Pending charge more than signed bar tab - what is the deal?

Question

I went to a bar the other night for my friends birthday and we bought a couple bottles and at the end of the night we all split it up (about $450 between the people who paid). I used my debit card to pay and signed the reciept - no tip as it was included so I put a ---- in the tip line and wrote the total on the bottom.

However, the next day I went online and saw a charge for $637.54 that is still pending (I am assuming it is the bar as there are no other charges). Will this cost reconcile itself once it clears? I tried to call the club but no one answered - luckily I saved my reciept but it was totally seperate from the orgininal (didn't "copy" my signature or no tip).

Can anyone help? Not too sure what to do as it is my debit card.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Bars and restaurants will authorize up to 25% for tip, just to make sure that you have the funds available. Watch for the charge to clear. If it's not right, call your bank. The authorization will be removed when the item clears, or after 5 days, whichever happens first.

Answer 2

Yes, it's nothing to worry about. Bars typically authorize credit cards, in your case a debit card, for a higher amount to cover the anticipated tab. I don't know if you left your card with the bartender but if you did then that's what happened. When the charge goes through the residual amount should fall off. If not you have your receipt and you should call the bar to clear it up. But it's a common practice adn it shoudl just go away on it's own.