Debit Card Holds

Debit Card Holds

What is a debit card hold?

When you use a debit card, the store clerk usually contacts the financial institution that issued your card to get authorization. When the approval is given, the balance in your checking account is reduced or “blocked” by the amount of the purchase. This is known as a pre-authorization hold. The merchant determines the amount of the hold. Typically the hold stays on your account until the funds are transferred to the merchant from your financial institution, often 3-4 days. If you look at your account online it may show as a pending transaction.

How can a debit card hold create problems?

In a few situations, the dollar amount of the transaction is unknown when approval is given. This may happen when you check into a hotel room, pay for gas at the pump, or use your debit card to pay for your meal at a restaurant. In each of these transactions, the merchant may get approval for a higher (estimated) amount– allowing for a tip, room service, additional or higher purchase amounts.

Let’s say you have $60 in your account when you use your debit card to pay for gas at the pump. Since the purchase amount is unknown when you insert your card, the merchant requests authorization for $50. The authorization causes a hold to be placed on your account for $50 and your available balance is reduced to $10. If you only purchased $20 in gas you may believe you have $40 available in your account. Unless you understand how a hold affects your account, your debit card could be declined in future transactions. If checks or other transactions are processed before the hold is released you may overdraw your account and incur overdraft fees.

How can you avoid these problems?

• When a business asks for your card in advance of service – ask if the company will request a pre-authorization hold, the amount of the hold, and how the amount is determined. Be sure the hold won’t exceed your account balance.

• Pay the charges with the same card you used at the beginning of the transaction. Ask the clerk when the hold will be removed.

• Prior to making a purchase that will involve payment with a different card, by cash, or by check, inform the clerk of the different form of payment and inquire about their policy on reversing holds.

• Protect yourself from overdrafts with Member Privilege it requires no action on your part - unless you would like to have access for ATM and everyday debit card transactions.  The paid item fee is $29.00 for each item created by check, in-person withdrawals, recurring debit card transactions, or other electronic means. You may request to "Opt In" for coverage that includes access at the ATM and for everyday debit card purchases.

• When paying for gas, pay inside or consider using another method of payment (cash, check or credit card).