Your payment was pending.
You waited for it to clear.
Then the charge finalized.
But the amount looks wrong.
Higher… or sometimes lower.
This usually isn’t a billing error — it’s a settlement adjustment.
Why the Final Charge Can Change
- Currency exchange rates updated at settlement
- Temporary authorization hold was an estimate
- Taxes or regional fees applied after processing
- Discounts or credits finalized at capture stage
Pending charges are often placeholders — not final totals.
Common Scenarios
- International subscriptions billed in USD or EUR
- App Store / Play Store tax adjustments
- Hotel, travel, or usage-based services
- Bank foreign transaction fees added later
The cleared amount reflects the real settlement — not the initial hold.
How to Verify the Difference
- Compare pending vs posted transaction records
- Check exchange rate on settlement date
- Review tax invoices or store receipts
- Ask your bank about FX or processing fees
If the difference matches fees or FX changes, it’s valid.
When to Dispute the Charge
- The final charge exceeds invoice totals
- Duplicate settlement appears
- No tax or FX reason is shown
- Merchant confirms lower billing
If settlement exceeds authorization without cause — dispute it.