How long do I have to wait for a pending payment?

Asked by: Theron Abernathy  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (71 votes)

Pending transactions are debits or credits that have been authorized but not yet processed. These placeholders affect the amount of money available in the account. Pending transactions typically take between one and five business days to process.

How long should I wait for a pending transaction?

Banks typically keep transactions pending for 3-5 business days to assist you in tracking your balance and transactions. If the charge is not settled in that time frame, the bank removes the hold, as then the transaction is often canceled or a duplicate (more common for gas stations for example).

How long can a payment be pending for?

A pending transaction is a recent authorised card transaction that is waiting to be processed by the merchant and can take up to 28 days but normally takes 2/3 days to clear onto your balance. Once a pending transaction has cleared, it will appear below in your list of cleared transactions.

How long does pending payment take?

Generally it takes about 3 to 5 business days to process a transaction, although it can take up to 10 business days or longer. While a transaction is pending, the amount is deducted from your available funds, not your account balance.

How long does it take for pending funds to go through?

Pending transactions are charges that have been initiated but not yet fully processed or settled. They can take anywhere from a few hours to five business days to clear, depending on the charge.

How long do pending transactions take to clear?

44 related questions found

Does pending payment mean paid?

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. It means your bank has approved the payment, but the retailer needs to finish collecting it.

How long does the pending process take?

How Long Do Pending Transactions Take to Post? Although pending transactions typically post within two to three business days, they may post immediately in some cases or take up to 30 days in others. It depends on the type of transaction; when it takes place; and the merchant, bank or credit card issuer's policies.

Why is my pending payment taking so long?

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.

How long will my money be pending?

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. Let's break it down: Credit Card Transactions: Typically take up to 3 business days to clear.

How many days pending payment?

Generally, most pending payments are processed within 1–5 business days. Here's a breakdown by payment method: 1. Credit Cards: Most credit card transactions post within 3 business days, though some may take up to 5 business days.

Can a pending payment be stopped?

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 "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.

What time will a pending deposit go through?

Generally, a bank must make the first $225 from the deposit available—for either cash withdrawal or check writing purposes—at the start of the next business day after the banking day that the deposit is made. The rest of the deposit should generally be available on the second business day.

Is there a time limit on pending transactions?

Pending transactions are payments that would normally go into or out of your account within 7 days.

Can I 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.

How long does a merchant have to take a payment?

Generally speaking, credit card issuers don't have a time limit for charging a customer's credit card. The issuing banks, however, will often impose a limit on merchants for charging. These limits can range anywhere from three to 30 days.

How long does money sit in pending?

How long do pending transactions typically last? The duration varies. It can range from a few hours to several days or more, depending on factors such as the merchant's processing time, weekends, holidays, and the policies of your bank or credit card issuer.

Does pending transaction mean it 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.

What to do if money is pending?

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.

Why are some payments still pending?

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.

Can I get a pending deposit early?

Early direct deposit is a banking feature that lets you receive your paycheck up to two days earlier than a regularly scheduled payday. Not all banks offer this service, and those that do may limit which accounts are eligible.

Can I use my available balance if I still have money pending?

Available balance is how much money you are able to spend right now, including any pending transactions. Meanwhile, the current balance shows how much money is in your account without subtracting pending payments or withdrawals. Current balance can be useful in some situations, like when doing your monthly budgeting.

Does pending payment mean approved?

A pending charge, also known as a 'hold', is an approved transaction that your issuer has yet to post to your account balance. This may be because a merchant wants to check you have enough funds available or you made the transaction outside of your issuer's business hours.

Does pending mean until?

pending. preposition. /ˈpen·dɪŋ/ until after: Flights were suspended pending an investigation of the crash.

Can a pending transaction be cancelled?

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.