You blocked overseas transactions on your card.
The setting was active.
You expected full protection.
Then an alert arrived.
Foreign transaction approved.
This situation creates immediate panic.
If overseas payments are blocked, how did it go through?
Why a Foreign Charge Can Still Be Approved
- Some digital purchases are processed through domestic billing channels
- App stores and subscriptions may bypass regional blocks
- Pre-authorized merchants can process recurring charges
- Payment routing may classify the charge differently at approval
This means the block setting may not apply to every transaction type.
When the Charge Is Legitimate
- You have an active subscription
- You previously authorized the merchant
- The charge matches your purchase history
In these cases, the approval is system-valid.
When You Should Act Immediately
- You do not recognize the merchant
- No subscription exists
- The amount is unfamiliar
Contact your card issuer and freeze the card if necessary.
Overseas blocks reduce risk — but they are not absolute barriers.
Understanding processing routes helps explain why approvals still occur.