Yes. A temporary pre-authorization hold can reduce your available balance even before the final card charge is posted. A hold is not the final charge, but those funds are temporarily set aside and unavailable to spend until the merchant completes or releases the transaction.

Why this happens

When you use your Lili Visa® Debit Card, some merchants place a temporary hold to confirm that enough funds are available to cover the purchase. This is common when the final total is not known right away, such as when a tip, fuel amount, or incidental charge may be added later.

Where you may see it

Pre-authorization holds are most common with:

• Gas stations, especially pay-at-the-pump purchases.
• Restaurants, where the final total may increase after a tip is added.
• Hotels and car rentals, where merchants may hold extra funds for incidentals or security deposits.

Why the amount may look higher

In some cases, the temporary hold may be higher than your actual purchase. For example, gas stations may place a larger hold before the final fuel amount is known, and restaurants, hotels, or car rental merchants may add 15% or more to cover tips or incidental charges.

When the hold will be removed

Once the merchant sends the final amount, the temporary hold is removed and replaced by the completed charge. Many holds are removed within a few business days, but some may take up to 7 days, and hotel or car rental holds can sometimes last up to 15 days.

Can Lili remove the hold?

No. Lili can’t manually remove a pre-authorization hold. The merchant must either complete the transaction with the final amount or allow the hold to expire.

How to avoid larger temporary holds

• Pay for gas inside with the cashier instead of at the pump when possible.
• Keep extra funds available when using your card at restaurants, hotels, or car rental counters.
• If the hold seems unusually long, contact the merchant first to confirm whether they’ve completed or released the authorization.

Lili is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Sunrise Banks, N.A., Member FDIC. The Lili Visa® Debit Card is issued by Sunrise Banks, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. The Card may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. 

Wire Transfer services are provided by Column Bank N.A., Member FDIC. All wires are subject to acceptance criteria and risk-based review and may be rejected at the sole discretion of Column Bank N. A. or Lili App Inc.