What to know about pending transactions

A pending transaction is one that’s been approved but is still being processed. Because the transaction hasn’t fully posted, you may see it listed in your account along with your balance, recent transactions and upcoming payments. 

Learn more about pending transactions, how long they can take to post and how they affect your current balance and available credit.

What you’ll learn:

• Deposits, payments and purchases are different types of pending transactions. 

• Depending on the financial institution, some pending transactions could take up to 30 days to post.

• Pending transactions can affect your available balance or available credit.

A pending transaction is an approved debit or credit to your account that hasn’t been processed yet. Essentially, it means the money is still in transition from one bank to another. Once a pending transaction is processed, it might be referred to as posted, cleared or settled. 

With a bank account, pending transactions can include: 

• Cash, check or direct deposits 

• Electronic funds transfers (EFTs)

• Debit card purchases or returns 

For credit cards, pending transactions can include:

• Monthly payments on the account

• Purchases

• Returns

Pending transactions are posted once your bank or credit card issuer fully processes them. Knowing the difference can help you track your money and your account’s status.

When looking at your bank account:

• Pending transactions affect your available balance but usually aren’t on your monthly statement.

• Posted transactions are reflected in both your available balance and your monthly statement.

When looking at your credit card statement:

• Pending transactions can lower your available credit, but issuers may not include them in your current balance. 

• Posted transactions will be shown in your current balance and monthly statement balance.

Transactions usually take up to five business days to post, though some can take as long as 14 days. The timing can depend on factors like payment network, bank or credit card issuer and type of transaction.

Here are some examples Experian gives about how long pending transactions can typically take to post:

• Cash deposits are often settled by the next business day.

• Check deposits typically post within two business days.

• EFTs through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network may settle the same day or within one to two business days.

• Domestic wire transfers are usually processed within the same day, while international wire transfers can take up to five business days.

• Credit card purchases generally post in three days but, in some cases, may take up to 30 days.

• Payments to your credit card account might be reflected the same day or could take up to seven business days.

Banks and credit card issuers can’t usually cancel pending transactions. But you may be able to work directly with merchants. There’s no guarantee they will cancel a pending transaction. But they may be able to offer a refund or accept a return once the transaction posts to your account.

If you don’t recognize a transaction and you suspect fraud, contact your bank or card issuer as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, they may recommend you file a dispute.

Banks and credit card issuers may decline pending transactions, especially if the amount exceeds your available funds. It’s helpful to keep track of your account activity to avoid the overdraft fees and penalties some issuers have. Capital One eliminated overdraft fees and insufficient funds fees in 2021.

A pending transaction can put a hold on your account balance and affect your credit limit until it clears. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use your credit card or bank account, but it may mean there is less money available. 

Pending transactions might not be reflected in your current balance, so the amount shown may differ from the available balance. To stay on top of your finances, consider keeping personal records, like a checkbook register or a budget spreadsheet.

Learn more about pending transactions with these frequently asked questions.

Purchases, deposits and payments are the most common pending transactions. Most will post within five days, though the time depends on the financial institution and the type of transaction. 

Knowing how pending transactions work and how they affect your balance or credit is helpful in managing your accounts. And if you’re looking for a new card, comparing Capital One credit cards makes it easy to find the right one to fit your needs.

If you’re new to credit or searching for your next credit card, Capital One can help: 

• See if you’re pre-approved for credit cards without harming your credit scores. 

• If you’re looking to build your credit with responsible use, explore cards for people with fair credit. 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with a cash back rewards card. 

• Monitor your credit report and score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone, and using it won’t hurt your credit scores.