A pending transaction is a transaction made with your card that hasn’t been posted yet.
Typically, a pending transaction is posted within 3 business days of the transaction. However, some pre-authorized payments may remain pending for up to 30 days.
How do pending transactions work?
When a transaction is made on your card, it’s initially marked as pending and the amount is deducted from your available credit until the transaction is settled with the merchant. Once settled, the transaction will either be posted or reversed.
If the pending transaction is reversed, the transaction will disappear from your account and you won’t be charged.
Pending transactions can’t be cancelled because they are already authorized on your card.
Processing time for pending transactions
Most pending transactions typically take up to 3 business days to post to your account. If the transaction doesn't post, the merchant’s authorization will expire 30 days from the transaction date, and the amount will reverse to your account.
Refunds may also take some time to post on your account. Here’s an article on when to expect a refund from a merchant.
Don’t recognize a pending transaction?
If you don’t recognize a pending transaction, try to identify that you didn’t make the transaction. To dispute a pending transaction, you need to wait for the transaction to post to your account. Here’s an article on how to dispute a transaction.
Common pending transactions
Some transactions may appear as pending on your account but disappear after a few days. If the transactions don’t disappear, contact the merchant for a resolution. Here are a few examples of common pending transactions.
Signed up for a subscription service
The merchant may place a temporary transaction (also called as hold) to validate your card when you sign up for a subscription service. These pending transactions are typically reversed in a few days, so you’re often not charged for the hold
Added your card to a mobile wallet
Google and Apple may place a temporary transaction around $3 (also called as hold) to validate your card after adding your card to a mobile wallet. These pending transactions are typically reversed in a few days, so you’re often not charged for the hold.
Booked a car hotel or car rental
Hotel or a car rental companies may place a pre-authorized hold or security deposit, which could take up to 30 days to disappear. Security deposits are often reversed (unless the merchant charges you according to their policies). Ride-share companies like Uber may also place a temporary authorization hold for the upfront price of the trip. The temporary holds may take up to 30 days to clear.
Pre-authorizations at gas stations
Gas stations often place a temporary pre-authorization hold on your card when you pay at the pump. This hold can be higher than the actual fuel cost and is used to confirm that your card has sufficient funds. Once the merchant sends the final transaction amount, the temporary hold is released. Most gas-station pre-authorizations clear within 7 days.
FAQ about pending transactions
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about pending transactions.
Can I cancel my transaction?
Once a card has been charged, it's not possible to cancel the transaction. Additionally, we're unable to block upcoming subscription charges on your card. To stop a transaction or request a refund, please reach out to the merchant directly.
Will my pending transactions with my previous card get affected after I get a new card?
No, any pending transactions made with your previous card will process as normal and post to your credit account or Neo Everyday account.