Visa also lifts the suspension in 2 hours. However, some holds last longer depending on the gas station's payment network. It can take between 2 hours and 3 days for gas stations to charge your credit or debit card when you pay at the gas station. For cardholders concerned about the funds available in their accounts, Eisen said they can go to the gas station and pay a certain amount in advance.
Individual gas stations set their own limits, and withholding is based on the highest amount a driver can pay for gas. Once the purchase is complete, the gas station sends the final amount to the card issuer and the hold is released. When you place your card at the gas station, the seller doesn't know how much gas you're going to buy, so they charge you a withholding tax to make sure there's enough money available to cover the purchase.
