What could cause a pending transaction or authorization amount to be different from my actual purchase amount?
An authorization may vary from the final purchase amount in situations where there is an estimated authorization amount or a tip is involved. Example: At a restaurant, an authorization is requested prior to a tip being added. The final purchase amount will include the tip. Some restaurants will estimate a tip amount in the authorization dollar amount; thus your purchase and authorization amount would vary only slightly. Example: At the gas pump, an initial authorization is requested prior to dispensing fuel and determining the final amount of the purchase. Many pay-at-the-pump gas purchases are initially authorized for $1 no matter the final purchase amount. Example: At a hotel, an authorization in the amount equal to the entire stay plus an estimated amount for incidentals may be made. This can also be true of cruise lines and car rental companies.
