Google charged my card an authorization fee?!?

Question

To make a long story short, I thought I wanted to buy something with Google Checkout but changed my mind and never finished the purchase. I checked my account history just now (I have a Mastercard through USAA), and I see this:

MC Authorization (1.00)

GOOGLE GOOGLE.COM/CHCAUS

What's weird is that it says the transaction takes place on tomorrow's date! And of course that I never bought anything in the first place, and wasn't made aware that there would be any kind of fee!

I was also charged an authorization fee when I used Paypal for buying an item online - I'm less concernced since I actually bought something but would still like to know why I'm being charged!

What should I do? I can't find any kind of Google customer service, so should I take it up with USAA?

Answer 1

It is called a pending charge, and this is quite normal.... Authorization fees traditionally are used only for making sure the card is valid, and not to actually charge anything.   Normally I use $0.01 when I do the validation, but apparently Google had decided to use a dollar.  

In short.. Most likely it will never clear.  If it does.. Then call your credit card provider and do a charge back on it...

Answer 2

the $1 authorization will more than likely drop off your account with in 2-3 days.  Since u had entered ur info their system already ran it but im sure it will drop off.. you have nothing to worry about. check it in a couple of days