What is pre-authorisation?
Pre-authorisation is a temporary hold placed on your card at the start of a Bike and Scooter ride. It is used to confirm that your payment method is valid and is not an immediate charge. Once your trip ends, only the actual charges apply.
Note:
- The hold amount is instantly released from our side, but it may take 1 to 3 weeks to appear in your account depending on your bank’s policy.
- You might receive notifications from Careem or your bank about the temporary hold, the release, or related charges.
If the final charge is less than the hold amount
- When the bike and scooter ride ends, the final cost is deducted from the hold amount.
- The remaining balance is released right away from our side but may take 1 to 3 weeks to show in your account depending on your bank’s policy.
- Only the final charge will appear in your Careem Bike trip receipt and in your bank statement.
Example:
- Hold amount: 50
- Bike ride cost: 25
- Amount refunded: 25
If the final charge is more than the hold amount
- The hold amount is converted into a charge.
- The remaining balance is charged in a separate transaction.
- You may see two transactions on your account, but the total will match the actual ride cost.
Example:
- Hold amount: 50
- Bike ride cost: 70
- Additional charge: 20
If the final charge equals the hold amount
The hold amount is simply converted into a charge.
Example:
- Hold amount: 50
- Bike ride cost: 50
- Final charge: 50
Note: Refund timelines depend on your bank’s policy. While we release any remaining balance immediately, it may take 1 to 3 weeks for the amount to appear in your account.