What is PREAUTH CHARGE charge?

What Is the "PREAUTH CHARGE" Charge?

The "PREAUTH CHARGE" charge on your bank or credit card statement can appear confusing because it doesn't clearly identify a specific merchant. This type of charge typically represents a temporary or system-generated entry from your bank, payment processor, or a merchant whose name isn't fully displayed.

Many consumers see this charge and immediately worry about fraud or unauthorized transactions. While it's always smart to investigate unfamiliar charges, "PREAUTH CHARGE" entries are often legitimate and resolve on their own within a few business days.

Why Do You See "PREAUTH CHARGE" on Your Statement?

There are several common reasons why "PREAUTH CHARGE" might appear on your statement:

• Temporary authorization hold — A merchant placed a hold on your card that hasn't settled yet
• Payment processing delay — The transaction is still being processed and the final merchant name hasn't populated
• Pre-authorization check — A service verified your card is valid before completing a transaction
• Subscription or recurring billing — An automated payment that uses a generic descriptor

Check your recent purchases and subscriptions to see if any match the amount of this charge.

Is the "PREAUTH CHARGE" Charge Legitimate?

"PREAUTH CHARGE" charges are often legitimate, but you should always verify. Here's how to check:

• Match the charge amount to recent purchases you've made
• Check if the date corresponds to any transactions you remember
• Wait 2-3 business days — pending charges often update with the correct merchant name
• Review your email for purchase confirmations matching this amount

If you cannot identify the charge after investigation, it may be unauthorized and you should contact your bank immediately.

How to Get a Refund for "PREAUTH CHARGE"

If you've determined the "PREAUTH CHARGE" charge is unauthorized or incorrect:

1. Contact your bank immediately — Call the number on the back of your card
2. Report the charge as unauthorized — Your bank will investigate under Regulation E or your card's zero-liability policy
3. Request a chargeback — If the charge has posted, file a formal dispute
4. Use Refunder.ai — Our AI-powered tool can help you identify the charge and build a dispute case automatically

How to Cancel or Prevent Future "PREAUTH CHARGE" Charges

To prevent future unrecognized charges:

• Enable transaction alerts on your banking app for real-time notifications
• Review your subscriptions and recurring payments regularly
• Use virtual card numbers for online purchases
• If you suspect fraud, request a new card number from your bank

Need Help With This Charge?

If you're still unsure about the "PREAUTH CHARGE" charge on your statement, Refunder.ai can help. Our AI-powered dispute assistant identifies unknown charges, checks if you're eligible for a refund, and walks you through the entire dispute process — all in minutes.