Why do pending charges disappear then come back?
Asked by: Aubree Blanda | Last update: October 22, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)
Sometimes pending transactions may disappear from your transaction history and the amount is returned to your available balance. This means the transaction has expired and at this stage has not been processed by the merchant.
Why would a pending transaction disappear?
It's important to note that the duration of pending transactions can vary, and they typically disappear once the final transaction is settled. During the pending period, the funds associated with the transaction may be reserved but are not yet withdrawn from your account.
Can pending transactions drop off?
Yes, pending transactions can be declined even after they initially appear on your account as pending. This may occur for a variety of reasons: There are insufficient funds to cover the charge. Your bank has flagged the transaction as fraudulent.
Can pending transactions be reversed?
Yes. To cancel a pending credit card transaction before it's complete, start by calling the merchant directly. Ask the merchant or retailer to reverse the charge, cancel the sale or release the hold for the confirmed amount. The sooner you contact the merchant, the more likely the pending transaction can be canceled.
Do pending transactions ever go away?
Pending charges on credit cards are temporary holds to ensure payment for potential damages or incidental expenses. Pending charges typically take up to three days to clear with the merchant, but can take longer. Issues with pending charges should be resolved with the merchant, not the card issuer.
Why did a pending transaction disappear?
Can banks override pending transactions?
Sometimes you may want to cancel a pending transaction as quickly as possible. This can be the case if the hold is placed on your debit card and, thus, your bank account. Unfortunately, it's not very easy to do—your card issuer cannot cancel or otherwise alter the transaction until it's been finalized.
How long can a pending transaction stay pending?
A pending transaction is a recent authorised card transaction that is waiting to be processed by the merchant and can take up to 28 days but normally takes 2/3 days to clear onto your balance.
Can a pending transaction bounce back?
What happens if a pending transaction doesn't go through? Your bank may remove a pending transaction from your account summary if it hasn't cleared after a certain time. In this case, it'll no longer appear in your list of pending payments and shouldn't affect your available balance.
Can a pending transaction be dropped?
They show up almost immediately after a purchase is made, but they haven't fully "posted" to your account until the merchant processes them on their end. For this reason, pending transactions can change or even be removed before they post, depending on how the merchant handles the final billing.
Does a pending charge mean it went through?
A pending transaction on your bank account means your bank is processing a purchase you made, a bill you paid, or a deposit that's heading your way, but it hasn't been completed yet. Either the payment hasn't been sent to the vendor yet or the incoming funds haven't cleared, although they are in process.
Can a pending transaction disappear and reappear on a credit card?
In some instances, the transaction may reappear, as the merchant has processed the transaction at a later date and debited your account.
How long can a charge be pending?
A charge can be pending on your account for up to five days. There are several factors that affect how long a pending charge will appear on your credit card. These include when you made the transaction and how long it takes the merchant to process it.
Can a bank clear a pending transaction?
Typically you can't cancel a pending transaction. Even if it's fraudulent or the wrong amount, your bank usually needs the transaction to post before it can next steps. That doesn't mean it's impossible to cancel — you can contact the merchant if there is an error and they can usually reverse it.
How long does it take for a pending transaction to go back?
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.
Can pending transactions be declined?
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.
What happens if a pending charge never posts?
Sometimes, a pending transaction will never post. A common example of this scenario is canceled and/or voided transactions. When this happens, your available balance is restored and your list of transactions will not include that specific transaction.
Why would a pending deposit disappear?
Pending deposits can be reversed if there is an issue verifying the funds, such as an attempted deposit from an account with insufficient funds or a name mismatch error in depositing to the account. You can contact the sender to understand the reason for the reversal.
Why did my pending transaction cancel?
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.
Can a pending transaction be voided?
An unsettled transaction can be voided which stops the transaction from processing and removes it from the customer's account, effectively canceling the transaction. Once a transaction has been settled, it can only be refunded.
Do pending transactions get reversed?
A Pending card transaction can turn into a Reversed transaction if the merchant you are purchasing from has decided not to go through with debiting your account. A common example of this is a security bond that hotels and car rental companies will hold temporarily, and return to you at the end of your trip.
Why would a transaction bounce back?
A bounced check occurs when a bank can't process a check due to insufficient funds. Common causes of bounced checks include failing to monitor account balances, failing to account for pending transactions, and delayed deposits.
Can a pending transaction show up twice?
Certain merchants, such as internet companies, may authorise a charge when you place an order. The merchant may then authorise your Card again when the amount is due. In these instances the charge may appear twice in Pending Transactions but will be billed to your Account only once.
Why do transactions disappear then reappear?
Sometimes the pending transaction may disappear from your transaction history and the amount returned to your available balance. This means the transaction has expired or cancelled and wasn't processed by the merchant.
Will a pending transaction go back into my account?
Pending transactions are payments that would normally go into or out of your account within 7 days. When you use a debit card to pay for something, it reduces the available balance in your current account. Similarly, when you use a credit card to pay for something, it increases your available balance.
Can a pending payment be cancelled?
You can stop a pending debit card transaction by contacting the merchant and canceling the purchase. Or you can try contacting your bank if you don't recognize the transaction, you suspect fraud is involved, or the merchant is unresponsive.