Why is my card still charged if I didnt go through my order?

Understanding Pending Charges and Actual Transactions

When making a purchase with a credit or debit card, you may notice a pending charge on your bank statement before the transaction is complete. This can be confusing, especially if the order is ultimately not fulfilled.

What is a Pending Charge?

A pending charge is a temporary hold placed on your account to verify that you have sufficient funds available for the purchase. It is not a completed transaction and does not result in an actual withdrawal from your account.

Why Does a Pending Charge Appear?

When you initiate a card transaction, the merchant sends a request to your bank for authorization. If your bank approves the request, a pending charge is placed on your account. This serves as a pre-authorization and ensures that you have the necessary funds to complete the purchase.

When Does a Pending Charge Become an Actual Transaction?

The pending charge will only become an actual transaction once the order is fulfilled. For example, if you purchase a product online, the pending charge will only convert to a completed transaction when the product is shipped.

What Happens if the Order is Cancelled?

If the order is cancelled or not fulfilled for any reason, the pending charge will typically drop off your account automatically within a few days. The specific timeframe may vary depending on your bank’s policies.

What to Do if You See a Pending Charge for an Unfulfilled Order

If you notice a pending charge for an order that has not been fulfilled, the following steps are recommended:

• Contact the Merchant: Reach out to the merchant and inquire about the status of your order. They may be able to confirm whether it has been cancelled or is still in process.
• Wait a Few Days: If the merchant confirms that the order has been cancelled, give it a few days for the pending charge to drop off your account.
• Dispute the Charge: If the pending charge persists after a reasonable amount of time, you can dispute it with your bank. They will investigate the charge and determine if it was authorized and legitimate.

Understanding the difference between pending charges and actual transactions can help you avoid confusion and ensure that you are not charged for unfulfilled orders. If you have any concerns, always contact the merchant or your bank for assistance.