Credit card authorisation hold and card cancelling

jon1981

Hi,

Hypothetical question and not looking for advice.

If I book a hotel ,which is non refundable, (booked by mistake because I'm a tool) and have not yet been charged but they have put a hold on the card for a fee and I then go and cancel my credit card account (i.e. close it). Can the hotel still charge me?

Same question if I lose the card rather than close the account and have to report it lost, will the hotel still be able to charge it?

J

Spocker

Yep, they can still charge you, and the bank are still entitled to come after you for that amount, plus any fees

jon1981

Spocker wrote: »

Yep, they can still charge you, and the bank are still entitled to come after you for that amount, plus any fees

I see! And how long does a pre-auth last? the booking is for 2 months time, can they reserve an amount for that long? I presume if the reserve expires and I then cancel the card, there is no way they can charge a cancelled card for which they have no pre-authorisation anymore?

Nervous Wreck

Pre-auth lasts for about a week. They have the legal right to put the charge through for up to 6 months. Whether your card is cancelled or not, they can still charge you.

jon1981

Ok thanks guys, I just wanted to understand how this authorization works. No point in pursing this course of action for my hypothetical problem so!