Pending vs. Posted Transactions: What the Difference Means for Your Account
What the Difference Means for Your Account
Start with clarity.
Because understanding your balance should never feel confusing.
One of the most common questions we hear—especially from mobile banking users—is why a balance can change overnight or why a transaction looks different today than it did yesterday.
The answer usually comes down to pending vs. posted transactions. Here’s what that means and why it matters.
What Is a Pending Transaction?
A pending transaction is a purchase or payment that has been authorized but not yet finalized.
This means:
The transaction has been approved
The final amount may still change
The funds are set aside but not fully processed
Pending transactions often include:
Debit card purchases
Restaurant or hotel charges
Online orders
Fuel purchases
Because the transaction isn’t final yet, the amount shown may not always be the exact final total.
What Is a Posted Transaction?
A posted transaction is complete.
This means:
The final amount has been confirmed
The transaction has fully processed
The amount is officially reflected in your account balance
Once a transaction is posted, it no longer changes.
Why Your Balance May Change Overnight
Pending transactions can post at different times depending on the merchant and how they process payments.
That’s why:
A pending amount may adjust
Multiple transactions may post at once
Your available balance may change overnight
This isn’t an error—it’s part of how transactions move from authorization to completion.
How This Affects Your Available Balance
Your available balance reflects:
Posted transactions
Pending transactions
Any holds currently on your account
Because pending transactions reduce your available funds, spending based only on posted transactions can sometimes lead to surprises.
Keeping an eye on both posted and pending activity helps you better track what’s available to spend.
Why Pending and Posted Matter in Digital Banking
Understanding the difference helps:
Avoid overdrafts
Reduce balance confusion
Improve confidence when using the mobile app
Set clearer expectations for deposits and payments
It’s all about knowing what’s finalized—and what’s still in progress.
We’re Here to Help
If you ever have questions about a transaction, your balance, or what you’re seeing in digital banking, our team is always happy to help explain what’s happening.
At Signet Federal Credit Union, transparency and understanding are part of how we support our members every day.
Pending vs. Posted Transactions: Frequently Asked Questions
What does “pending” mean?
Pending means a transaction has been authorized but not finalized. The final amount may still change.
What does “posted” mean?
Posted means the transaction is complete and the final amount has fully processed.
Why do pending transactions sometimes change?
Some merchants adjust the final amount before posting, such as restaurants adding tips or hotels finalizing charges.
Do pending transactions affect my available balance?
Yes. Pending transactions reduce your available balance even though they are not fully posted yet.
Why did several transactions post at once?
Transactions may post in batches once merchants finalize them, which can cause multiple items to post at the same time.
Why does my balance look different than expected?
Differences usually come from pending transactions, posted transactions, or timing of deposits and payments.
Can Signet change how transactions post?
No. Posting timelines are largely determined by merchants and payment networks.
How can I avoid surprises with my balance?
Review both pending and posted transactions, keep track of spending, and allow room for transactions still processing.
Who should I contact if something doesn’t look right?
If a transaction looks incorrect or confusing, contact your local Signet branch or reach out through digital banking. Our team is happy to help.