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What's an active card check?

Updated over a week ago

When you use your Yonder Debit card online or add it to a new app (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a parking app), the merchant may perform an "active card check." This is a routine security process to verify that your card is valid and ready for use.

How it works:

  • The check: The merchant sends a request to Yonder to see if your card details are correct and active.

  • Temporary Reservation: Sometimes, the merchant will request a small "test amount," usually between €0,00 and €1,00.

  • The refund: This is not a real charge. The amount is "reserved" (held) and then automatically released back into your Yonder balance. In the Netherlands, this usually happens within 1 to 3 business days, but it can occasionally take up to 7 days depending on the merchant's bank.

Important for Debit Members:

Because Yonder is a Debit-only card, an active card check may fail if your balance is €0,00 and the merchant tries to test with a small amount (e.g., €0,50).

Expert Tip: Always keep a small balance (at least €2,00) on your Yonder card when linking it to new services to ensure these checks pass successfully.

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