What to know about pending transactions
A pending transaction is a transaction that’s been authorized but is still processing, so it hasn’t fully posted to your account. For example, when you’re scrolling through your bank and credit card accounts, you’ll see your balance, recent transactions and upcoming payments; chances are, you may also see some purchases and payments marked as “pending.”
Learn more about pending transactions, including how long they can take to post and how they affect your current balance and available credit.
What you’ll learn:
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Purchases, deposits and payments can be among pending transactions.
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Depending on the financial institution and the type of transaction, pending transactions can take up to five days to post.
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Pending transactions can affect your available balance or available credit.
What is a pending transaction?
A pending transaction is a purchase, deposit or payment that hasn’t been fully processed—sometimes also called settled, cleared or posted. 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:
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Cash, check and direct deposits
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Debit card transactions
And with a credit card, pending transactions could follow account payments and purchases.
Pending vs. posted transactions: What’s the difference?
Pending transactions haven’t been fully processed by your bank or credit card company, while posted transactions have. Whether money is withdrawn from or deposited into your account, both types of transactions will start as pending until they are fully processed and posted.
Understanding the difference between these transactions can help you track which purchases are in progress and how they will impact your current balance and available credit once they are processed and posted.
How long do pending transactions take?
Generally, it takes up to five business days for transactions to post. But in some cases, it can take up to 14 days. However, that time frame can depend on the payment network, bank or credit card issuer—and the type of transaction.
Here are a few examples of how long pending transactions can take:
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In general, a cash deposit will settle by the next business day.
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A check deposit will generally post within two business days.
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An EFT processed through the ACH network may settle within the same day or could be settled in a business day or two.
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A pending credit card purchase may take up to three days for the merchant to receive the funds and process the purchase amount.
How do pending transactions affect your balance?
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.
Keep in mind that not all online banking or mobile apps include pending transactions in the current balance, so it might not match your available balance. To stay on top of your finances, check your transaction history often and keep your own records, perhaps in a checkbook register or on a budget sheet.
Pending transactions FAQ
Learn more about pending transactions with these frequently asked questions.
Does pending mean the money is already taken out?
Pending transactions are authorized transactions that are still being processed. The transaction amount is deducted from any available funds but isn’t reflected in account balances until processed and posted.
Can pending transactions be declined?
Banks and credit card issuers might decline pending transactions, especially if the transaction amount exceeds your available funds. That’s why it’s good to keep track of your account activity to avoid overdraft fees and penalties—if your bank still charges them. Capital One eliminated overdraft fees and insufficient funds fees in 2021.
Can you cancel a pending transaction?
Canceling a pending transaction isn’t guaranteed. But if it’s a pending purchase, you could ask the merchant to cancel the transaction. They may be able to cancel the order or offer a refund or store credit if they can’t cancel it.
If you don’t recognize the transaction, you should immediately contact your bank, lender or card issuer to report suspected fraud. If a suspicious transaction has already been posted, you can file a dispute.
Key takeaways: Pending transactions
Purchases, deposits and payments are the most common pending transactions. Depending on the financial institution and transaction type, they may take up to five days to post.
If you have a checking account or credit card, it’s important to understand how pending transactions work and how they affect your available balance or credit. Luckily, the Capital One Mobile app helps you keep track of your balances and review transactions.
