What happens if a pending charge never posts?

Asked by: Frederic Bednar  |  Last update: May 25, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (45 votes)

Sometimes, a pending transaction will never post. A common example of this scenario is canceled and/or voided transactions. When this happens, your available balance is restored and your list of transactions will not include that specific transaction.

What happens if a pending transaction never goes through?

What happens if a pending transaction doesn't go through? Your bank may remove a pending transaction from your account summary if it hasn't cleared after a certain time. In this case, it'll no longer appear in your list of pending payments and shouldn't affect your available balance.

How long can 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.

How long before a pending transaction is posted?

How long do pending transactions take? Generally, it takes up to five business days for transactions to post. But in some cases, it can take up to 14 days. However, that time frame can depend on the payment network, bank or credit card issuer—and the type of transaction.

What happens when a pending charge disappears?

Debit Card Charge Disappeared Those were, most likely, pending charges. Pending charges disappear and the actual charge will appear soon after. Sometimes it won't clear through the card network, and the merchant will notify the bank directly and the bank will manually adjust the charge back onto your account.

Will I be charged for a pending transaction?

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Can a pending charge be declined?

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.

Can a pending charge 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.

Can a pending charge be cancelled?

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.

What does it mean when a payment is not posted?

A Pending Transaction is one that you have made with your Credit Card or your Card number which has not yet posted to your Account. When you make a transaction, the Available Credit on your Account is automatically reduced by the amount of that transaction.

Does a pending charge mean it went through?

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.

What happens if you have pending charges?

For example, California allows the inclusion of all pending charges in background checks. While the state forbids reporting of arrests not resulting in convictions, it doesn't prohibit the reporting of currently pending criminal charges.

Can a pending transaction expire?

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.

What is the maximum time for a pending transaction?

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.

What's the longest a transaction can be pending?

If the merchant doesn't take the funds from your account, in most cases it will drop back into the account after 7 days. This can be 28 days for car hire and hotel reservations, and other hire transactions may also take 28 days.

Can a pending transaction be refunded?

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.

Can you dispute a pending charge?

Only posted transactions can be disputed (pending charges are temporary and may change). If you have any immediate concerns about a pending charge, contact the merchant directly. The merchant's contact information is typically found on your receipt or billing statement.

Why do pending charges disappear then reappear?

In some instances, the transaction may reappear, as the merchant has processed the transaction at a later date and debited your account.

How long does it take for a payment to go from pending to posted?

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.

What is an unposted payment?

This component shows the total number of Payment Transactions that are not yet closed. In other words, this component shows the total number of In-Process and Suspended Payment Selection Sessions.

Do pending charges go away?

A charge can be pending on your account for up to five days. There are several factors that affect how long a pending charge will appear on your credit card. These include when you made the transaction and how long it takes the merchant to process it. Card pre-authorizations may also show on your account for longer.

Can I tell my bank to block a transaction?

To stop payment, you need to notify your bank at least three business days before the transaction is scheduled to be made and your bank may charge a fee. The notice to stop the transaction may be made orally or in writing. A bank can require written confirmation of an oral stop payment request.

Can I close an account with a pending charge?

Be careful when closing accounts to make sure you have no outstanding or pending checks, fees, or automatic payments, because causing these to bounce may result in fees and affect your ability to open another checking account in the future.

How do I get pending charges dismissed?

While getting a case dismissed isn't guaranteed, there are five easy ways to fight for dismissal in San Jose, CA.
  1. File A Pretrial Motion To Suppress. ...
  2. Participate In A Pretrial Diversion Program. ...
  3. Collect Exculpatory Evidence. ...
  4. Argue That There Is Insufficient Evidence. ...
  5. Challenge Scientific Evidence.

Can pending charges be used against you?

Employers may inquire about any pending criminal charges, and you may be asked to provide information about a recent arrest. If your current or prospective employer learns you are facing criminal charges, they have the legal right to terminate you, refuse to hire you, or take other actions.

Can you pay off pending charges?

Because pending transactions are not officially posted to your account, you won't be able to make payments against them. One reason for this is that pending charges are by their nature temporary — so it's possible they may end up posting for a different amount or being removed completely before they hit your account.