1. Usable but Not Recommended
While debit and prepaid cards can be used with TableCheck, we do not recommend using them due to the following reasons. Please read carefully before proceeding with these payment methods.
2. Immediate Charges Upon Authorization Hold
When using debit or prepaid cards, the reservation authorization hold may result in an immediate withdrawal from your account.
3. Refund Timeline
Authorization holds are temporary and will be released automatically after a certain period. This does not mean your reservation has been cancelled; it’s part of standard transaction processing.
Even if an amount is temporarily withdrawn, you will still need to pay for your meal at the restaurant on the day of your visit.
Related Page:A charge has already been made to the card used for a pay-at-restaurant reservation
Please note that refunds may take several weeks depending on your card issuer. For details, contact your financial institution directly.
4. Re-Authorization (Re-Authorization Hold)
Re-authorization refers to the process of re-verifying and re-securing the credit limit on a credit or debit card that has already been authorized. For reservations where card information has been collected to obtain authorization, the system automatically updates the authorization every 40 days, calculated from the reservation creation date. *Re-authorization will no longer be available as of July 23, 2026.
- Immediate withdrawals may also occur at this stage.
- This may appear as a double charge, but the initial amount will be refunded after a period of time.
- This often occurs when booking more than one month in advance using a debit card.
- Refund timelines vary by financial institution and may take several weeks.
Related Page:Why am I double-charged?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does it look like I was charged twice due to re-authorization?
A: A re-authorization hold may trigger a second withdrawal. The initial charge will be refunded later.
Q: Why was my authorization refunded even though I didn’t cancel?
A: Authorization holds are automatically released after a certain time. This is unrelated to a cancellation. However, assuming the reservation is cancelled and failing to contact the restaurant may result in a no-show. Some guests also mistakenly report card fraud. If you’re concerned, please verify your reservation status.
Related Page:How to Check Your Reservation
Q: What happens if re-authorization fails?
A: If the card can’t be verified, your reservation may be cancelled. Please use another valid card.