If you’re seeing a $5 charge from Swordfish on your card, here’s what it means—and why it’s nothing to worry about.
It’s a Pre-Authorization, Not a Payment
The $5 charge is a temporary pre-authorization we use as part of our fraud prevention process. This step helps us verify that the person signing up is a real user and not an automated or fraudulent account.
We do not collect this amount. It’s automatically released by your bank, typically within 7 to 10 business days, depending on your card issuer.
Why We Do This
Because Swordfish offers access to premium contact data, maintaining platform security and integrity is critical. The $5 pre-authorization helps us:
Prevent fake or abusive signups
Ensure a secure experience for all users
Keep our systems running smoothly for legitimate customers
What to Expect
You won’t be charged. The $5 hold is temporary and will disappear from your statement once released by your bank.
No renewal is triggered. This is separate from your subscription or billing cycle.
No action is required. It should drop off automatically within the stated timeframe.
Still See the Charge After 10 Business Days?
In rare cases, some banks take longer to release the hold. If it’s been more than 10 business days and the amount hasn’t been refunded, feel free to reach out to us directly at support@swordfish.ai and we’ll be happy to assist.