You paid.
Your card approved the transaction.
The authorization amount looked fine.
Then the posted charge shows a different number.
Sometimes it’s higher.
Sometimes it’s lower.
This usually isn’t a “double charge.”
It’s the difference between authorization and settlement.
Authorization vs Settlement (Simple Explanation)
- Authorization = temporary hold to confirm funds
- Settlement / Posted = final amount after processing
Many transactions change slightly when they move from “hold” to “final.”
Most Common Reasons the Amount Changes
- Exchange rate timing (the rate can change between approval and posting)
- Card network / issuer fees (foreign transaction or conversion fees)
- Partial capture (merchant finalizes a different amount than the hold)
- Tips or add-ons (restaurants, ride apps, hotels, deposits)
- DCC (dynamic currency conversion can affect the final total)
The key point: the posted charge is the one that counts.
How to Check If It’s Normal
- Wait until the charge is posted (not pending)
- Compare the posted amount with the merchant receipt
- Check if a foreign transaction fee line appears separately
- Look for multiple partial captures instead of one final capture
If the authorization disappears and only one posted charge remains, it’s normal processing.
When You Should Contact Support
- The posted amount is clearly wrong vs the receipt
- Both the authorization and posted charge remain after 10 business days
- Multiple posted charges appear for the same purchase
Most mismatches resolve automatically once settlement completes.