LloydsTSB's credit card pending transactions

Amy_L

hi all,

quick query. A bit bizarre really. I attempted to purchase something on my CC on Saturday morning. They tried to put the transaction through twice, and the third was void by Lloyds so I didn't go over my credit limit. The transactions didn't go through because they put in the wrong address.

I contacted the bank who said that the shop would have to void the transactions from their end, so the money could be reallocated to my account. Called the shop, they said they couldn't do it, and that it 'normally takes 2 days for the money to go back in automatically'.

3 working days later, and nothing.

Anyone got any idea how long it may take for a pending transaction to be cancelled automatically, and the money to go back, and be available in my CC account?

Any help would be much appreciated!
TIA.

dalesrider

Upto 14 days.

The shop needs to contact their authorisation center and get them to remove them.
Of course the person who answers the phone won't actully know this.

Amy_L

hmmm. I shall push them a bit harder then ... Thanks!

Gurranes

I don't know how Lloyds system is set up, but on my past experience with another issuer, authorisation amounts will count against your credit limit for up to 5 days or until the transaction is process by the shop. (Normally this happens the night after your purchase took place)

I don't think there are any specified rules laid down by MasterCard/Visa on this so as Dalesrider stated below it could be 14 days.

When things mess up in the authorisation process these 'ghost' auths can sit on the system and affect your limit, but sometimes by the time you call in to question they drop off never to be seen again.

When phoning up does the automated voice give you your balance and available credit. These transactions would drop off in the over night processing so you only need to check once per day.

The shop ideally should put through a reversal if things went wrong thus cancelling the authorisation.

There are other types of transactions that can cause these issues from time to time, but I won't bore you with those now.