Tesco has explained why customers may see a £120 transaction on their bank statements when using Pay at Pump facilities. The supermarket giant applies a temporary £120 pre-authorisation to confirm sufficient funds are available before motorists fill up. This is not the actual amount debited from accounts.
How the £120 Pre-Authorisation Works
Customers can purchase up to £120 worth of fuel via Pay at Pump using chip and pin cards, though contactless payments are not permitted. Tesco explains on its website: "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."
What to Do If You See the Charge
The retailer acknowledges that occasionally the £120 charge may appear on statements due to delayed bank updates. Tesco added: "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."
Contactless payments up to £100 are accepted at kiosks, along with alternative payment methods including fuelGenie and UK Fuels.
