OLA* Charge (What It Is + Is It Legit?)

When Ola Cabs processes payments for rides booked through their app in India, the transaction is submitted to your bank using the shortened merchant descriptor "OLA*" followed by a reference code, which is a common practice among high-volume ride-hailing platforms that use automated payment gateways where character limits restrict the full display of a company name. Ola uses this truncated format through their integrated billing systems, including partnerships with payment processors like Razorpay and their own Ola Money platform, which prioritize speed and efficiency in transaction reporting over displaying the complete brand name. If you recently completed a cab ride in India through the Ola app and see "OLA*" on your statement with a charge around ₹200, this is simply how Ola Cabs identifies itself in the banking system rather than any unauthorized transaction.

No, this is a legitimate charge from Ola Cabs. However, if you did not authorize this charge or cancelled your subscription, you may be eligible for a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions