TFL Taking a long time to take my debit card payments

[Paul Jones 88]

I have noticed that TFL take days on end to take payment from my debit card when I use a bus or train in the London area, however, if I buy a ticket from Trainline the payment is taken instantly, is there a reason for that?

 

[AlterEgo]

I have noticed that TFL take days on end to take payment from my debit card when I use a bus or train in the London area, however, if I buy a ticket from Trainline the payment is taken instantly, is there a reason for that?

Are you using contactless? The system takes a few days to figure out exactly what’s due from you before taking any money.

 

[Paul Jones 88]

Yes, I have recently used contactless on bus 149, 313 and 191, also train from Enfield Lock to Liverpool Street, took five days to take the fares.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Is a (possibly higher?) set amount pre-authorised straightaway and so deducted from your "available" bank balance before the actual debit transaction amount is subsequently processed?

 

[MikeWh]

Yes, I have recently used contactless on bus 149, 313 and 191, also train from Enfield Lock to Liverpool Street, took five days to take the fares.

That's certainly not my experience using contactless in London. They usually request funds around 2am the following day. This shows up on my online banking as a pending transaction that day and confirmed the next day. If your bank doesn't show pending transactions and possibly takes longer to process them then you may not see things for a few days. Weekends don't count in the processing time either.

If you have an incomplete journey they will usually wait a day before requesting funds in case a missing touch is confirmed a little late. Also travel after about 1am takes an extra day.

 

[davews]

I have always found contactless is charged pretty quickly, usually next day. Just checked my trips on Saturday, already showing and probably been there since Sunday. Your experience is not mine. When I contested an incorrect charge it also was sorted out within a day or so.

 

[zero]

Is a (possibly higher?) set amount pre-authorised straightaway and so deducted from your "available" bank balance before the actual debit transaction amount is subsequently processed?

10p is authorised immediately and as MikeWh says the transaction is usually processed around 0200-0300 the next morning, though sometimes it takes an extra day; then there may be an adjustment the subsequent day if you travelled between 0200 and 0430.