Available and booked balances
A payment moves through different states.
A pending authorisation, a settled transaction and a refund affect the account at different points. Read the status before treating money as available.
Payment states
Follow the transaction, not just the balance.
These are account concepts. Product-specific rules determine when funds become available.
- Authorisation
A pending card payment may reserve funds before the merchant completes the transaction.
- Settlement
The completed payment is recorded as a posted transaction. Its relationship to the reservation must be reconciled.
- Reversal or refund
A released authorisation differs from a refund of a settled payment. Check the status of the original transaction.
Credit obligations
Available credit is borrowing capacity.
It is separate from money held in an account. Spending against a credit facility creates a repayment obligation under its agreement.
Common questions
Can a pending payment change what I can spend?
A payment authorisation can reserve funds or credit before it is posted. The applicable account or facility terms determine the effect.
Is available credit my own money?
No. It is capacity to borrow within the agreed facility. Using it creates an obligation to repay.