Order Failed, Online Payment Charged From The Card (Authorization hold)

It might be annoying to experience a payment failure when making purchases online. Some of that tension can be reduced by knowing why these failures occurred and what action you might take. This tutorial will explain what an authorization hold is, why online payments frequently fail, and how to deal with these problems.

The Online Payment Process and Authorization Holds

What is an Authorization Hold?

An authorization hold is a standard part of the payment method when you make an online purchase through a debit card or credit card. This hold is placed by your card issuer or bank to ensure that funds are available to complete the transaction. It is not an actual charge, but it reserves the amount from your available balance.

How Authorization Holds Affect Your Account

If your order is successful, the hold is converted into a charge as part of the final transaction. However, if the order fails, the hold will remain temporarily on your account. This can be misleading, as it may appear as if you were charged for an order that was never completed. Unfortunately, when an order is declined or failed, the authorization hold will occasionally remain for a short period—usually 1-5 days, but it can vary from bank to bank. During that time, the funds held won't be available, and it may appear that the card was charged even though the transaction was declined. WJD Exclusives will never charge your card for a declined transaction.

When to Contact Your Bank

If the authorization hold does not drop off within 5 working days, it is advisable to contact your bank. They can provide information on when the funds will be released back into your account and assist with any discrepancies.

Common Reasons Why Online Payments Fail

Incorrect Payment Information

One of the most frequent causes of payment failure is incorrect payment information. If the details you enter do not match those associated with your payment card, the transaction will not go through. This includes errors in the card number, expiration date, CVV code, and billing address.

Billing Inconsistencies

Another common issue is billing inconsistencies. If the billing information provided does not align with what your bank or card issuer has on file, it can lead to a declined transaction. Always ensure that your billing details are accurate and up-to-date to prevent payment failures.

Conclusion

Online payment failures and the resulting authorization holds can be a common part of e-commerce transactions. By understanding the online payment process and knowing how to respond to payment failures and authorization holds, you can better manage your online shopping experiences and ensure smoother transactions.