How long does a preauthorization charge last?

A preauthorization charge on a credit or debit card usually lasts for about five to seven days, though the exact duration can vary based the type of transaction. For businesses like hotels or car rental companies, the hold might remain in place for a longer period, sometimes up to 30 days.

If the actual transaction is processed before the hold expires, the preauthorization is lifted and replaced by the final charge. If the transaction doesn’t occur or the amount is less than the preauthorized amount, the hold is released, and the unused funds are returned to the cardholder's account. The timing of fund release depends on both the merchant and type of card transaction.

If a transaction is pending for longer than 30 days please reach out to support@profitnow.com or call 1-800-899-4054 Ext. 2.