In short
CoinGate Gift Cards does not add fees on top of the gift card price, so any extra charge on your statement most likely came from your bank or card issuer.
Common causes include foreign transaction fees, currency conversion charges, or your bank treating the payment as an international transaction.
If you paid with crypto and were charged more than expected, blockchain network fees may have been deducted from the amount you sent.
Sorry this is confusing - an unexpected charge on your statement is never a nice surprise. Here is what is most likely going on and how to get clarity.
Common reasons and how to resolve them
Foreign transaction fee from your bank
Why this happens: Some banks charge a fee - often 1-3% - when a card payment is processed as an international or cross-border transaction. This is charged by your bank, not by CoinGate Gift Cards.
How to resolve it:
Check your bank statement for a line item labelled "foreign transaction fee" or similar.
Contact your bank to confirm whether they apply this fee to international payments.
Consider using a card or payment method that does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Currency conversion charge
Why this happens: If the gift card price is in a different currency than your card, your bank or card network converts the currency and may apply its own exchange rate and conversion fee.
How to resolve it:
Compare the amount charged on your statement with the checkout price at today's exchange rate.
If there is a difference, contact your bank - they can explain the rate applied and any conversion fee.
Crypto network fee deducted from your payment
Why this happens: Blockchain network fees are deducted from the amount you send, not added on top. If your wallet sent the exact invoice amount but deducted the fee from it, the net amount received may be less than required - causing the order to fail or appear underpaid.
How to resolve it:
Always make sure your wallet sends the full invoice amount plus any network fees on top.
Most wallets let you set the fee as separate from the payment amount - check your wallet's send settings.
Temporary bank authorisation hold
Why this happens: Some banks place a temporary authorisation hold that is slightly higher than the actual charge. This usually disappears within 1-5 business days once the transaction settles.
How to resolve it:
Wait a few business days and check your statement again.
If the higher amount remains, contact your bank to query the final settled amount.
Frequently asked questions
Did CoinGate Gift Cards charge me extra?
No. CoinGate Gift Cards charges only the price shown at checkout. Any additional amount on your statement was applied by your bank, card issuer, or crypto network.
Can I get a refund for the bank fee I was charged?
CoinGate Gift Cards cannot refund fees applied by your bank. Contact your bank directly to dispute or query the charge - some banks will waive fees as a one-time courtesy.
How do I avoid being charged extra when buying gift cards?
Use a card with no foreign transaction fees, or pay with crypto and ensure you cover the network fee on top of the invoice amount. Paying by SEPA is also generally fee-free within the EU.
I was charged twice - what should I do?
If you see two identical charges, one may be a temporary authorisation that will drop off. If both remain after 5 business days, contact CoinGate Gift Cards support and provide your order reference so we can investigate.