Cards on File, Holds and Pre-Authorization
Why a house may ask for a card, what a hold is, and the per-auction pre-authorization some auctions need.
Steps: Save a Card
- Account → Card → Add a Card.
- Enter it on the payment processor's own form. Crossroad Sellers never sees the number.
- Read the line above Save Card: saving it lets Crossroad Sellers place temporary holds on it while you are winning and charge it for the invoices of the houses you win at. Then choose Save Card.
- Remove card on the same page takes it off — unless it is backing a hold or an unpaid invoice at any house you belong to, in which case the page says so and the card can be replaced but not removed until that is settled. A house that requires a card will refuse your bids until you add another.
A Card on File
Some houses require a saved card before you can bid. You add it once under Account → Card, on the payment processor's own secure form. Crossroad Sellers never sees the card number; it keeps a reference and the last four digits. One card follows your login to every house.
Holds While Bidding
As your winning bids at a house add up, the house may place a temporary hold on your card, sized to what you are winning, so it knows the money is there. A hold is not a charge. It is released or converted after the auction closes; your bank may show it for a few days.
Pre-Authorization for a Particular Auction
For high-value auctions, the house may require a pre-authorization of a fixed amount before you can bid in that auction at all. The auction page shows the amount and a button to authorize it. Once authorized you can bid throughout the auction. After the auction it is applied to your invoice, or released if you owe nothing.
Holds are never placed while a lot is closing, so authorizing never slows a bid.