Have you ever seen the letters TST* on your credit card statement and wondered what it meant? You’re not alone this temporary authorization hold code is confusing to many people at first glance. TST stands for Toast Secure Transaction. It is a common yet mysterious charge that seems to appear from nowhere.
This got you curious right? Within this article we will explain what exactly TST* is why it shows up and how you can identify it in your statement. Finding unfamiliar charges can raise concerns but learning the purpose and mechanics behind TST helps reassure people that it is really nothing to fret about.
What is a TST Credit Card Charge?
TST stands for Toast Secure Transaction. It is a temporary authorization hold that Toast a point of sale company places on a credit card statement. The hold is usually for the amount of a purchase at a restaurant or store that uses Toast. The actual transaction amount then replaces the hold within a few days. Many customers see TST charges without knowing what they are.
The TST hold ensures the card has enough funds to cover the bill. It also prevents multiple authorizations if a customer splits a purchase across multiple cards. The hold expires and is removed from the statement once the actual charge goes through. So a TST is really just a temporary verification that later disappears.
What is Toast?
Toast is a restaurant platform that offers point of sale (POS) services as well as tools for online ordering delivery guest management and payroll. Restaurants can use Toast’s all in one platform to seamlessly handle sales inventory employee management and more. Customers are familiar with Toast because its name (TST) appears briefly on their credit card statement for online or in person purchases at Toast using restaurants.
Some of Toast’s features include integrated payment processing customizable menus online and in store sales tracking inventory management reporting and analytics. The platform aims to make restaurant operations more efficient with streamlined tools and solutions in one place. Toast works with establishments of all types and sizes from small cafes to large national chains.
What is a Point of Sale System?
A point of sale (POS) system is a computerized replacement for a cash register. Modern POS systems allow businesses to accept various payment types track inventory in real time view sales reports and more. Restaurants commonly use POS terminals connected to a central system both in their dining rooms and drive thrush.
At checkout the POS captures the sale details processes orders and payments automatically. Employees can easily lookup menu items modify checks split bills and make exchanges or returns using the system too. POS data gives owners critical insights into sales costs profitability and customer purchases over time to help make smarter business decisions.
What is a Payment Processor on your Credit Card Statement?
A payment processor is a company that authorizes and directs funds from credit debit or other payment cards during transactions between merchants and issuing banks. Common payment processors include PayPal Braintree Stripe and Toast themselves.
Processors set up virtual terminals or physical card readers so businesses can accept non cash payments. They handle sensitive financial information by encrypting data during submission for verification. If approved the processor deposits agreed upon funds into the merchant’s bank account less applicable fees. Larger processors can provide additional value added services too.
Why does Toast Put TST on Credit Card Statements?
Toast places a temporary authorization hold referred to as a TST charge to ensure customers have enough funds and their credit cards statement are valid before finalizing purchases. These pre authorizations are non binding but allow Toast using merchants to verify the card details and prevent unsuccessful charges later on.
TST also preserves the merchant’s place in line for authorization. If a customer split a $50 tab across multiple cards Toast would show individual $50 holds until the actual transaction goes through within a couple days. This avoids duplicating authorizations on the network which could cause denials.
How does TST* Appear on Credit Card Statement?
The TST charge will show up on credit card statement as a pending charge with an amount matching the original transaction total. It will include an asterisk next to the merchant name sometimes written as TST* TOAST.
These pre authorized holds are temporary and typically disappear from the account within a few days once Toast completes the settlement. Then only the actual payment amount is deposited not the TST amount. So customers never end up paying more than the final invoice or having duplicate charges.
What is the Meaning of TST* in Banking?
In banking the letters TST followed by an asterisk (*) indicate a pending pre authorized hold placed by Toast for a payment being processed. The TST hold verifies the card details and reserves the funds before Toast finalizes transactions.
This temporary authorization appears separately on credit card statements from the ultimately settled purchase amount. So TST* is simply a placeholder charge that helps streamline payment handling and prevent issues not a real additional cost to consumers in most cases. The asterisk distinguishes it from the true payment amount.
Should I Worry About a TST on Credit Card Charge?
In general no need to worry about TST credit card charges they are normal and temporary pre authorization holds. As long as the final transaction amount from the merchant matches the purchase and replaces the TST line then the hold has served its verification purpose without billing the customer twice.
