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.

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 to try on iOS. Android coming soon.

Download for iOS

Android coming soon.

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. Card payment availability varies by network, charger age, and local regulations. Older chargers may still be app-only.