When you pay for gas at the pump, you might see a larger pending charge than the actual amount you filled. This is a temporary hold the gas station places on your card, not a final charge.

What’s actually happening at the pump?

• Before you start pumping, the gas station asks Lili (through the Visa network) to approve up to a set amount.
• This amount is a pre-authorization hold – often $75 to $125 or more – because the station doesn’t yet know how much gas you’ll buy.
• In your Lili app, you’ll see that higher amount as a pending transaction.
• After you finish pumping, the station sends the real total (for example, $42.37).
• Once that happens, the pending amount updates and you’re only charged for what you actually bought.

Example: You pump $40 of gas, but see a $125 pending charge in your Lili app. That $125 is a temporary hold. When the station settles the transaction, the pending charge drops and your final posted charge is $40.

How long does the hold last?

Timing can vary by gas station and card network.

• Most gas holds update within 1–2 business days.
• In some cases, it can take a few days longer depending on when the gas station sends the final amount. Until then, those held funds aren’t available to spend.
• If the transaction fails or the station never completes it, the hold expires automatically and the funds return to your available balance.

If you see a gas hold that hasn’t updated or disappeared after 7 days, reach out to Lili Support and we’ll help review what’s going on.

How to avoid a large gas hold

If a big temporary hold could impact your cash flow, you have options:

• Pay inside the station. Tell the cashier exactly how much you want to pay (for example, $30). In most cases, that’s the only amount that will be authorized.
• Use credit instead of debit where possible, since holds affect your checking balance directly when you use debit.
• Keep a small buffer in your account so a temporary hold doesn’t block other essential payments.

When should I contact the gas station or Lili?

Start with how the transaction appears in your Lili app:

• If the transaction is still pending and for a higher amount:
  • Wait up to 2 business days for the station to send the final amount.
  • If it’s been longer than that and the amount hasn’t changed, you can call the gas station and ask when they sent the final total.
• If the transaction has posted and the final amount is more than the pump or receipt:
  • Contact the gas station first and request a correction or refund; they control the final amount they submit.
  • If you can’t resolve it with the station, contact Lili Support from within the app. Have your receipt and any communication with the station ready so we can review your case.

If you ever see a gas charge you don’t recognize at all, immediately freeze your card in the Lili app and contact Support so we can help protect your account.

Does this happen anywhere else?

Yes. The same pre-authorization behavior can happen in a few other common situations:

• Restaurants: The initial hold can include an estimated tip.
• Hotels and car rentals: Holds can include a deposit for incidentals and may last longer than gas station holds.

You’ll still only be charged the final amount the merchant sends, but you may see a higher pending amount for a few days.

Lili is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Sunrise Banks, N.A., Member FDIC. The Lili Visa® Debit Card is issued by Sunrise Banks, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. The Card may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. 

Wire Transfer services are provided by Column Bank N.A., Member FDIC. All wires are subject to acceptance criteria and risk-based review and may be rejected at the sole discretion of Column Bank N. A. or Lili App Inc.