals in the UK.
- Why
- The pre-authorisation checks whether adequate funds are available for the fuel purchase.
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- Pre-authorisation hold
- £120
- Purpose
- To verify adequate funds are available
- Final charge
- The value of the fuel purchased
- Payment method
- Card only; contactless options are not available
- Card exception
- Visa Electron is not accepted at Pay at Pump terminals
What people are saying
If your account balance is under £120, your card issuer should respond with the lower amount they'll allow, and the fuel pump screen will show the value you can fill up to.
We'll only ever charge you for the value of the fuel you've purchased, but if you do have concerns, please talk to your bank for further details.