Hi whoisisaiah,
Welcome!
Gas stations will obtain a pre-authorization when a debit or credit card is swiped at an automated fuel-pump. We typically receive pre-authorizations in the amounts of $1, $10, $75, or $150. The gas station will then submit the transaction for payment, in the amount of your fuel purchase.
At the time the transaction is complete, the pre-authorization amount should be automatically removed. If the pre-authorization amount is not credited back at the time the purchase amount is complete, then the pre-authorization amount will expire after 5 days and will be credited back at that time. Should the pre-authorization complete as a transaction along with the actual amount, the incorrect transaction can be disputed.
To avoid a high pre-authorization, you can go inside the gas station and pay at the counter instead of at the pump.
Amanda
