This article is for buyers. It explains what a bank card security deposit (hold) is, why it's requested, which amount corresponds to which bidding ceiling, how long it lasts, and in which cases it can be charged.
Summary
- The bank card hold is a payment authorization, not a charge: no money is debited.
- The guaranteed amount determines the ceiling up to which you can bid.
- It's valid for 30 days, then released automatically, with no renewal.
- It's only charged in the event of non-payment after winning a bid.
1. What is a bank card hold?
Some sales require a security deposit before you can bid. In practice, you enter your card details and an amount is held on your card, without being charged.
This amount remains unavailable for the duration of the hold, but it doesn't leave your account.
Depending on your bank, the held amount may appear among your pending transactions. This isn't a purchase: it will never be charged, except in the event of non-payment on your part.
2. What is it for?
The security deposit guarantees that bids placed are genuine. It helps to:
- limit fanciful or fraudulent bids;
- protect sellers, often public entities;
- assure all participants that the offers shown are real;
- cover all or part of the loss if a buyer doesn't pay for their purchase.
3. Tiers and their ceilings
The amount of your hold determines the maximum amount you can commit to.
Tier | Guaranteed amount | Maximum bid |
1 | €25 | €500 |
2 | €50 | €1,000 |
3 | €200 | €5,000 |
4 | €500 | €15,000 |
5 | €1,000 | Unlimited |
A single hold applies to several items in parallel, as long as each bid stays under the tier's ceiling. With €25 guaranteed, you can bid on several items under €500 each.
4. How long does it last?
- The hold is valid for 30 days.
- After that period, it's released automatically: the held amount becomes available again.
- No automatic renewal takes place: to keep bidding on sales with a security deposit, you need to register a new one.
If your hold expires during a sale you're interested in, you won't be able to bid again until you register a new one. Keep this in mind as a closing date approaches.
5. Releasing your security deposit early
An early release is possible, on request to customer service, under two cumulative conditions:
- you're not the top bidder on any item;
- your account or organization has no unpaid invoices.
6. When can it be charged?
Only if you win an item and don't pay for it. In that case, in accordance with the general terms and conditions of sale, the security deposit may be charged to cover all or part of the loss. Depending on the situation, part of it may be returned to you after deducting the amounts due.
A bid is firm and final. Only bid on items you're certain you can pay for and come collect.
Our tips
- Choose a tier that matches the budget you're planning from the start: you'll avoid having to increase it mid-bid.
- Check your available ceiling before the last minutes of a sale.
- Use a card with a distant expiration date and a sufficient limit.
- Pay your invoices promptly: it's the condition for releasing your security deposit.
Frequently asked questions
Am I charged when I register my hold?
No. It's a bank authorization: the amount is held, never charged, except in the event of non-payment on your part.
Do all sales require a security deposit?
No. It depends on how the sale is set up. When it applies, the request appears when you bid.
Can I increase my ceiling?
Yes, at any time, by registering a hold at a higher tier.
Can I get my security deposit back whenever I want?
No. You must not be the top bidder on any item and must have no unpaid invoices. Without that, the hold is released automatically after 30 days.
The held amount shows on my statement, is that normal?
Yes. Some banks show the authorization among pending transactions. It disappears when the hold is released.
Is the security deposit deducted from the price to pay?
No. It remains a separate guarantee: your purchase is paid in full, and the hold is released according to the usual rules.
What happens if my automatic bid exceeds my security deposit ceiling?
You're invited to register a new hold for a higher amount. Your automatic bid doesn't stop without informing you.