When you buy something from Apple.com that will not be shipped for awhile (for example an i7 iMac), does Apple charge your credit card right away or do they wait until it's about to ship?
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CC charged right away?
- Thread starter musukosan
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Hellhammer
Moderator emeritus
Apple usually charges when you order it and return it after few days (to make sure you have money/credit) and then charge it again when the item has shipped
FTC (Federal Trade Commissin) says that you can not charge the credit card until you ship the order, unless they advise you otherwise up front. That being said, they can authorize the credit card (put a hold on the funds) prior to shipping. This ensures the credit card is valid and the funds exist.
MICMAC247
macrumors regular
The temp. authorization can last anywhere from 3-5 business days. This is the best reason for using a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases, especially ones for high-ticket items, as a temp. authorization on a debit card will hold your cash for this amount of time.