You check the app.
It says the refund is complete.
Status: Refunded.
But when you check your card —
The refund isn’t posted.
It may still show pending.
It feels inconsistent.
It feels like the refund didn’t actually happen.
App refund completion and bank posting are separate processes.
Why Apps Show Refunds First
- The platform processed the refund internally
- Funds were released from merchant systems
- Refund was submitted to the payment processor
This status reflects platform completion — not bank settlement.
Why Your Card Still Shows Pending
- Card network routing delays
- Bank posting processing time
- Authorization reversal cycles
- Cross-border settlement queues
Bank systems update after processor confirmation.
Typical Timeline Differences
- App status update: Immediate
- Processor transmission: 1–3 days
- Bank posting: 3–7 business days
International refunds may take longer.
How to Trace the Refund
- Request processor transaction ID
- Ask for ARN (card refunds)
- Confirm submission date
If trace data exists, the refund is in transit.
Platform completion marks the start — not the end — of refund movement.