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Can a petrol station reserve money on your card in Denmark?

Why your balance can drop before you fill up.

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Short answer

Yes. Some businesses, such as petrol stations, may reserve an amount on your account before the final price is known, as long as you agree to it. When the final amount is known, the part that was reserved in excess must be released again. On a debit card the money is otherwise taken from your account right after the purchase. A debit card with balance check is checked before the purchase and is declined if there is not enough money.

Practical info

Why

  1. At a pump the price is not known until you have filled up.
  2. The reservation protects the station until the final amount is clear.
  3. The surplus may not stay blocked once the price is known.

Details

On a credit card the purchase is not taken at once: it is settled under the terms of your card agreement, for example at the end of the month.

Tip

If you have little money in the account, keep a margin before using a self-service pump, so the reservation does not block other payments.

What may differ

How large the reserved amount is and how fast it is released depends on the station and your bank.

Common misconception

A reserved amount means you have paid twice.

What actually happens

A reservation only holds the money: you pay the final amount, and the rest must be released.

People also ask

  • What is the difference between a debit and a credit card in Denmark?
  • Can shops in Denmark charge a fee for paying by card?
  • What is chargeback?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

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