Authorization Hold

Other75% confidence

This is not a merchant but a temporary authorization hold placed by your bank or card network to verify a payment method or reserve funds for a pending transaction.

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About Authorization Hold

“Authorization Hold” (sometimes shown simply as “Hold” on your statement) is not an actual merchant or business. It is a temporary status that card issuers and payment processors use when a transaction has been authorized but not yet fully completed (captured). You’ll often see this around the time you make a purchase, book travel, pay at the pump, or open a tab at a restaurant or bar.

This type of entry appears on your statement when a merchant requests approval for a certain amount, and your bank sets those funds aside. The final posted transaction may appear later under the actual merchant’s name and for a slightly different amount (for example, after tips, adjustments, or final totals are applied). Small “hold” amounts are also commonly used to verify that a card is valid, such as a $1 test charge that later disappears.

If you have questions about an authorization hold, first check your recent activity and receipts to match the timing and approximate amount to a recent purchase. The hold usually falls off automatically within a few days if the merchant does not complete the transaction. For unresolved or suspicious holds, contact your card issuer’s customer service using the number on the back of your card—they can clarify which merchant requested the hold, how long it may remain, and help you dispute anything that looks unauthorized.

Bank Statement Variations

1 known variations

These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Authorization Hold.

  1. Hold

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see a charge labeled only as “Hold” on my card statement?

A line item labeled “Hold” usually indicates an authorization hold, not a real completed charge. Your bank has temporarily reserved funds for a pending transaction while it waits for the merchant to finalize (capture) the payment.

How long does an authorization hold typically stay on my account?

Most authorization holds are released within 3–7 business days, though some industries like hotels, car rentals, and travel may hold funds for longer. Your bank sets the maximum hold duration, and the funds become available again once the hold expires or the transaction posts.

Can an authorization hold and the final charge both appear at the same time?

Yes. For a short period, you might see both the pending hold and the posted transaction, which can make it look like you were charged twice. The pending hold should disappear automatically once the transaction is fully processed.

Why is the amount of the hold different from my final purchase amount?

Some merchants authorize more than the expected final amount to cover tips, incidentals, or adjustments—for example, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. When the transaction is finalized, the actual amount you owe posts under the merchant’s name and the original hold is released.

What should I do if a hold labeled “Hold” never drops off my account?

If a hold remains for more than a week or past your bank’s stated timeframe, contact your card issuer using the number on the back of your card. They can check which merchant requested it, confirm whether it should be released, and manually remove or dispute it if necessary.

Can I stop or cancel an authorization hold myself?

You generally cannot cancel a hold directly, but you can contact the merchant to ask them to void or release the authorization if the transaction was cancelled. If the merchant does not respond or refuses, your bank can usually release the hold once its expiration window passes.

Will an authorization hold accrue interest on my credit card balance?

Authorization holds do not accrue interest by themselves, but if they convert into a posted charge and you carry a balance past your statement due date, normal credit card interest rules apply. For debit cards, holds can temporarily reduce your available balance, which may affect other payments.

How can I tell which merchant is behind a generic “Hold” entry?

Match the date and approximate amount of the hold with your recent transactions and receipts. If it’s still unclear, your card issuer’s support team can usually see the underlying merchant information and tell you which business initiated the authorization.

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