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Bill

2 years ago

in Redbox Update - Looking back and moving forward… on Inside Redbox
Check this out:
http://www.selfservice.org/article_2957_23.php

Self service.org is running a poll on the hottest kiosks, and Redbox made the list! This is our chance to vote for our favorite free movie source. :-)

Jim

2 years ago

in InsideRedbox - Free DVD Rentals for Life! on Inside Redbox
Hi Brett, Jessy:

(warning: probably more than you really wanted to know about credit cards, but I work with them for a living so I've had to learn some of this stuff and thought I'd share since that's what this site is all about!)

Its actually not a charge, but an authorization (i.e. a check to ensure your card has a positive available balance). Its the first part of most "card present" credit card transactions (you just generally don't notice because the second part: settlement usually happens right after you finish checking out). Think of it as a reservation to charge.

Authorizing the transaction is the only way that Redbox can check to ensure your credit card is valid. If an Authorization isn't Settled its removed after a number of days (determined by your bank). Since Redbox is giving you a free coupon, they authorize, but don't settle. (if you rent more than one movie, I imagine you'd see a settlement for 1.00 less than the number of movies you rent).

The same thing happens at many pre-paid gas pumps too -- they often authorize for an amount around an average full-tank. If you get less, then the authorization can linger for a few days (this is why many people prefer to use debit cards at gas pumps).

Hope this helps.
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