Will turning off my debit card impact any pending transactions? (2024)

FAQs

Will turning off my debit card impact any pending transactions? ›

No. Any pending transactions that have already received authorization will be processed and paid.

When you turn the card off, it's immediately locked and new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers are blocked. This way, if the card falls into the wrong hands, fraudulent purchases can be prevented.

If so, you may wonder, “Will freezing a card stop pending transactions?” Unfortunately, requesting a freeze from your bank or card issuer is not enough to stop the transaction. The only way to cancel a credit or debit card transaction is to contact the merchant asap.

Ask the merchant or retailer to reverse the charge, cancel the sale or release the hold for the confirmed amount. The sooner you can reach out to the merchant, the more likely the pending transaction can be canceled. If you suspect fraud, skip the merchant and call your bank or card issuer first.

A transaction that is pending has been authorized. The merchant will submit the actual transaction for an amount not to exceed the authorization. Closing the account will have no efffect on the transaction completing, and once it completes, then it will be added to the outstanding balance.

Pending transactions occur for several reasons, but ultimately, it means you've authorized a third party to remove funds from your account. Generally, pending transactions should clear in a matter of days. But in rare cases, you may see a transaction take a little longer — usually when holds are involved.

If a recurring payment has already received authorization it will be processed and paid. However, if a recurring payment has not received authorization and is activated while your debit card is turned off, the recurring payment will be declined.

Locking will typically prevent new transactions but leave automatic payments, such as bills, bank fees, and subscriptions, enabled. It also won't stop transactions that you initiated before locking the card. After locking, you may still be able to pay with the card using a digital wallet.

When you place a lock on your debit or ATM card via Online or Mobile Banking, it will prevent most types of card transactions from being processed until you take action to unlock your card. Any virtual cards linked to the locked card will also be locked.

How long do pending transactions take? In general, it can take up to three business days for a pending transaction to clear. But that time frame can depend on the bank or credit card issuer, the payment network—like the Automated Clearing House (ACH)—and the type of transaction.

How to block charges on debit card? ›

To stop any reoccurring transaction on your debit card, you must contact the merchant (company) directly to make other payment arrangements. If the transaction has already been authorized (pending) it is unable to be stopped from the Credit Union. Please contact the merchant to resolve.

While some banks will be able to cancel an ACH payment over the phone or online, others may require you to submit a form requesting the cancellation. Recurring ACH debit payments are able to be cancelled, but you must do so at least three business days before the payment is due.

A pending transaction can only be cancelled if the merchant provides us with a pre-authorisation release confirming they have no intention to debit the restricted funds. As the merchant has authorisation over the funds, we cannot release the funds without their authority.

The basics of payment processing

Typically, they will mark it as pending payment (or payment pending). This means that they are ringfencing the account holder's funds on the expectation that they will need to make payment later. Once the payment request is presented, the bank will release the funds.

If you have misplaced your card, turn it to the OFF position. If you find it, and feel your account has not been jeopardized, turn it back ON and continue to use your card. If you use your card infrequently or are traveling without your card, turn it OFF. Then, turn it ON when you are ready to use it.

If you misplace your card, locking can prevent criminals from using your card, until you need to report the card as Lost/Stolen.

Which transactions are locked? When you lock a card, new charges and cash advances will be denied. However, recurring autopayments, such as subscriptions and monthly bills charged to the card, will continue to go through. Typically, so will bank fees, returns, credits, interest and rewards.

There are a few easy ways to check if a credit card is active. Call customer service: You can call the phone number on the back of your credit card to reach customer service. You'll be able to check the status of your card and, if it is deactivated, you can ask about reactivation.