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The Daily Insight Hub

Can you block a pre-authorized payment?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on February 07, 2026

You can stop the bank from paying a single pre-authorized charge by contacting it in writing or orally at least three business days before the pre-authorized charge will be made. However, this may not cancel your agreement for ongoing pre-authorized charges with the merchant.

How do I stop a company from billing my credit card?

Stopping a card payment You can tell the card issuer by phone, email or letter. Your card issuer has no right to insist that you ask the company taking the payment first. They have to stop the payments if you ask them to. If you ask to stop a payment, the card issuer should investigate each case on its own merit.

How do I stop an authorized transaction?

If you would like to cancel the pending transaction, ask the merchant to contact the issuer and cancel it. The funds will then be available to you.

Can I put a stop payment on a credit card?

If you use your credit card to buy something, you have the right to stop the unwanted purchase under the Fair Credit Billing Act, even if you made the purchase online. You can stop payment on any transaction as long as it’s for more than $50 and you live within 100 miles of the place where you bought the item.

Are pre authorized payments safe?

Over-billing is the biggest risk of pre-authorized payment. Pre-authorized payment (PAP) seems like a convenient way to pay your bills. But PAP isn’t without its risks. The biggest risk is over-billing.

What counts as pre-authorized payment?

Pre-authorized payments, also known as direct debits and pre-authorized debits, are amounts that you authorize to be taken from your bank or credit card account on a regular basis to pay for a service or goods. This might include things like your cell phone bill or a gym membership.

How to cancel a pre authorized payment on your credit card?

If the payments continue, contact your credit card provider to discuss reimbursement and ensuring they cancel the pre-authorized payment as requested. When writing a letter to cancel your pre-authorized payment, you’ll need to include the following information: Information of what the pre-authorized payment is.

When to put a stop to pre-authorized payments?

Pre-authorized payments can simplify how you make payments, but there are instances when you might want to put a stop to one or more of these payments. Some of the most common reasons to stop pre-authorized payments include the following: Change in income. There is a change in your income and you want more control over how you handle your expenses.

When do I have to stop a credit card payment?

Stopping a card payment. The law says you can withdraw your consent and stop a future payment under a continuous payment authority at any time up to the end of business on the day before the payment is due.

When to capture a credit card pre authorized payment?

At a technical level, the actual duration of the hold depends on the merchant classification code (MCC code). Some type of merchants may qualify for a longer hold than others, but in general if you are going to capture a pre-authorized payment you should do it before the 5th day to make certain the funds will be available.