Why is my balance still pending?

Asked by: Katarina Spinka  |  Last update: April 19, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (19 votes)

Pending transactions can happen when the money needed for the transaction is still moving between accounts, like after using your credit, ATM or debit card to purchase gas at the pump, get cash or add a tip at a restaurant. In a bank account, pending transactions include: Cash, check and direct deposits.

How long does a pending balance take?

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 long does it take for a pending payment to be approved?

They can take anywhere from a few hours to five business days to clear, depending on the charge. Restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies often initially list charges as pending until the payment is fully processed.

Why is my balance transfer still pending?

Be aware that some credit cards may show a balance transfer as “pending” before the process is complete. In that case, your balance transfer is in progress but it's not yet finalized.

How long will a payment stay pending?

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.

Why your transaction may be pending

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.

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.

Why is my bank balance pending?

What's a pending transaction? 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.

Why does a balance transfer take so long?

In some cases, the size of your credit card balance transfer can impact how quickly the transfer will be processed. If you're transferring a large balance, it may take slightly longer for the new credit card company to process the transaction.

Why are my pending transactions 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 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.

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.

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.

What does balance pending mean?

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.

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.

Why is my money not showing in my bank account?

Occasionally, your deposit may not show up as planned because of a mix-up with the bank. You can look out for this by monitoring your account daily. When you deposit into your account, it should show up in your account history, even if the funds are not immediately available to you.

How soon do balance transfers go through?

Transferring to an existing card usually takes just one working day, although it could take longer if you transfer it after business hours or if the provider needs to make security checks.

How long does it take for current balance to transfer to available balance?

Depending on the type of transaction, it could take anywhere from a few seconds to several business days for a purchase or a deposit to be processed, also known as “settling” or “clearing.” But while the transaction is being processed, the debit or credit won't impact your current balance; it will only impact your ...

How do I expedite a balance transfer?

If the balance transfer is taking longer than your card issuer's expected timeline, you may want to start by calling the customer service department for the card you used to request the balance transfer. Ask for an update on when they'll process the request and if there's anything you can do to expedite the process.

Does "pending" mean it went through?

Does a Pending Transaction 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 "approved"?

A pending transaction is a credit or debit on your credit card or bank account that has been approved but not yet processed.

How long does money stay pending in account?

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.

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.

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.

How long does the pending process take?

Pending transactions are not based on the bank you have but on the merchant itself so typically a pending transaction can take from 3 to 5 business days, some less, some more, it just depends on the company itself and their processor.