What Does it Mean When a Payment is Pending (2024)

FAQs

What Does it Mean When a Payment is Pending? ›

A pending transaction is an approved debit or credit to your bank account or credit card that hasn't been processed yet. Essentially, the money is still in transition from one bank to another.

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.

Pending transactions generally take between one and five business days to clear. That time can vary based on the type of transaction, the payment network, and the bank or credit card issuer.

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.

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.

Does 'pending' mean the money has already been taken from your account? A pending transaction means it's authorised and being processed. While the amount charged is taken from your available funds, it won't be reflected in your account balance until processed.

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.

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.

Generally it takes about 3 to 5 business days to process a transaction, although it can take up to 10 business days or longer.

How long do pending transactions take to clear? 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.

Does pending mean you have the money? ›

A pending transaction on a bank account means a transaction is in progress but hasn't been fully processed yet. Pending transactions can include purchases, bill payments, or deposits that are awaiting completion by the bank.

A pending credit card transaction is a purchase or charge that hasn't been fully processed. This happens when the credit card issuer has confirmed that you have the available balance to pay for the purchase but has not fully processed it yet.

In the real estate world, pending means a property offer has been accepted and the contingencies met, but the sale hasn't been finalized yet. Whether you're buying or selling a house, it's worth learning what pending really means, how long a home could be pending and how a pending sale could fall through.

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.

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.

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.

Pending transactions generally take 3 to 5 business days to process.

Since pending transactions are not finalized purchases, any charges listed as pending on your statement closing date won't be included in your statement balance. Instead, those charges will roll over to your next statement once they are finalized.

pending | Intermediate English

about to happen or waiting to happen: His application for citizenship was still pending. pending. preposition.

Pending and posted transactions

A transaction begins its life as a pending transaction, then becomes posted once the funds have actually been transferred. It typically takes about one to five business days for a transaction to move from pending to posted, although it can take up to fourteen days in rare situations.