Payment Failed at the Charger
Your card was declined or authentication did not work
You tried to start a charging session but the payment was declined, the app gave an error, or the RFID card was not recognized. Payment issues are frustrating but usually fixable.
Your situation
You are at a public charger and tried to pay with your card, app, or RFID tag. The charger shows a payment error, authorization failed, or just does not respond to your payment method.
What to try first
- 1
Check your card or app has sufficient funds
Many chargers place a pre-authorization hold of 30 to 100 EUR on your card. If your available balance is too low, the transaction will fail even if the charging session costs less.
- 2
Try a different payment method
If your credit card fails, try a debit card, a different charging app, or contactless payment if the charger supports it. Having 2-3 charging apps installed covers most networks.
- 3
Check if the charger requires a specific app
Some chargers only accept payment through their own network's app. Look for the network logo on the charger and download their app if needed. Roaming agreements between networks do not always work.
More scenarios in the app
The EVcourse app walks you through more specific scenarios for this problem with real-world scenarios. Free for iOS and Android.
Frequently asked questions
Why was my card declined at the EV charger?
Most chargers pre-authorize 30 to 100 EUR before starting a session. If your available balance is below this amount, the charge will be declined even if the actual session costs less. Some banks also block foreign transactions, which can happen if the charger network is based in another country.
Can I use contactless payment at EV chargers?
Some newer chargers support contactless bank cards or phone payments. Look for the contactless symbol on the charger. In the EU, new public chargers installed after 2024 are increasingly required to accept card payments, but older chargers may still be app-only.
Related scenarios
Troubleshooting by vehicle
Having this issue with a specific EV? Check the model-specific troubleshooting guide for steps tailored to your vehicle.
Browse all vehicle troubleshooting guides →Stuck at the charger? Open the app.
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