The payment didn’t go through.
The authorization was reversed.
But when you check your card, the charge still appears.
This happens because card authorization reversals are not reflected instantly across card networks.
An authorization reversal can take time to fully disappear from your card.
Why Authorization Reversals Are Delayed
- The service released the authorization, but the card network hasn’t updated yet
- Card issuers process reversals in batches
- Pending authorizations expire on a set timeline
- Weekends and holidays slow down updates
How to Tell It’s Still Reversing
- The charge is marked as pending or authorized
- No final billing or posted charge appears
- The amount hasn’t been settled
- The hold disappears within a few business days
What You Should Avoid Doing
- Don’t dispute the charge while it’s pending
- Don’t cancel your card immediately
- Don’t retry the payment too quickly
When an authorization reversal takes time, it’s a processing delay—not a failed reversal.