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Morrisons to reserve 5% 'deposit' on online orders - here's what's happening and how it affects you

Morrisons to reserve 5% 'deposit' on online orders - here's what's happening and how it affects you

Online shoppers at Morrisons will now see a 5% holding "deposit" taken on top of their total bill to help cover the cost of substitutions, the supermarket has said. So ensure you have the extra money in your account the day before delivery and bear in mind you can't access this cash until your final bill clears.

Previously, Morrisons had reserved £1 from shoppers' banks or cards to ensure their payment was valid at order. Full payment would then be taken within two days of delivery, factoring in any substitutions or additional charges. 

Now, Morrisons will reserve a 5% deposit on top of orders the day before delivery. Shoppers will then be emailed any substitutions and given the chance to reject them before or at delivery. If additional payment, such as for substitutions or where items need to be weighed, are needed then these will be taken within two days of delivery. 

If no deductions are needed, or if there's cash leftover from any deductions, the money will be returned when your final bill clears within two days of delivery. A Morrisons spokeswoman said the change is to "ensure customers pay the correct amount for their online shopping".

For help cutting grocery costs, see our How to get free or cheap food guide and our Supermarket shopping tips. And, if you're a sucker for online shopping, see the latest New customer delivery offers.

Most supermarkets don't charge a holding fee or deposit for online orders

We've listed the online shopping charges and fees of other major supermarkets so you can weigh up if it's worth swapping to a different brand. 

Other supermarkets' online shopping charges, fees and minimum spends

Supermarket Minimum spend Delivery cost Delivery pass?

Payment date and any

other charges

Asda £40  £1-£4.50 £72 a year anytime or £35 mid-week (Tues-Thurs) 1p deposit taken at order to check card works. Full payment taken on delivery day
Co-op £15 £3 on orders below £25, free thereafter N/A Full payment taken on delivery day
Iceland £25 £3 on orders below £40, free thereafter N/A Total amount set aside on day of order - appearing as 'pending'. Total then paid on delivery day
Ocado £40 £0-£6.99 £89.99 a year anytime or £39.99 mid-week (Tues-Thurs) Payment held day before delivery and taken on delivery day
Sainsbury's £25 £1-£7 £80 a year anytime or £40 mid-week (Tues-Thurs) On delivery day
Tesco £40 £2.50-£4.50 £47.94 for six months  £2 deposit taken at order to check card works. Full amount debited on delivery day
Waitrose £40 £3 N/A On delivery day

Charges, fees and deposits listed only relate to home delivery - click and collect T&C's may differ. 

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