How do I cancel my pending transactions in Commonwealth Bank?

Pending transactions can cause confusion when managing your account balance with Commonwealth Bank. It's important to understand what they mean and what actions you can or cannot take.

What Is a Pending Transaction?

A pending transaction occurs when a merchant has requested a payment authorization from your account. The bank confirms that the required amount is available, but it hasn’t been fully processed or deducted yet. This can happen with online purchases, in-store card payments, or hotel and car rental holds.

Can You Cancel a Pending Transaction?

Unfortunately, you can't cancel a pending transaction with Commonwealth Bank once it's been initiated. The transaction must be fully processed before any further action can be taken. This processing period usually lasts up to 5 business days, depending on the merchant and payment type.

What to Do If You Notice an Error

If you believe a pending transaction is incorrect or unauthorized, you will need to wait until the amount is debited from your account. After that, you can contact the bank’s customer support team at 13 22 21 to report the issue and begin a dispute process if necessary.

Tips to Avoid Issues with Pending Transactions

To manage your finances more effectively, always keep track of your recent purchases, especially when using your card for bookings or subscriptions. It’s also a good idea to review your transaction history in NetBank or the CommBank app regularly to identify any pending charges promptly.