One should only be concerned if the TST amount is much higher than the real total or if it doesn’t disappear from the statement within a few business days like usual. In that case contacting one’s credit card company or the merchant can resolve conflicting charges. But for accurate TST pre authorizations simply wait for the settlement to replace them.
Understanding Pending Charges on Tst Credit Cards Statement
Pending charges like TST authorizations are common on credit card statements and don’t always reflect the final billing. Merchants will sometimes place holds on cards during processing to confirm funds without immediately depositing the money. As long as these credits are released within days it’s nothing to panic about.
If pending transactions linger for too long customers should follow up. Large authorized amounts that don’t match purchases could indicate fraud. Thankfully credit cards offer solid dispute resolution for unauthorized charges. Overall pending lines are a normal part of the payment cycle and usually resolve automatically behind the scenes.
Case Study: How Toast Helped a Local Cafes
A small neighborhood café struggled with manual paper receipts slowing service and making it hard to track sales. The owner researched software to modernize and chose Toast for its all in one POS and online ordering capabilities. Staff easily learned Toast touchscreens to enter orders fast. Customers placed to go orders via a new virtual storefront.
With Toast’s insights the café cut costs by streamlining workflows and correcting consistent inventory shortages. Detailed reporting helped set competitive prices. A major boon came from contactless payments customers felt safer during the pandemic and Toast let the Cafes operate when closed indoors. Toast’s support also addressed glitches so the cafes could focus on loyal customers.
Real Customer Reviews of Toast
Toast receives positive reviews from users enjoying features like integrated ordering smooth checkout and sales metrics. While some fields can use streamlining most praise Toast’s capabilities that outperform spreadsheets and cash registers. Customers say setup is simple and support is responsive to get them running quickly. Easy to use dashboards make it simple to view important numbers and find solutions independently.
| Customer Review | Description |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Many customers appreciate Toast for its user friendly interface and straightforward setup. |
| Features and Functionality | Users value the range of features offered by Toast such as menu customization and integration with other restaurant systems. |
| Customer Support | Some reviewers highlight positive experiences with Toast’s customer support team, citing responsiveness and helpfulness. |
| Reliability | Customers often praise Toast for its reliability with reliable hardware and software performance. |
| Value for Money | Feedback on value varies while some find Toast worth the investment others mention cost concerns and pricing structures. |
A few caution that Toast is pricey for very small businesses just starting out who may not need such extensive features. Stiff competition also means best value depends highly on individual restaurant needs versus alternatives like Square or Clover. But for mid size or growing shops flexibility and control seem worth Toast’s investment according to verified user reviews.
Avoiding Credit Card Statement Confusion
With so many pending refund and adjustment charges deciphering a credit card statement can challenge even seasoned users. Here are tips to avoid confusion: Filter transactions to the specific date range and merchant for clarity. Note descriptions containing hints that this is a pre augh hold or similar. Check the amounts held usually match associated purchases.
Review statements regularly like weekly so any errors are fresh. Set up account alerts electronically for atypical charges. Never assume to confirm large holds directly with the merchant. Most issuers allow card disabling if truly lost or stolen. Overall focus on net charges over time versus minutiae that often clears automatically. This maintains statement peace of mind.
The Future of Integrated POS Systems
As contactless payments grow expect POS systems to evolve further with merchants. Integrations will tighten between ecommerce storefronts kitchen displays and loyalty programs. Artificial intelligence may automate replenishment based on real time sales and smart ordering. Detailed location analytics could optimize delivery zones and drive through flow.
As 5G arrives fully digital storefronts may handle curbside pickup through augmented reality and adaptive machine learning. Orders directly from social platforms open new frontiers. Payment options will expand with cryptocurrencies BNPL and account based settlement. While complexities exist restaurant tech like Toast aims to simplify operations with an ecosystem of connected commerce for predictable growth.
Frequently Ask Question
Conclusion
Finding the letters TST* on your credit card statement is a common occurrence that usually requires no action. By understanding that it simply means Toast Secure Transaction a temporary verification hold placed by Toast POS systems during purchases. You can now recognize it accurately and avoid any unnecessary concern. About unknown charges on your statement related to WHAT DOES TST* MEAN ON YOUR CREDIT CARD STATEMENT? While it may confuse at first glance recognizing TST* helps simplify interpreting monthly credit card bills.
