Pending Transactions
Understand pending transactions and why amounts might change
What Are Pending Transactions?
Pending transactions are purchases that have been authorized but haven't fully processed yet. They're like a "hold" on your account—the money is committed but the final amount might still change.
Why Transactions Stay Pending
When you swipe your card, here's what happens:
- Authorization — Merchant requests an amount
- Hold placed — Bank reserves the funds
- Merchant finalizes — Usually 1-3 days later
- Transaction posts — Final amount is charged
During steps 1-3, the transaction is "pending."
Why Amounts Change
The authorized amount and final amount can differ:
Restaurants and Bars
- Authorization: Meal total ($50.00)
- Final amount: Meal + tip ($60.00)
Gas Stations
- Authorization: Often $1 or $100 (test charge)
- Final amount: Actual fuel purchased ($45.00)
Hotels
- Authorization: Room rate + deposit
- Final amount: Room rate + incidentals
Car Rentals
- Authorization: Estimated total + deposit
- Final amount: Actual charges
How OneBudget Handles Pending
OneBudget shows pending transactions because:
- You need to know money is committed
- It affects your Safe to Spend
- Waiting for posting would delay your view
We mark pending transactions clearly so you know they might change.
Pending Indicator
Look for the "Pending" label on transactions that haven't posted yet. Once the transaction posts, this label disappears and the final amount is locked in.
When Pending Transactions Disappear
Sometimes pending transactions vanish without posting:
- Authorization expired — Merchant didn't finalize
- Canceled purchase — Refund processed
- Fraud prevention — Bank blocked it
If a pending transaction disappears, your Safe to Spend will adjust automatically.
Tips for Managing Pending
- Budget for the higher amount — Assume tips will be added
- Check your actual bank for the most current status
- Don't panic about holds — Gas station $100 holds are temporary
- Wait before disputing — Give 3-5 days for posting
Pending and Your Budget
Pending transactions count toward your spending immediately. This is intentional—we'd rather you see committed money as spent than accidentally overspend.
If a pending transaction changes amount when it posts:
- Lower amount → Your Safe to Spend increases
- Higher amount → Your Safe to Spend decreases