Why does it look like I've been billed twice?

If you recently paid for your QuickBooks Online subscription and your bank or credit card account shows two charges, you’re likely seeing a pre‑authorisation hold – not a double charge.

What’s happening
When you start a payment, QuickBooks sends a temporary pre‑authorisation to your card issuer to confirm the card is valid and has enough funds. This hold can look like a separate charge and may appear immediately.

Why the amounts might not match
The pre‑authorisation is often a small amount higher than your actual subscription price (for example, up to £0.50 more). This is a standard industry practice and does not mean you’re being overcharged.

When it disappears
Pre‑authorisations are not real charges – they won’t appear on your final statement. Most banks remove the hold automatically within 3–5 business days, though timing can vary by institution. While the hold is active, your available balance may be reduced temporarily.

What you should check

• Look at your actual credit card statement (not just the pending transactions in online banking). The true charge will only appear once the payment is finalised.
• If you see two completed charges on your statement after 5 days, or an amount that doesn’t match any QuickBooks Online subscription, contact us so we can review.

Need more help?
If you still have concerns about a charge, reach out to QuickBooks Support – we’ll be happy to look into your account and clarify any billing issues.