I just preordered Amadeus BD and the Batman Anthology BD from Columbia House, they said they don't charge your account until it ships. The grand total was $134 and some change, but according to my checking account they took the whole total out already. Amadeus BD comes out this Tuesday, but Batman doesn't come out for another month. This is a pre authorization that will return to my account soon minus the $30 for Amadeus?

If it hasn't gone through then I expect that it will fall off your account status soon. They tend to do that immediately following a placed order but the charges drop off. You won't be charged until an item ships. At least that has always been my experience with them.

What do you mean if it hasn't gone through? If the item hasn't shipped?

If the charge is only pending on your account.

See I'm not sure, if it's pending or not, it's still there today. If it hasn't gone away by Tuesday or Wednesday I'll have to contact CH since they said they wouldn't charge me until the items shipped.

On credit cards temporary charges can last a week or so, depending on the card. For debit cards, it probably depends on the bank.

Using a debit card at Columbia House can lead to a lot of problems unless one normally keeps a substantial balance cushion. If CH makes a mistake and double charges an order, charges a Director's Selection by mistake, or some such thing, one can end up with an overdrawn bank account. With credit cards, it is no big deal to get mistakes fixed because of the float of a few weeks to a month or more. And if the worst happens, and CH is unwilling to fix a mistake, one can have the charge reversed by the card company. A mistake with a debit card can be very expensive and there is often no recourse.


I've said this before and I'll repeat: Using debit cards at Columbia House is not a good idea. Use a credit card, stay well below your credit limit, and pay it off in full each month. Or pay by check.

Well believe me I plan to take my debit card off as soon as possible. I meant to do that in the first place. It was a good thing that I had a very good cushion of money in my checking account, but that was also there for a certain reason. I already contacted them we'll see what they have to say. My bank is usually pretty good about reversing charges if need be. I'll cancel that order if that's the case. It says in their FAQ section that I wouldn't be charged until the item shipped.

Chances are that it's just an authorization, but still!