You canceled the payment.
You received confirmation.
Then suddenly — another approval alert appears.
Same amount.
Same merchant.
It feels like you were charged again.
Most post-cancellation approval alerts are delayed authorization notifications.
Why Approval Alerts Arrive After Cancellation
- Authorization was processed before cancellation
- Notification delivery lag
- Bank system batching delays
- Push/SMS queue processing
The approval occurred earlier — but the alert arrived late.
Authorization vs Settlement
- Authorization: temporary approval
- Settlement: finalized charge
Cancellation voids settlement — not past authorizations.
How to Confirm It’s Not a Double Charge
- Check pending vs posted status
- Review transaction timestamps
- Monitor refund submission
Duplicate alerts don’t always mean duplicate billing.
When to Contact Your Bank
- If two posted charges appear
- If authorization doesn’t expire
- If refund isn’t submitted
Most delayed alerts disappear once cancellations settle.
Alerts reflect system timing — not always real charges.