Understanding Offline Transactions on Your Card
Sometimes, you may notice an "offline transaction" on your card. This type of transaction doesn’t require 3DS or PIN authorization and is processed remotely.
Offline transactions can occur on both canceled and active cards. There are a few common reasons why these transactions might appear:
A payment was made months ago, but the merchant hadn’t updated their system or there was a system issue. As a result, the transaction only shows up now.
A payment was due to a merchant but was not processed on time (for example, if you left a hotel quickly and forgot to settle the bill, the hotel may charge you manually from their back-office).
You rented a car and received a fine later, so the rental company charges you a few months after the rental period.
How to Find Your Receipt
In most cases, offline transactions are not related to fraud. If you're unsure about the charge, you can contact the merchant to request a receipt, especially if you no longer have it.
If you don't have the receipt or can’t find it, try checking the supplier’s website or your email inbox. You can use keywords like the supplier’s name, the transaction amount, or the payment date to help you locate it.
FAQ
Q1: What if I don’t recognize the offline transaction?
A1: It’s possible the transaction was simply delayed. However, if you’re unsure, contact the merchant directly to verify the charge and ask for a receipt. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to support@spendesk.com.
Q2: Can an offline transaction happen with any type of payment method?
A2: Yes, offline transactions can occur on both physical and virtual cards. They don’t require immediate authorization and can be processed remotely at a later time.
Q3: How do I know if an offline transaction is legitimate?
A3: Offline transactions are usually not fraudulent. To ensure legitimacy, check with the merchant for a receipt or search your emails and the supplier’s website using key details like the amount or date of the transaction.