Most launches ask for your card when you enter, and entering is still free. We check your card to confirm you're a real person and to catch fraud before anyone is selected. When you enter, a $0 authorization hold may be placed on your card. No money is taken.
If you're selected, your card is charged automatically. That lets the retailer process your order without delay.
If your payment is declined
Your card needs to go through at the moment you're selected. If it's declined, your entry can't be completed and the product goes to another fan.
EQL+ members get extra time to fix a declined payment through Winsurance. See Why is my Winsurance not working?
Launches that don't need a card at entry
Some launches only ask for payment if you're selected. On those, you'll get a payment link by email and a deadline to complete your purchase. The launch page shows which type you're entering.