Square Credit Card Users: Beware paying at pump!!!

[kacey_k]

I’m sharing my experience because I genuinely wish someone had warned me about this before it happened.

I’m an independent hairstylist, a longtime Square seller, a repeat Square Loans customer, and an active Square Champion. I’ve supported and advocated for Square because I’ve genuinely believed in its products and services.

But this experience has left me incredibly disappointed.

I received my Square American Express credit card less than a month ago.

On October 12, I purchased $55.05 in gas at Kroger, paying directly at the pump.

My actual purchase has already SETTLED and CLEARED.

However, an additional $250.50 authorization is STILL pending, restricting my available credit.

Here’s where my frustration really begins.

I contacted Kroger directly. They could not locate this $250.50 authorization in their records and provided me with a case number.

I’ve contacted Square repeatedly, spoken with representatives, and had the situation escalated.

And what have I received?

Repeated generic explanations about how gas station pre-authorizations work.

I KNOW HOW AUTHORIZATION HOLDS WORK.

What I don’t understand is why I can’t get meaningful assistance investigating this particular authorization or consistent information about when my available credit will be restored.

I’ve been told different timeframes, including up to 30 days.

Meanwhile, I have several upcoming professional color appointments and need to order supplies for my salon.

Now I’m facing the possibility of dipping into my PERSONAL SAVINGS to cover business expenses while other bills are coming due.

This is exactly why I obtained a business credit card in the first place.

And here’s what makes this especially disappointing.

I’m a SQUARE CHAMPION.

I spend my own time participating in this community, helping other sellers, answering questions, and sharing information about Square’s products.

I believe in helping small business owners succeed.

But right now, I’m struggling to get meaningful help from the same company I’ve spent so much time supporting.

I’m not asking for special treatment because I’m a Champion. I’m asking for transparency, consistent information, and actual customer support.

I understand that authorization holds are part of card processing and that Square may not have the ability to release one immediately.

But being unable to release an authorization and being unable to provide meaningful assistance are two different things.

I’m sharing this as a warning to other small business owners who depend on their available credit for everyday operations.

Please be cautious about using your Square credit card at gas pumps, especially if you have a limited credit line.

I’m also pursuing a formal complaint regarding the lack of meaningful assistance I’ve received.

Has anyone else experienced an unusually large pending authorization on their Square credit card? How long did it actually take to disappear, and did you receive any help from support?

I’d genuinely appreciate hearing your experiences.

Because small business owners deserve better communication when their operating funds are affected.

[schaefferjosh]

$250 is insane to me! The most I have ever had was $100, but I don't have a Kroger near me, so I am not sure what their usual is. As for the hold still being there, I'd give it until Monday, and then maybe contact AMEX as well. They may be able to assist.