Why do I have Google Pay charges?

Understanding Google Pay Charges: Temporary Authorization Holds

When using Google Pay, you may encounter temporary charges on your bank account. These charges are not actual withdrawals but rather authorization holds placed by Google to validate your payment card.

Why Do I Have Temporary Holds?

Authorization holds are a common security measure employed by most payment processors. When you initiate a Google Pay transaction, Google places a hold on a small amount on your card to ensure that it is valid and has sufficient funds. This process is designed to prevent fraudulent transactions.

How Long Do Holds Last?

Authorization holds typically expire within a few days, usually less than a week. The exact duration varies depending on your bank’s processing time.

What Happens to the Hold?

Once the verification process is complete, the hold will automatically release, and the funds will become available again in your account. No actual funds are withdrawn during this process.

Important Notes:

• If the hold appears as an actual charge on your bank statement, contact Google Pay customer support to verify the transaction.
• Double-checking the amount and merchant of the transaction is recommended to ensure it matches the intended Google Pay purchase.
• If you notice any unauthorized or suspicious activity on your Google Pay account, report it immediately to Google for investigation.