Why did my Uber charge me extra?

Understanding Uber’s Initial Payment Authorization

When you request an Uber ride, the platform initiates a temporary payment authorization hold on your account. This hold represents the estimated cost of the trip and may appear as an extra charge on your bank statement. It is important to note that this hold is not an actual charge but rather a temporary measure to secure funds for the potential trip.

Purpose of the Hold

Uber’s initial payment authorization serves two main purposes:

• Ensuring Payment Readiness: The hold ensures that you have sufficient funds available in your account to cover the cost of your trip. This helps prevent declined payments and ensures a seamless ride experience.
• Securing Estimated Fare: The hold estimates the amount of the trip based on factors such as distance, time, and any additional fees. This provides a buffer to cover potential cost fluctuations during the ride.

When the Hold is Released

The payment authorization hold is released under the following circumstances:

• Ride Completion: When the ride is completed as per the requested destination, the actual fare is calculated, and the final payment is processed. The hold is released once the final payment is authorized.
• Ride Cancellation: If the ride is canceled before it starts, both by the driver or the rider, the payment authorization hold is released. This prevents any charges from being incurred.

What to Do if You See an Extra Charge

If you see an extra charge on your bank statement after your Uber ride, it is most likely the initial payment authorization hold. In this case, no further action is required as the hold will be released within a few business days.

However, if you believe that the hold is not related to an Uber trip or has not been released after a reasonable period, you should contact Uber support for assistance.