I am being charged twice for the same order
If you see what looks like a duplicate charge, it is most likely a pre-authorization hold alongside your actual payment. Here is how to tell the difference and what to do.
The most common cause: pre-authorization holds
When you make an Afterpay purchase, two things may appear on your bank statement:
A pre-authorization hold (pending): A temporary reserve to confirm your payment method works. This is not a charge.
Your first installment (posted): The actual payment for your first Afterpay installment.
These can look like duplicate charges, but only the posted transaction is a real payment. The pending hold will drop off automatically.
How to identify a true duplicate in the app
Open Afterpay and go to Orders.
Check if the order appears once or twice.
If it appears once: You likely have a hold plus a charge. Not a duplicate.
If it appears twice with two separate order numbers: This may be a true duplicate. Continue to the next step.
Check the amounts. Pre-authorization holds are often for the full order amount, while your first installment is typically 25% of the total.
When holds drop off
Pre-authorization holds typically disappear from your bank statement within:
Debit cards: 3–5 business days
Credit cards: 5–7 business days
The exact timing depends on your bank. Afterpay does not control how long your bank displays pending holds.
When to wait vs. when to take action
Wait if:
One transaction shows as "pending" and one shows as "posted."
The pending amount matches the full order total (this is the hold).
It has been fewer than 5 business days since the purchase.
Take action if:
Both transactions show as "posted" or "completed."
The order appears twice in your Afterpay app with two different order numbers.
It has been more than 7 business days and the pending charge has not dropped off.
What to do for a true duplicate
Take a screenshot of both charges in your bank statement.
Open Afterpay and contact support through the app (Account → Help).
Provide your order number and prepare to provide screenshots showing both charges if requested.
Afterpay will investigate and reverse the duplicate charge if confirmed.
Do not dispute the charge with your bank before contacting Afterpay. A bank dispute can complicate the resolution process and may result in your Afterpay account being restricted.