Payment Error

g1ll

Hi,

I tried to place an order online with a retailer. I received a payment error message each time. I tried a few times as I thougt the site must have been faulty. I checked my bank and although not one order was successful 4 payments have been held by my bank for this company. I called them and they cant release the money as they don't actually have it, but neither do I. Is this allowed as I had no notice that this would happen. I ordered via my phone so I didnt get a" dont attempt another order for 48 hours" message. The company are aware this is a problem. I have been told the payments can take up to 7 days to be returned. Can anyone advise.

arcon5

This is known as an authorisation. The money's effectively ring fenced until they properly charge the card.

And they can release it by voiding the transaction from their merchant management system. Although a lot of companies don't allow staff access to this or setup restricted access for obvious reasons.
But the hold will automatically be removed after a period.

Tbh I suspect by the time you get a meaningful response from them it'll be about time anyway