You made a payment in a foreign currency.
The approval notification showed the charge in USD, EUR, or another currency.
But when the final billing arrived, the amount appeared in your local currency.
This change confuses many users.
However, this is a standard international payment process.
Why Currency Changes After Authorization
- The payment is first approved in the merchant’s billing currency
- Your card network later converts it into your local currency
- The final settlement uses the exchange rate at processing time
- Conversion happens during clearing, not authorization
This means the approved amount and billed amount may look different.
Authorization vs Settlement Currency
- Authorization → Temporary approval currency
- Settlement → Final charged currency
- Exchange rate applied at settlement stage
- Card network or issuer handles conversion
The final charge reflects the converted local currency amount.
When the Difference Becomes Noticeable
- Exchange rates fluctuate between approval and billing
- Processing takes multiple business days
- Foreign transaction fees are added
- Dynamic currency conversion is involved
How to Verify the Final Charge
- Check your card statement settlement currency
- Review exchange rate details from your issuer
- Compare authorization vs posted transaction
A currency change after approval does not indicate an error.
It reflects how international card settlement works.