Seeing a card payment marked as pending can feel unsettling, especially when your balance looks lower than expected. The good news is that this is a normal part of how card payments work, and your money is not lost.
Below, you’ll find what a pending card payment means, how long it can last, and whether it can be cancelled.
What does “Pending” mean for a card payment?
When you pay with your ZEN card, the payment does not move to the merchant instantly. Instead, it goes through a short process that helps keep your money secure.
Here’s what happens:
-
Payment
You pay with your ZEN card, either online or in-store. -
Authorisation
ZEN checks that your card is active, that you’re allowed to use it, and that you have enough money to cover the payment. -
Temporary hold on funds
If everything looks correct, the payment amount is temporarily reserved in your account.
This lowers your available balance so the same money can’t be spent twice. -
Settlement
The merchant later confirms the payment and requests the funds. Once this happens, the temporary hold is removed and the payment is completed.
While the payment is pending, ZEN is simply waiting for the merchant to finish their part of the process.
Why does my balance change right away?
As soon as the payment is authorised, the amount is temporarily held in your account. That’s why your available balance goes down immediately, even though the transaction may not yet show as completed.
This hold is there to protect you and ensure the merchant can collect the payment once they confirm it.
How long can a card payment stay pending?
In most cases, merchants complete the settlement within up to 10 days.
In rare situations, such as deposits for car rentals, hotel stays, travel bookings, and ride-sharing (taxi) services, the pending status can last longer, up to 31 calendar days. This depends entirely on when (or if) the merchant sends the settlement request.
If no settlement request is received within this timeframe, the temporary hold is removed automatically and the funds return to your available balance.
Can I cancel a pending card payment?
No. While a card payment is pending, ZEN cannot complete it faster or cancel it on your behalf.
Only the merchant can complete the settlement or cancel the payment and release the funds sooner.
If you have questions about a pending payment or want it cancelled, the fastest option is to contact the merchant directly.
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