Authorizations
When you place an order, Amazon contacts the issuing bank to confirm the validity of the payment method. Your bank reserves the funds until the transaction processes or the authorization expires, but it isn't an actual charge.
What happens during the authorization process?
- Amazon contacts the issuing bank. This is to confirm the validity of the payment method when you place an order.
- Your bank reserves the funds. This is not yet an actual charge. The bank reserves funds until the transaction processes or the authorization expires.
- The authorization expires. Some banks call authorizations "pending" or "processing" charges. For more information on their specific policies regarding authorizations, contact the issuing bank.
What happens after the authorization?
Order is shipped: Amazon notifies your bank that the order is concluded and the amount can be charged.
Order is changed: If you change your order before shipping, Amazon may ask your bank for a new authorization. Amazon will inform the bank that the authorization is no longer necessary. The bank will proceed to cancel it and release the funds within 5-7 days.
Order is cancelled: Amazon will notify the bank that the authorization is no longer required. The bank will proceed to cancel it according to its timing and release the funds within 5-7 days.
Authorization issues
- Authorizations may fail once or twice before the issuing bank authorizes the card. Amazon will send you an email if there are difficulties authorizing your payment card.
- If you place an order for multiple items, the system may ask for a single authorization for all items. The full amount will be charged after all items have shipped or five days after the order date, whichever occurs first
- Contact your bank for further assistance with authorizations. They can clarify any unavailable funds and how long they hold payment authorizations for online orders.
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