Apple charging me $1 for what?!

[Broph]

I bought a $30 App card... Bought a couple of Apps, and I go on and see my bank statement (online), and see that there's been one transaction called "Apple Online" for $1, and one transaction "Apple iTunes" for $1... It's type is 'Visa Hold'... What is this? Is this legit? Surely if I've bought a gift card, it shouldn't need any more money!

After a bit of googling, I found this:

http://credit.about.com/b/2010/07/02/watch-out-for-unauthorized-charges-from-itunes.htm

 

[treestar]

Sounds like Apple is checking the credentials of your bank card. It's the kind of charge that will never clear and in a day or so it will disappear. If it clears, contact Apple.

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OK, call Apple and ask right now. If Apple claims that is not their charge you should call your bank and alert them your bank card has been stolen.

 

[maflynn]

Apple sends a hold transaction to ensure credit which it then sends a reverse when its ready to process the transaction. Sometimes for larger items this appears for a larger amount. For instance, I had two 199 charges for an iPhone when I ordered my iPhone. One charge rolled off but it was disconcerting to say the least.

 

[Broph]

OK thanks, I'll let you know if I get refunded in a couple of days.

 

[ScottNWDW]

when you purchase items via the App Store or iTunes a $1 charge is typically sent to your bank to check the validity of your account. If you check your charges online your bank usually will have this charge in the "Pending Charges" list (or something similarly named". Usually the charge will have an expiration date. After the expiration date the $1 charge will disappear and will be replaced with the actual charge.