Can a pending payment be declined?

Asked by: Dr. Harvey Wisoky Sr.  |  Last update: February 8, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (42 votes)

Can pending transactions be declined? Banks and credit card issuers might decline pending transactions, especially if the transaction amount exceeds your available funds. That's why it's good to keep track of your account activity to avoid overdraft fees and penalties—if your bank still charges them.

Can I reject a pending payment?

Typically you can't cancel a pending transaction. Even if it's fraudulent or the wrong amount, your bank usually needs the transaction to post before it can next steps. That doesn't mean it's impossible to cancel — you can contact the merchant if there is an error and they can usually reverse it.

Does a pending payment mean it went through?

Not necessarily. A pending transaction means that the merchant has authorized the charge but hasn't completed it. In some cases, pending transactions may not go through if the merchant cancels the order, fails to finalize the payment, or adjusts the amount.

Does pending mean the money is already taken out?

A pending transaction means it's authorised and being processed. While the amount charged is taken from your available funds, it won't be reflected in your account balance until processed. Check your available funds to see your current balance in real time.

Can a pending payment not go through?

Can a pending transaction be declined? In certain cases, a pending transaction could be declined when an account lacks the money to complete it.

Can a pending transaction be declined?

34 related questions found

Can a pending payment be rejected?

A pending deposit to a bank account may be declined if the account the deposit comes from lacks sufficient funds. A pending check deposit to a bank account could be declined if the check was filled out incorrectly, is fraudulent, is over six months old or has a stop payment.

Can a transaction be reversed while pending?

An authorization reversal is the process of canceling a pending transaction before it finalizes into a post. The business sends a reversal request to the issuer (customer's bank) via their acquiring bank, and the issuer then releases the hold on the funds, making them available again in the customer's account.

Can I still spend money that is pending?

A pending transaction can place a hold on your account balance and count toward your credit limit until it is processed. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't use your credit card or bank account. But it can affect your available balance—or the funds you're able to access.

Does "pending" mean "approved"?

A pending sale means a seller has accepted a buyer's offer. Compare this to a contingent sale, which means the seller has accepted an offer with contingencies to resolve before finalizing the purchase.

Should I be worried about pending transactions?

You can expect a pending transaction to put a hold on your credit limit or account balance until it gets processed. While you may still use your credit card or bank account, the pending transaction will affect the funds available to you.

Can banks stop a pending transaction?

Unfortunately, it's not very easy to do—your card issuer cannot cancel or otherwise alter the transaction until it's been finalized. Skip contacting your card issuer and go straight to the merchant instead.

How long will a payment be pending?

Pending transactions are payments that would normally go into or out of your account within 7 days. When you use a debit card to pay for something, it reduces the available balance in your current account. Similarly, when you use a credit card to pay for something, it increases your available balance.

Why is my payment not going through but pending?

The basics of payment processing

Typically, they will mark it as pending payment (or payment pending). This means that they are ringfencing the account holder's funds on the expectation that they will need to make payment later. Once the payment request is presented, the bank will release the funds.

Can a pending transaction be dropped?

If you want to cancel a pending transaction, you'll need to reach out to the merchant. They can then contact your credit card issuer to cancel the payment.

How do you resolve a pending transaction?

If you encounter issues with pending transactions, here's how to address them:
  1. Contact the Merchant: For most issues, reaching out to the merchant is the first step. ...
  2. Bank Involvement: If the merchant can't resolve the issue, your bank or card issuer may be able to assist, especially if fraud is suspected.

Can I call my bank to cancel a pending payment?

The answer is yes, but while merchants can give back a refund within a few days, banks may take several weeks to work through this operation. In practice, card issuers are more likely and more willing to help call off a transaction that has already been successfully posted, rather than a pending one.

Does pending mean declined?

Yes, a pending transaction can be declined. A pending transaction is a temporary hold placed on funds in an account, typically when a card is used to make a purchase or when a check is deposited. The hold ensures that the funds are available for the merchant to process the transaction.

Does pending mean complete?

Pending: Indicates that the seller has accepted an offer on a property. The sale is being completed, but it has yet to close. This status means that all contingencies have been met or waived, and the deal is moving forward to closing.

How long does pending normally take?

While it varies, a pending sale usually takes from a week to 60 days, depending on the nature of the sale and whether the buyer is paying cash or taking out a mortgage.

Does pending mean the money went through?

A pending transaction on your bank account means your bank is processing a purchase you made, a bill you paid, or a deposit that's heading your way, but it hasn't been completed yet. Either the payment hasn't been sent to the vendor yet or the incoming funds haven't cleared, although they are in process.

How long do pending funds take to clear?

How long will a transaction remain in pending? Generally it takes about 3 to 5 business days to process a transaction, although it can take up to 10 business days or longer.

Can a pending payment disappear?

How long do pending transactions take to clear? Many pending charges disappear in around 5 days or less. Though some institutions may have a longer period. It ultimately depends on the type of transaction, the processor settings for the credit card program, and what's stated in your agreement.

Can I decline a pending transaction?

Yes. To cancel a pending credit card transaction before it's complete, start by calling the merchant directly. Ask the merchant or retailer to reverse the charge, cancel the sale or release the hold for the confirmed amount. The sooner you contact the merchant, the more likely the pending transaction can be canceled.

Can a pending transaction stay forever?

Key takeaways. Pending charges on credit cards are temporary holds to ensure payment for potential damages or incidental expenses. Pending charges typically take up to three days to clear with the merchant, but can take longer.

Can a pending transaction be voided?

The only stipulations are that the transaction can only be voided after it has been authorized, but before it reaches the settlement process. Once the transaction has been settled, the only course of action is issuing a refund.