The vending machine charged me twice! Now, what do I do??
Have you been charged twice for an item you purchased from a vending machine? We can help explain.
You're probably upset about it, and rightfully so. But we're here to inform you that it's nothing to worry about. In fact, it's a common occurrence for many credit or debit card transactions and not just limited to vending machines.
The charge you see is called an authorization hold, a well-known practice within the banking industry.
What is an authorization hold?
It's the practice of verifying a credit or debit payment and placing a hold on that account until the funds are transferred.
Here's how it works:
When you purchase a Coke or Pepsi from a vending machine with a credit card, the funds from your account are not immediately transferred to the vending company.
As a result, your bank or credit card company places a temporary hold on that balance (the amount of the item you purchased), so if you were to max out the card right after buying your soda or snack, they would know that the available balance is less than what is currently stated.
It's not until the merchant (in this case, the vending company) submits the credit card payments at the end of the day in a 'batch transfer' (sending all the transactions over at once) that the funds are actually deducted from your account.
So, if you purchased an item and then looked at your statement right after, you'd see both the actual charge (which hasn't been processed yet) and the temporary hold.
The temporary hold is removed once the vending company receives the payment from your credit card service. This process typically takes 1-2 days, but sometimes longer. We suggest you contact your bank or credit card provider if the hold is never removed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vending Machines
Why was I charged twice by the vending machine?
You were likely charged once as an authorization hold and once as the actual purchase. The hold is a temporary verification by your bank or credit card company to ensure funds are available before the final charge is processed.
What is an authorization hold?
An authorization hold is a temporary hold placed by your bank or credit card company on your account to verify payment and reserve the purchase amount until the merchant processes the transaction.
How long does the authorization hold last?
The authorization hold typically lasts 1-2 days but can sometimes take longer. It is removed once the vending company completes the payment processing.
When does the vending company actually receive the payment?
The vending company receives payment after submitting all credit card transactions in a batch transfer, usually at the end of the day, when the funds are deducted from your account.
What should I do if the authorization hold is not removed?
If the temporary hold remains on your account beyond the usual processing time, you should contact your bank or credit card provider to resolve the issue.
Is it common to see this double charge with vending machines?
Yes, this is a common occurrence not only with vending machines but with many credit or debit card transactions as part of standard banking practices.
