This guide explains how to distinguish a pending authorization, a completed charge and a payment that failed before the merchant confirmed the order.
Check the transaction status
- Pending: the amount may be reserved temporarily.
- Completed: the bank has posted the charge and a refund or reversal may be required.
- Declined or failed: the merchant may not have completed the order even if the bank app shows a temporary hold.
What to record
Keep the merchant message, bank status, timestamp, currency, amount and order number. Contact the merchant first when the order was not delivered, then ask the bank about the authorization or refund timeline.
This is a rule summary and does not claim an actual test result for every account or card.
Content review: ChecksPilot Editorial Department. Reviewed on October 28, 2026.
