Everything You Need to Know About Google Temporary Holds

PDF download Download Article
Learn more about this potentially confusing bank charge from Google
PDF download Download Article

If you've gotten a Google temporary hold on your bank account, you may be wondering what it is—or maybe even wondering why Google is taking money from your account unprompted. While this can look worrying, a Google temporary hold isn't taking money from your account. These small charges are used to ensure your payment method is valid, and Google doesn't actually take any money out of your account with them.

Understanding Google Temporary Holds

  • Google temporary holds are used to verify your payment method is valid and that your bank is holding the money.
  • You may see a temporary hold if you've just added a new card to Google Pay.
  • When you make a Google purchase or use Chrome auto-fill, you may see a temporary hold.
Section 1 of 2:

What is a Google temporary hold?

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you add a new card to Google Pay, Google will initiate a small transaction (also called a pre-authorization charge) to that card to make sure it's valid. These transactions are usually $1 to $2, and the transactions are never fully completed—that is, Google essentially cancels the transaction before the money is removed from your account.
    • The temporary hold is placed by your bank, and these holds usually go away after 48 hours. Once the hold falls off, it'll be removed from your card statement, and the money will be returned to your account total.
  2. Similar to a pre-authorization charge from Google Pay, when you pay for a Google service (such as a Google Play Store purchase or YouTube Premium), use your Google Wallet , or use Google Chrome auto-fill, you may see a "GOOGLE *TEMPORARY HOLD" charge. [1]
    • This hold also verifies that your card is valid and that you have the funds to complete the purchase.
    • Once again, these holds are placed by your bank, and the hold will go away once the transaction has gone through.
    • Even if you didn't pay Google for something, if you used a card you've saved to Google Chrome auto-fill ], you may see this temporary hold on your account.
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 2:

Can I remove a Google temporary hold?

PDF download Download Article
  1. It may appear that you are losing money when you see "GOOGLE *TEMPORARY HOLD," but these holds are transactions that are never completed. The money is returned to your bank account once the hold goes away.
    • If you are concerned about a temporary hold on your account, contact your bank for help. They may be able to remove the hold earlier than normal (which should be about 48 hours, but some cards place holds for up to 7 days).
    • If you notice a Google charge on your account that you don't recall making, you can file a dispute with Google. You should also contact your bank for assistance with a fraudulent charge.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Can You Use Zelle to Send Money to Cash App? Here's How
      8 Simple Things to Try When You Can't Receive Money on Cash App
      How to
      Withdraw from eWallet
      How to
      Fix Cash App Failed for Your Protection Error
      How to
      Verify Bitcoin on Cash App: Quick Step-by-Step Guide
      Cash App Borrow Guide: Eligibility, Loans, Repayment, & More
      Does Chime Work With Zelle? 3 Simple Workarounds
      Reasons Your Payment Needs Revision on Amazon & How to Fix It
      How To Block (& Unblock) Someone on the Zelle App
      Why Random People Send You Money on Cash App: Scam Guide
      How to
      Use Splitwise
      How to
      Contact Cash App
      Can Someone Hijack Your Cash App with Just Your Name?
      Cash App Refunds: Get Your Money Back If You're Scammed
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/googlepay/answer/7644142?hl=en

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 18,292 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement