Why is a payment pending so long?

Asked by: Destinee Anderson  |  Last update: June 21, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (67 votes)

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 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 is too long for a pending transaction?

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 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 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.

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15 related questions found

Why is my payment stuck in 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.

Can you spend pending money?

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 it's been paid?

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. Once that happens, the pending transaction becomes a completed transaction.

Why is pending taking so long?

A pending transaction can take a while because multiple parties must communicate with each other to facilitate the transaction. The credit card issuer has to process the transaction, and then the merchant must receive the funds. Then, your account balance will be adjusted.

Can I stop a payment if it's pending?

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.

Why do some transactions stay pending?

Pending transactions are transactions that haven't been fully processed yet. For example, if you make a purchase with a debit card or credit card, it will almost always show as pending immediately when you view your account online or in a mobile banking app.

How long can pending last?

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.

How long can a pending transfer take?

How long does a pending transaction take to process? Pending transactions generally take 3 to 5 business days to process.

What happens if a payment is pending for too long?

If a transaction remains pending longer than normal, it may be from a technical issue or a delay from the merchant's end. Likewise, a quick phone call to the company may resolve it.

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.

Can a pending payment be declined?

Yes, pending payments can indeed be declined, even after they initially appear on your account. This can happen for several reasons: Insufficient Funds: If additional transactions reduce your balance below the required amount for a pending transaction, it can be declined.

Why is my transaction still pending after 7 days?

The fastest way to resolve this issue is to contact the merchant directly. If they're able to remove the pending transaction, it should be reflected in your account in about 24 hours. If they're not able to help you, pending transactions will fall off automatically after 7 days.

How long is a payment 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.

Does pending mean not approved?

If your application is 'pending,' it means the lender needs extra time to review it, which could take a few days to weeks. There are various reasons why your application may be pending, such as discrepancies in personal information or a high number of recent credit inquiries.

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

How long does it take for a pending charge to clear? Usually, a pending charge will show on your account until the transaction is processed and the funds are transferred to the merchant. This could typically take up to three days but may stretch longer depending on the merchant and the type of transaction.

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.

Do pending payments clear on weekends?

Many transactions will show as pending over non-working days, meaning transactions may show as pending over weekends and holidays. Typical processing times for different transaction types are as follows: Cash and direct deposits are usually cleared by the following business day.

Are pending payments already paid?

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.

Can a pending transaction be cancelled?

Canceling a pending transaction usually requires contacting the merchant who made the charge. Once a pending transaction has posted, contact your bank or card issuer to dispute it.

What time of day do pending transactions post?

Most transactions post at the end of each business day but posting order and times can vary. Business days for banks are generally Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding federal holidays. Transactions received outside of these hours, including on weekends, are usually posted on the next business day.