You paid in a foreign currency.
Your card shows an approved amount.
But the converted KRW amount on your app or statement looks different than you expected.
This is usually normal.
Because the approved amount is not always the final posted charge.
Approval vs Posted Charge: The Key Difference
- Authorization (approved) = a temporary hold used to validate the payment
- Posted (settled) = the final charge after the transaction is processed
The final KRW amount is typically calculated when the charge is posted, not when it is approved.
Why the KRW Converted Amount Changes
- Exchange rate timing: the rate can be applied on the posting date, not the purchase date
- Card network rate: Visa/Mastercard may use their own conversion rate
- Issuer fees: some banks add a foreign transaction fee
- Weekend/holiday effects: rates may differ when markets are closed
- DCC (dynamic currency conversion): a merchant may convert at their own rate
How to Verify What Happened
- Check whether the transaction is pending or posted
- Compare the foreign currency amount first (this should match the purchase)
- Look for a line showing FX fee, foreign fee, or conversion fee
- Review the final posted amount after 1–5 business days
If the posted amount keeps changing for many days, contact your bank and ask for the posting exchange rate and any issuer fee.
How to Avoid Unexpected Conversion Differences Next Time
- Choose to pay in the local currency when asked
- Avoid DCC if the screen offers “Pay in KRW” at a merchant rate
- Use a card with low or no foreign transaction fees
A different KRW converted amount is common until the charge is fully posted.