Have you ever glanced at your bank statement and spotted a Blink charge on credit card that left you scratching your head? You’re not alone. Many people notice these entries and wonder what they mean.
Could it be a subscription you forgot about, or perhaps something related to your car?
Let’s explore this together step by step, so you can figure out what’s going on with your own finances.
What Could a “Blink” Charge Mean on Your Statement?
First things first: when you see a Blink charge on credit card, it might come from a couple of common sources. Think about your recent activities.
Have you been driving an electric vehicle and stopped at a charging station? Or do you own home security cameras that sync with your smart home setup?
These are key questions to ask yourself.
One possibility is Blink Charging, a company that runs electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. They provide spots where you can plug in your car and power up.
If you’ve used one of their stations, that charge could be for the energy you consumed.
Another common source is Blink home security products, which are owned by Amazon.
These include wireless cameras and doorbells, and the charges often show up for subscriptions like cloud storage plans.
To narrow it down, check how the charge appears. For EV-related ones, it might say “Blink Charging” or something similar.
For the home security side, it could be “BLINK AMZN.COM/BILLWA” or “Blink Subscription.” Asking yourself about your purchases in the last month can help pinpoint the origin.
Diving Deeper into Blink Charging for Electric Vehicles
Let’s consider if your charge is from Blink Charging Co. Founded in 2009, this company focuses on making EV charging easy and widespread.
They have thousands of stations in places like parking lots, hotels, and workplaces. But how does the payment work, and why does it end up on your credit card?
Imagine you’re on a road trip with your EV. You pull up to a Blink station. How do you start charging?
You have a few options:
- Use their mobile app: Download it, create a free account, and link your credit card.
- Swipe a Blink Card: This is like an RFID key that you tap on the station.
- Pay directly with a credit card: Some stations have readers where you can tap or swipe.
- Call a number: For certain chargers, you can start over the phone with your card details.
Once you start, the fees kick in. What factors into the cost? It depends on the station. Some charge per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy used.
Others bill by the minute or hour you’re plugged in. There’s often a small access fee, like $0.49 per session, to help maintain the network.
And if you leave your car too long after it’s done, an occupancy fee might apply to free up the spot for others.
Here’s a quick look at potential authorization holds when using a credit card directly:
| Charger Type | Authorization Hold Amount |
|---|---|
| Series Q | $10 |
| Series X | $20 |
| DC Fast Charger (DCFC) | Up to $40 |
These holds are temporary – they verify your card has funds and usually drop off in 2-3 business days.
Have you seen a hold like this on your statement? It might explain a mystery entry that later adjusts to the actual charge.
If you’re a regular EV driver, joining as a Blink member is free. You can preload funds to your account via credit card, which avoids those holds.
Think about your driving habits: Did you charge at a public station recently? Checking the app’s transaction history could reveal the details.
Exploring Blink Home Security Subscriptions
Now, what if the charge isn’t about your car? Let’s shift to another angle. Blink also refers to Amazon’s line of home security devices, like battery-powered cameras and video doorbells.
These gadgets let you monitor your home remotely, and many users opt for subscriptions to store video clips in the cloud.
Subscriptions come in tiers, such as Basic or Plus plans. The Plus plan, for example, costs around $10 a month and covers multiple devices.
These charges often appear as “BLINK AMZN.COM/BILLWA” because Blink is part of Amazon.
Have you set up auto-renewal for such a service? Or maybe a family member did on a shared account?
To check, log into your Amazon account and look under subscriptions. You might find active plans you forgot about.
Questions to ponder: When did you last buy or install a camera? Did you sign up for a trial that turned into a paid plan?
How to Verify If the Charge Is Legitimate
Seeing an unfamiliar charge can be worrying. Is it fraud? Let’s reason through it.
Start by gathering clues:
- Match the date: Does it align with a time you charged your EV or renewed a subscription?
- Check emails: Look for receipts from Blink Charging or Amazon.
- Use apps: For EV, open the Blink app; for security, check Amazon orders.
If it doesn’t add up, contact your credit card company right away. They can help dispute it.
For Blink Charging issues, call their support at 888-998-2546. For Amazon Blink, reach out via your account dashboard.
Remember, legitimate charges have details like the amount and date that match your activity. Fraudulent ones often don’t.
What steps have you taken so far to investigate?
Tips to Avoid Surprise Charges in the Future
Prevention is key, right?
Here are some ideas to stay on top of things:
- Set up alerts: Most credit card apps notify you of new charges.
- Review statements monthly: Catch issues early.
- Use virtual cards: For subscriptions, some cards let you create temporary numbers.
- Monitor accounts: Regularly check EV apps or Amazon for active subs.
By asking yourself about your habits and staying vigilant, you can keep your finances in check.
FAQs About Blink Charge on Credit Card
Q. What should I do if I see a Blink charge I don’t recognize?
Review your recent activities, check related apps or emails for receipts, and contact your card issuer if it seems off.
Q. How much does Blink Charging typically cost?
It varies by location and usage, but expect fees based on energy, time, or sessions, plus possible holds of $10-$40.
Q. Can I cancel a Blink subscription easily?
Yes, for Amazon Blink, go to your account, find the subscription, and select cancel. It stops future charges.
Conclusion
We’ve walked through the possible meanings of a Blink charge on credit card, from EV powering to home security perks.
By questioning your own experiences, you’ve likely gained clarity on what it might be for you.
Remember, always double-check unfamiliar entries to protect your money.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult your bank or the relevant company for specific concerns. Information is based on publicly available sources as of August 2025 and may change.
