When you join BIXI with a One-Way Pass, there is a pre-authorization hold of $100 per bike. If you take 2 bikes, the hold amount is $200, with 3 bikes it's $300, and with 4 bikes it's $400.
This is not a charge, you do not pay the pre-authorization. The hold acts as a security deposit for the bike you rent. It gets returned to you, depending on your credit card provider’s processing time.
This article covers the following topics:
- About the deposit
- Estimated timeframe for return of deposit
- Payment with Visa Debit card or similar
- Payment with non Canadian card
When is the deposit taken? How can I avoid it?
The deposit is put on hold when you purchase a One-Way pass. When you make another purchase within the next 10 days, the same deposit is used for that new purchase. Note that if you go on a new ride with a friend, another deposit will be taken for the added bike. Also note that if your first purchase was made at a station terminal, and you make a new purchase using the BIXI app, another deposit will be taken since the two transactions will not be linked.
Do you use BIXI often and want to avoid the deposit? Why not consider a monthly membership? BIXI members do not have a deposit in their account, and enjoy 45 minutes included for each regular BIXI trip in addition to benefiting from a reduced cost on electric BIXI trips.
When will the deposit get returned to me?
The pre-authorization is returned to you within a period that depends entirely on your banking institution. Usually, you can expect an approximate period of 10 days before seeing the deposit released.
If you notice that the delay is longer than 10 days, please understand that processing times may vary depending on the type of card used and the bank that issued the card to you. For example, several users who are with Desjardins and our own internal tests have shown that the delay can go up to 20 days. Many users who have not used a Canadian card and our own internal tests have shown that the delay can go up to 30 days. You can contact your banking institution for more details.
With a credit card, the pre-authorization disappears from your pending transactions once released.
I used a Visa Debit card or similar, is the return process different?
While with a credit card the pre-authorization will only be pending, a Visa Debit card will show you the amount debited. Don't worry, this amount will be returned to you within a period that depends on your card provider.
I did not use a Canadian card, is the return process different?
Please allow up to 30 days before seeing the deposit released. The pre-authorization is returned to you within a period that depends entirely on your banking institution.