Can You Dispute a Pending Transaction?

iEditorial Note: These blog posts represent the opinion of DoNotPay’s Writers, but each person’s situation and circumstances vary greatly. As a result, you should make sure to do your own independent research. Because everyone is unique, our self-help tools are never guaranteed to help with any specific situation. DoNotPay is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law. DoNotPay provides a platform for legal information and self-help.

Can You Dispute a Pending Transaction?

Having debit and credit cards has made conducting transactions an effortless process for us. However, what do you do when the transaction doesn't go through?

Let's say you have made a purchase, and the merchant informs you it has failed, and you repeat the transaction while the first is still pending. Or worse, what if your card is stolen and used by someone else without your permission?

If this happens, you need to report the issue to the bank to review failed transactions. DoNotPay can help you and get a resolution within the shortest possible time.

How to Dispute Transactions On Pending Purchases Using DoNotPay

DoNotPay makes it easy for you to dispute bank charges, stop transactions, and get back your money. You can dispute a pending debit card transaction by logging into your account and visiting the "File a Chargeback" screen. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to do the following:

  1. Select the payment method and the name of your bank. Choose the specific pending transaction. You can then enter the specific bank and dispute debit card charge.
  2. You should then share the information required about the transaction. On this window, dispute merchant debit and give information about the transaction. Indicate the amount deducted and indicate the date the transaction was finalized.
  3. Have your evidence ready. Share the necessary information about the failed or pending transaction. For example, if the merchant gave you a receipt showing the transaction failed. Answer all the questions before moving to the next prompt.
  4. Verify your information. Ascertain your personal information. Then you can select whether to dispute a pending card transaction online on your own or if you prefer DoNotPay to handle the transaction for you.

You have to provide your signature to give DoNotPay the authority to on your behalf. Thereafter, your complaint will be forwarded to the bank with the necessary evidence to help with the matter.

How to Dispute Pending Transactions On Your Own

You are at liberty to dispute pending transactions on your own. However, how to dispute a debit card charge on a pending transaction differs depending on the financial institution you are dealing with. That said, there are general methods on how to deal with this. These include:

PhoneLocate the customer service number on your bank's website. Call your bank and inform them about the pending transaction to be disputed.
Official websiteFollow the guidelines on your bank's official website to dispute a pending transaction. You can also visit the online portal and provide information about the disputed debit card charges.
Social mediaYou can also send the bank a tweet or direct message on their social media platform.

With DoNotPay, you don't have to go through the above hassle. We handle it all for you.

Financial Institutions' Fraud Protection Policy

Most financial institutions have a fraud alleviation policy in place. These policies ensure that customers do not suffer financial loss and inconvenience when their debit card is used without their consent.

Under most bank's policies, you will be able to get your money back using the following ways:

  1. Your bank may automatically refund a disputed transaction if you can convince them that the transaction never cleared yet the money was deducted.
  2. Equally, most banks uphold this policy when a customer claims not to have authorized the disputed pending transaction.
  3. Your bank may also refund the disputed debit card charge when an investigation into the transaction proves that you didn't authorize it. The investigation process could take time, depending on your bank's specific policies for this situation.
  4. The banks are obliged to check transactions within a specific time limit, which will prevent clients from filing fraudulent claims.
  5. The banks are also obliged to check with the merchant before issuing a refund.

The above methods are the most common ways customers get their money back from failed or pending debit card transactions. However, you may find it easier to use DoNotPay and provide information about the failed or pending transaction. We will then handle your dispute.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Refund On a Pending Dispute?

There is no set timeline within which your disputed pending transaction will be refunded. It could take 10 days, a month, or several months after you complete your dispute. Once you lodge your dispute, you can constantly check the status of your claim.

Expected Challenges You May Experience With Disputed Pending Transactions

Getting back your refund is never a straightforward exercise. There are palpable challenges that you may meet. Some of these include:

  1. You may fail to remember all the details regarding the transaction, including the amount spent and the transaction date. Therefore, making the process protracted.
  2. It is also possible for your bank to consider the transaction as valid. This poses serious challenges because it could mean that you lose your money.
  3. Your bank's customer service team may find it difficult to reach the merchant in question.
  4. There is always the likelihood of experiencing inconvenience during the dispute process, since it may take longer.

DoNotPay makes it easy to get your money back if a faulty or malicious transaction goes through without your consent. The process is fast and easy.

Are There Other Things You Can Do With DoNotPay?

If a company declines to issue a refund, use DoNotPay to get a chargeback on the transaction. We can help with chargebacks such as:

DoNotPay can also help with a variety of services that you use regularly. We offer:

Want your issue solved now?