Table of Contents

When You Preorder a Game, Does It Charge You Right Away?

The simple answer to the question “When you preorder a game does it charge you right away?” is: it depends. The timing of when you’re charged for a pre-ordered game varies significantly depending on several factors, including the platform you’re using, the payment method you choose, and the specific retailer or service involved. There isn’t a single, universal rule. This article dives deep into the intricacies of game pre-order charges, aiming to clear up any confusion and provide you with a clear understanding of how it works.

Understanding Pre-Order Payment Timelines

Generally, pre-ordering a game means you are reserving a copy before its official release. You’re essentially making a commitment to purchase the game once it becomes available. However, when the money actually leaves your account can be quite different across various scenarios. Let’s explore the different payment triggers you might encounter:

Account Credit: Immediate Deduction

If you’re pre-ordering a game using account credit (such as store credit on platforms like Xbox or PlayStation), the charge is typically immediate. The funds are deducted from your account balance at the moment you confirm the pre-order. This is because the platform already has the money; it’s simply being earmarked for your future game purchase.

Credit/Debit Cards: A Delayed Charge

For those using a credit or debit card, the charging process is generally delayed. Instead of an immediate transaction, you’ll often see an authorization hold placed on your card shortly after you pre-order. This temporary hold confirms that the funds are available, but they are not actually taken. The real charge usually occurs later, with specific timing depending on the platform:

Around 10 Days Before Release: Some platforms, notably Xbox, will charge your credit or debit card approximately 10 days before the early access period or the official release date. This timeframe allows them to prepare for the launch and also provides a buffer in case of any issues with payment.
7 Days Before Release: Digital pre-orders on some platforms may be processed roughly 7 days before release, and the game will begin pre-loading onto your system.
When the Item Ships: In contrast, some retailers, like Amazon, typically charge your card only when the item is prepared for shipping. This means the actual charge might not happen until the game is physically sent out to you.
Varies by Retailer: Smaller third-party retailers can have varying policies. Some might charge you right away, while others will wait until shipping. It’s always a good idea to check the retailer’s specific policies before confirming your pre-order.

Splitting Payments: A Combination Approach

When you opt to split your payment between a credit/debit card and your account balance, the store credit will usually be deducted immediately. The remaining balance will then be charged to your card at the usual pre-order payment time (depending on the platform, usually closer to the release date).

Pre-Ordering on Specific Platforms: What To Expect

Here’s a more detailed look at how pre-order charges work on some popular platforms:

Xbox: As stated earlier, if you pay with account credit, it’s immediate. Credit/debit card charges are typically applied around 10 days before early access or the release date.
PlayStation: PlayStation generally charges approximately 12 days before the game’s release date. This is also the timeline for pre-orders via PlayStation Direct.
Amazon: For games sold directly by Amazon, your card is generally not charged until the item is being prepared for shipment. However, keep in mind that this can differ for products sold by third-party sellers.
Other Digital Stores: Digital storefronts like Steam or the Epic Games Store usually charge a few days prior to the release, allowing enough time for pre-loading if applicable.

Important Considerations

Card Expiration: If using a card, make sure it won’t expire between the time of pre-order and the anticipated charge date. An expired card will prevent the charge from going through, potentially cancelling your pre-order.
Sufficient Funds: Ensure you have sufficient funds available on your account or credit card before the charge is scheduled to go through to prevent the risk of cancelation.
Pre-Order Cancellation: Be aware of cancellation policies. While most platforms and retailers allow pre-order cancellation, there might be time restrictions, so make sure to review them.
Refunds: If you do need a refund, policies differ. Typically, released pre-ordered games are refundable within a specific timeframe if you haven’t played them excessively. Check the platform’s refund policy for more information.
Pre-Loading: If a game offers pre-loading, the charge will likely be timed to coincide with the start of pre-loading so that you can have the game ready to play on launch day.

Benefits of Pre-Ordering

Despite the payment variations, pre-ordering offers benefits such as:

Securing a copy: Ensures you’ll have the game on day one, especially for highly anticipated releases.
Pre-load options: Often allows you to download the game in advance, ensuring you can play immediately on launch.
Pre-order Bonuses: Some games offer exclusive content or bonuses when you pre-order.

Conclusion

Navigating the nuances of game pre-order charges can be initially confusing, but generally, the golden rule is to expect that the payment will not be immediate unless you’re using account credit. For credit/debit cards, the charge happens closer to the game’s release or when the item is shipped. Knowing this and understanding the specific policies of your chosen platform or retailer can help avoid surprises and ensure a smooth launch day experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all pre-orders charge immediately?

No, not all pre-orders charge immediately. If you pay using store credit, it is almost always immediate. However, using credit or debit cards generally results in a charge at a later time, often within a few days or weeks of the release or shipment.

2. When am I charged for a pre-order on Amazon?

Amazon typically charges your payment method when your pre-ordered item is ready to ship, not at the time you place the order. However, some third-party sellers might charge immediately.

3. Does Xbox charge immediately for pre-orders?

Xbox charges account credit immediately. For credit/debit cards, the charge is usually processed around 10 days before the game’s early access period or release date.

4. When will PlayStation charge for pre-orders?

PlayStation usually charges your payment method about 12 days before the release date of the game or console.

5. Can I cancel a pre-order and get a refund?

Yes, most platforms and retailers allow you to cancel pre-orders for a full refund. However, there might be cancellation deadlines, so always check the specific terms.

6. What happens if I do not have sufficient funds when a pre-order is charged?

If there are insufficient funds, your pre-order may be canceled. You will be notified to update your payment method and can usually re-order if you do so quickly.

7. Can I use a gift card to pre-order a game?

Yes, you can often use gift cards to pre-order games, but the rules about when the charge will be applied depend on the platform and retailer. In many cases, using a gift card results in immediate deduction from the card balance.

8. Can a debit card overdraft when pre-ordering a game?

Yes, if your pre-order charge exceeds your debit card balance when it’s processed, you can potentially overdraft your account, which can result in overdraft fees.

9. Will I get charged if the pre-order doesn’t ship?

No, if a pre-ordered item does not ship, you are typically not charged. If you were charged, you should be eligible for a full refund.

10. Can pre-orders offer incentives?

Yes, many pre-orders come with extra content, in-game items, or early access as incentives for placing your order early.

11. How does pre-loading work?

Pre-loading allows you to download the game before it’s released so that you can start playing immediately on launch day. The game will typically be downloaded several days before launch.

12. Is a pre-order always guaranteed to ship on the release day?

Most major retailers and platforms aim to ship pre-orders so that they arrive on the release date, but sometimes delays can occur, leading to a slightly later delivery.

13. Is there a difference in pre-order charges between physical and digital games?

There can be a difference. Digital games, depending on the platform, may have a set timeframe for charges. Physical games tend to have charges linked to the shipping process, so they tend to occur later.

14. How long can I wait before my pre-order charge goes through?

Some places like Amazon don’t charge your card until shipment, while some will charge close to the release date. There isn’t a universal rule, and it depends on where you place the pre-order. It is important to keep track of when your payment will be processed.

15. What happens to my pre-order if my card expires?

Your pre-order will be automatically canceled. You will need to update your payment method to continue with your order. Make sure to always keep your payment information up-to-date.