When Does Amazon Charge You for a Pre-Order?

When you pre-order an item on Amazon, a common question arises regarding the exact timing of the charge. Understanding Amazon’s policy for these transactions helps clarify when funds will be debited from your account. It involves specific timings for different product types and unique features like a price guarantee. Knowing these details can assist you in managing your finances effectively for upcoming releases.

When Amazon Charges for Pre-Orders

Amazon does not charge you immediately when you place a pre-order. Instead, the charge occurs shortly before the item is shipped or released. For physical products, like books or electronics, your payment method is charged a few days before the item leaves the warehouse for delivery. This timing aligns with the preparation for shipment, ensuring that the item is ready to be sent to you.

A different approach applies to digital content, such as Kindle books, software downloads, or digital games. For these items, the charge is processed at the time the content is officially released. This distinction means that while physical items are charged upon shipping, digital content is billed when it becomes available for access.

Amazon also offers a “Pre-order Price Guarantee,” ensuring you are charged the lowest price offered between your order date and the end of the release day. If the price drops after your pre-order but before release, you automatically receive the lower price. If a physical item ships before the price drops on release day, Amazon will refund the difference to your payment method.

How Payment Methods Are Used

When you place an Amazon pre-order, you must provide a payment method. Amazon does not immediately charge this method, but it verifies the payment details. For credit or debit cards, Amazon may perform a temporary authorization hold (e.g., $1) to confirm the card’s validity and sufficient funds. This hold is released quickly and is not the actual purchase charge.

The actual charge is deferred until closer to the shipping or release date. Amazon will then process the full amount using the payment method on file. Ensure the selected payment method is active and has adequate funds when the pre-order is ready for fulfillment to prevent issues. Amazon Gift Card balances can also be used for pre-orders, with the amount deducted when the item is shipped or released.

Managing Pre-Order Payments

You can update or change the payment method associated with an active Amazon pre-order before it ships. Log into your Amazon account, navigate to the “Your Orders” section, and locate the specific pre-order you wish to modify.

You will find an option to “Change Payment Method” next to your pre-order. You can then select a different payment option from your saved methods or input new payment details. Review the updated information for accuracy and confirm the change. While the primary focus is payment, you can also update shipping addresses within the order details if needed.

What Happens If Payment Fails

If Amazon attempts to charge your payment method for a pre-order and the transaction fails, Amazon will notify you. This can occur due to various reasons, such as an expired card, insufficient funds, or a bank declining the transaction. Amazon sends an email notification, prompting you to update your payment information.

You are provided a grace period to resolve the payment issue by updating the details in your Amazon account. If the payment method is not updated and the issue remains unresolved, Amazon may cancel the pre-order. Promptly addressing any payment failure notifications helps ensure that your pre-order is not delayed or cancelled. Not updating a lost or stolen card can lead to a pre-order cancellation.