Does a pending charge mean it went through?

Asked by: Annette Marvin  |  Last update: February 22, 2025
Score: 5/5 (53 votes)

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 a pending charge mean it will go through?

What does “pending transaction” mean? A pending transaction is a credit card charge that hasn't been fully processed. These transactions can occur when the money needed for the transaction is still being transferred between accounts. They will not yet be reflected on your checking account balance or available credit.

Does pending transaction mean money has already been taken?

Does pending mean the money is already taken out? Pending transactions are authorized transactions that are still being processed. The transaction amount is deducted from any available funds but isn't reflected in account balances until processed and posted.

How long do pending charges take to go through?

Generally, pending transactions clear within one to five business days, but the exact timing depends on the type of transaction, the payment network, and the bank or credit card issuer.

Will a pending transaction definitely go through?

A pending credit card purchase might be declined if another merchant has placed a hold on your credit card. A pending purchase made with your bank account or credit card could be declined if your account doesn't have enough funds or the merchant won't accept payment from your bank.

What does it mean when a transaction is pending?

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What happens if a transaction is pending but didn't go through?

There's no need to worry. It's simply a recent payment that you've made with a debit card or a credit card. You may have bought something in a shop or online. Either way, the word 'pending' shows that the payment is still being processed by the retailer and is waiting to leave your account.

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.

Are pending payments already paid?

When a payment is marked as “pending” it means that the payment process still needs to be completed. In most cases, this simply means that you need to wait for this to happen. In some cases, however, the merchant may need to take action.

Do pending charges show up immediately?

County-level criminal background checks generally reflect pending charges first. However, county courts typically only report information to the state intermittently. This means that a state-level check might not show a pending charge for several weeks or months.

Can a pending transaction be declined?

Can a pending transaction be declined? Your bank or credit card issuer can decline a pending transaction if it exceeds your available funds.

Have pending transactions gone through?

Pending transactions are transactions that have been initiated but are still being processed. Technically the money is moving between your bank and the vendor's bank and, as such, is removed from your immediate balance.

What does "pending charges" mean?

If charges are “pending” it means that the authorities have charges in mind and they plan on executing them when an arrest is made. It can also mean that a person who is arrested and while in custody, the investigation leads to additional evidence that can support additional charges.

Does "pending" mean "waiting"?

The word pending comes from the French pendant, meaning “hanging.” If someone leaves you hanging, you are waiting for a call, a message, a visit — whatever the thing is that's supposed to happen.

Are pending transactions already taken?

Pending transactions are transactions that haven't been fully processed yet.

Can I spend money that is pending?

Debit card purchases will immediately deduct from your balance to help prevent overspending. A pending debit is not part of your available balance and scheduled debit payments will deduct on the date they're expected to post.

Are pending transactions final?

Pending transactions can change, such as being canceled or altered in amount, while posted transactions are permanent and reflect the final amount charged. Because pending transactions are not yet completed, they don't appear in your official transaction history or your monthly bank statement.

Why is a transaction pending but money deducted?

When a transaction is authorised, it's confirming to the merchant your card is valid and there's money in your account to pay for what you're buying. The transaction amount is then deducted from your available funds, and the transaction shows as pending on your account until the payment process is complete.

How long does it take for a pending transaction to clear?

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.

How long do charges stay pending?

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. Issues with pending charges should be resolved with the merchant, not the card issuer.

Does pending mean the money has been taken?

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.

Are pending amounts already deducted from an account?

Banks typically take a few business days to resolve pending transactions and post them to the account. Pending transactions affect the account balance as the purchase amount is deducted immediately, and incoming credits are added with an anticipated release date.

Can a pending transaction be reversed?

Unfortunately, canceling a pending transaction isn't always simple. If you're trying to remove a hold or a pending transaction before it posts, you'll need to contact the merchant and ask them to remove the authorization. Once your transaction is finalized, however, you have more power in reversing the charge.

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.

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 refund?

Pending. When your refund shows as "pending" it means the seller has issued the refund, but the money hasn't cleared their bank. It usually takes up to 5 business days for a refund to complete. If your refund is still pending after 5 business days, contact the seller for details.