Why is there a 10 MXN charge when creating a subscription?

Last updated: February 13, 2026

When a customer creates a subscription in Mexico, our acquirer performs a 10 MXN validation charge to verify the card is active and has funds. This charge is automatically refunded, but may take up to 7 business days to appear on the customer's card.

Why this charge happens

The acquirer charges 10 MXN to verify that the card is valid and active before starting the subscription.

What happens:

  1. Customer subscribes using a Mexican card

  2. Acquirer charges 10 MXN to validate the card

  3. Validation charge is automatically canceled by the acquirer (instantly on their side)

  4. Refund appears on customer's card within 7 business days (controlled by the issuing bank)

Important: This is a standard validation process required by the acquirer.

Refund timeline

Acquirer cancels the charge: Immediately — The acquirer cancels the 10 MXN charge instantly and automatically

Customer sees the refund: Up to 7 business days — The issuing bank (customer's bank) takes 7 business days on average to reflect the refund on the card

This is entirely controlled by the customer's bank, not by Rebill or the acquirer.

Multiple payment attempts create multiple charges

Important: A new 10 MXN validation charge is created for each payment attempt the customer makes.

When this happens:

If a customer tries to subscribe and the payment fails, then tries again with the same card, tries with a different card, or makes multiple payment attempts in a short time, each attempt creates a separate 10 MXN validation charge.

Example:

Customer tries to subscribe:

  1. First attempt fails → 10 MXN validation charge

  2. Tries again 5 minutes later → Another 10 MXN validation charge

  3. Tries with different card → Another 10 MXN validation charge

Total validation charges: 30 MXN (all will be refunded within 7 business days)

What to tell your customers

Before they subscribe: "When you subscribe, a temporary 10 MXN validation charge will appear on your card. This charge is automatically refunded and should appear in your account within 7 business days."

After they subscribe and see the charge: "The 10 MXN charge is a card validation required by our payment processor. It has been automatically refunded and should appear in your account within 7 business days, depending on your bank."

If they see multiple charges: "Each payment attempt creates a 10 MXN validation charge. If you tried to subscribe multiple times, you'll see multiple charges. All of them have been automatically refunded and should appear in your account within 7 business days."

If the refund doesn't appear after 7 business days

If your customer reports that the 10 MXN validation charge refund hasn't appeared after 7 business days:

Step 1: Verify the timeline Count 7 business days (Monday-Friday, excluding weekends and Mexican holidays) from the subscription creation date.

Step 2: Request an ARN from Rebill Contact support@rebill.com with:

  • Subscription ID

  • Customer's name

  • Subscription creation date

  • Reason: "Customer needs ARN for 10 MXN validation charge refund"

Step 3: We'll provide an ARN We'll send you an ARN (Acquirer Reference Number) — the official reference number for this transaction.

Step 4: Share the ARN with your customer Give the ARN to your customer so they can file a claim directly with their issuing bank.

What is an ARN?

ARN (Acquirer Reference Number) is a unique identifier for the transaction that allows the customer's bank to track and investigate the refund. The customer contacts their bank and provides the ARN so the bank can investigate why the refund hasn't been credited.