An authorization hold is a way for merchants to verify that you have sufficient funds to cover a purchase.


Some businesses may keep an authorization hold on your account for a longer period of time, such as when you make a hotel reservation or rent a car. In these cases, the hold may not be released until after you check out of the hotel or return the rental car.


If you have questions about an authorization hold on your account, contact the merchant directly. You can also ask your credit card issuer for more information.

Why do businesses place authorization holds?

There are a few reasons why a business may place an authorization hold on your account.

To ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover the purchase: When you make a purchase with a credit or debit card, the merchant may place an authorization hold on your account. This is not the same as a charge for the purchase amount, but it does reduce your available credit by that amount. An authorization hold is placed as a way to ensure that you have adequate funds to cover the purchase, and it is typically released within a few days after the transaction is complete.

To confirm your identity: Some businesses may place an authorization hold on your account as a way to confirm your identity. For example, if you make a hotel reservation online, the hotel may place an authorization hold on your credit card to ensure that you are a real person and not someone who is using a stolen credit card number.

To hold a deposit: In some cases, businesses may place an authorization hold on your account as a way to hold a deposit. For example, if you rent a car, the rental car company may place an authorization hold on your credit card for the amount of the estimated damage waiver fee. The hold is released when you return the car, and if there is any damage, you are charged for the actual amount of the damage waiver fee.

What types of purchases may result in an authorization hold?

There are a few types of purchases that may result in an authorization hold.

Hotel reservations: When you make a hotel reservation, the hotel may place an authorization hold on your credit card for the estimated amount of the stay. The hold is released when you check out of the hotel, and you are only charged for the actual amount of your stay.

Rental cars: When you rent a car, the rental car company may place an authorization hold on your credit card for the estimated amount of the rental. The hold is released when you return the car, and you are only charged for the actual amount of the rental.

Gasoline: When you purchase gasoline with a credit or debit card, the gas station may place an authorization hold on your account for an estimated amount. The hold is released when you pumping is complete, and you are only charged for the actual amount of gasoline that you purchased.

What if I don’t have enough money in my account to cover an authorization hold?

If you don’t have enough money in your account to cover an authorization hold, the transaction may be declined. If this happens, you will need to either use a different form of payment or contact the merchant to arrange for a different type of payment.

How long does an authorization hold?

An authorization hold typically lasts for a few days, but it can vary depending on the merchant and the type of purchase. For example, a hotel may keep an authorization hold on your account for the length of your stay, and a rental car company may keep an authorization hold on your account for the length of your rental.

Can I remove an authorization hold?

In most cases, you cannot remove an authorization hold. The hold is placed by the merchant, and only the merchant can remove it. However, if you have questions about an authorization hold, you can always contact the merchant to ask for more information.

What if I still see the authorization hold after the purchase is complete?

If you see an authorization hold on your account after the purchase is complete, it may take a few days for the hold to be released. The merchant may need to process the transaction and send it to the credit card issuer for payment. Once the merchant has processed the transaction, the hold should be released.