Card hold calculator
See how much of your card balance a hotel or car hire pre-authorisation will tie up, what you'll have left to spend while it's held, and how much comes back when the unused part is released. Free, no sign-up, nothing leaves your browser.
Ask the hotel or hire firm how much they will hold; the starting figures are only an example. Holds are taken from the money available to spend, which is how a debit or prepaid card works; on a credit card they use up your credit limit instead.
How a pre-authorisation works
A pre-authorisation is a temporary hold a business puts on part of your card balance before it knows the final amount. The money is not taken yet, but you cannot spend it while the hold is in place. When the final amount is known, the business completes the payment for that amount, and any unused hold is released or drops off after a set time.
How long holds last
It depends on the card issuer, the card scheme and the type of business. Many holds drop off within a few days to a week, while hotel and car hire holds can last longer. If a hold stays after you have paid, the business can usually ask for it to be released early.
Launch your own branded cards
SendPay platforms include branded Visa cards for your customers, powered by licensed partners, and card payments made with them follow the usual card scheme rules for holds and releases.