That’s because they were not notified of the final payment and did not know you paid another way. Why locks can be a problem block is used to ensure that they do not exceed the credit line (credit card) or overdraw your bank account (debit card) before leaving a hotel or return a rental car, leaving the store without paying. Blocking is sometimes also used by restaurants for important bills expected (like large groups at dinner or a party), by companies cleaning your home, and other businesses to ensure credit or account money will be available for complete the payment.

If you are very far from your credit limit or do not have a low balance in your bank account, blocking probably will not be a problem. But if you’re reaching that point, be careful. Not only can it be embarrassing to have your card declined, it can also be inconvenient, especially if you have an emergency purchase and insufficient credit or money in your bank account. On debit cards, according to the balance of your bank account, blocking could lead to charges for insufficient funds, while the block remains in place.

How to avoid blocking to avoid the aggravation that blocking can cause: When in a hotel or rent a car – or if a restaurant or other business asks for your card in advance of service – Ask if the company is “blocking,” how much will be blocked, how do you determine the amount and how long the block remains in place. Consider paying hotel, motel, car rental, or “blocked” bills with the same credit or debit card you used at the beginning of the operation. Ask the clerk when the prior block will be removed. If you pay with a different card, cash or by check, remind the employee that you are using a form of payment and ask them before deleting the lock immediately. Ask your current issuer of the debit card if they permit blocks, for how long, and what type of business.

If they do, you may want to consider getting an overdraft line of credit from your bank. Ask about a plan that automatically covers the overdraft and does not involve a decision that the bank about whether or not to pay each time. Although it may incur interested in this plan if you do not pay the full amount fairly quickly, not have an overdraft is unpaid. Ask your bank if they offer an overdraft line of credit, how it would work, and how much it would cost.