Sometimes a merchant will put a temporary hold on your ReliaCard® for more than the actual purchase amount. This happens when the final total isn’t known yet.

The hold amount depends on:

• How you pay (debit or credit)
• Where you’re shopping (like gas stations, hotels, airlines, or restaurants)

To avoid your purchase being declined, make sure you have enough money in your ReliaCard® account to cover these holds.

Example: Eating at a Restaurant

Let’s say your meal costs $60. The restaurant might hold $72 on your card to include a possible 20% tip.

Here’s what can happen:

• If you leave a cash tip and sign the receipt for $60, the $72 hold will stay until the restaurant charges the $60 you signed for.
• If you add the tip to your card, the final amount depends on the tip you choose. For example:
  • A 10% tip makes it $66
  • A 20% tip makes it $72

Once the restaurant processes the payment, the extra hold will be removed. 

Learn more by visiting our U.S. Bank ReliaCard® page and selecting the FAQ towards the bottom.