An authorization hold reserves funds for a card payment before the merchant completes it. This can happen when an advertising platform checks a card or requests payment.
A hold isn’t automatically an additional fee or a completed charge
The merchant can complete the payment, change the amount, or cancel the authorization
If the merchant doesn’t complete it, the authorization may expire and the reserved funds can be released
What Happens Next
The merchant can complete the payment, change the amount, or cancel the authorization.
If the merchant doesn’t complete it, the authorization may expire and the reserved funds can be released. The time depends on the merchant and the payment’s processing status.
Troubleshooting
Issue | What to do |
The final amount differs | Compare the authorized amount with the completed payment. Also review any conversion and fee details. See Find and Review Transactions and Ads Cards Fees. |
It looks like two charges | A pending authorization and a completed payment may appear during processing. Compare the status and linked transaction details before treating them as duplicate completed charges. If both appear completed or the relationship is unclear, contact support with both Transaction IDs. |
A payment stays pending | Ask the merchant whether it has completed or cancelled the payment. Contact us with the Transaction ID if the status remains unclear or the merchant confirms it has finished processing. |
Don’t close a funding account while you’re unsure how an outstanding payment will be resolved. If you need to stop new attempts, use Freeze or Unfreeze a Card.
For money returned after a payment, see Ads Card Refunds and Reversals.
Need Help?
Contact us through the support widget or at [email protected] with the Transaction ID (or both IDs for a suspected duplicate), the amount, and the merchant. Don’t send the full card number or CVV.