The timing of when Amazon charges customers for purchases can vary depending on several factors. Typically, an authorization hold is placed on the customer’s payment method shortly after an order is placed. This hold verifies the availability of funds but doesn’t represent a transfer of money. The actual charge is often processed when the order is prepared for shipment, sometimes even when it ships.
This delayed charging practice offers several advantages. It allows Amazon to confirm inventory availability before fully committing to the transaction. It also provides flexibility in case the order needs to be adjusted, such as when an item is backordered or a customer cancels part of their order. Historically, this approach aligns with standard e-commerce practices designed to protect both the seller and the buyer by ensuring funds are only transferred when goods are ready for delivery.
