You check your card statement and see the same charge twice.
Same merchant. Same amount.
It looks like a duplicate payment—but in many cases, only one charge is real.
This usually happens when an authorization and a final charge appear separately before the system finishes updating.
Two identical charges don’t always mean you paid twice.
Why the Same Charge Can Appear Twice
- An authorization hold is still visible
- The final posted charge replaced the temporary one
- Bank apps show pending and posted charges together
- Delayed updates make both entries appear at once
How to Tell If It’s a Real Duplicate
- One charge is marked as pending
- Only one charge has a posted date
- The pending charge disappears within a few days
- Your total balance reflects a single payment
What to Do Before Reporting It
- Wait 2–5 business days for pending charges to clear
- Check if one entry drops off automatically
- Avoid disputing too early
- Contact support only if both charges fully post
When the same charge shows twice, it’s often a timing issue—not an actual double payment.