🔄 Reversed Transactions

A reversed transaction occurs when a card payment is cancelled after it has been authorised but before it is fully settled.

👉 This means:

• The amount was initially held on your card.

• But later released back before the payment was completed.

• No money was actually deducted from your account.

Common reasons for reversals

• Authorization check from service providers
  

• The merchant cancelled or modified the transaction.
  

• A processing error occurred.

• The customer disputed the charge.

• The merchant’s fraud prevention system flagged the transaction.

In most cases, SiFi authorises the payment, but the merchant initiates the reversal for example due to service unavailability, errors on their side, or internal risk checks.

Once processed, the held amount is automatically released back to your SiFi card.

What should you do?

• Since reversals are merchant-initiated, please contact the merchant’s customer support if you need details on why it was reversed.

• ⚠️ SiFi cannot manually reverse these actions.

⏳ Pending Settlement Transactions

A pending settlement transaction is a card payment that has been authorised but not yet finalised by the merchant.

👉 During this stage:

• The amount is held on your card.

• But the merchant hasn’t completed the settlement yet.

How long does it take?

• Most merchants settle within 1–2 business days, after which the transaction will move to:

  • Pending Approval (if approval workflow applies), or

  • Approved (if auto-approved).

• Settlement is initiated by the merchant and their payment processor.

• SiFi has no control over this timing.

❌ “The transaction was declined at the terminal, but it shows as Pending Settlement in SiFi?”

• This happens when the payment was authorised but not completed.

• The authorisation hold will usually reverse automatically within a few days.

• In most cases, funds are released within 14 days.

• Certain categories like Hotels & Car Rentals may hold funds for up to 30 days.

⚠️ SiFi cannot manually release these funds — only the merchant can.

🏨 Hotel & Car Rental Authorisations

Hotels and car rentals often place pre-authorisation holds that can last longer than normal purchases.

• They may hold funds for up to 30 days, even if the booking is cancelled.

• If the merchant completes the charge → status will change to Pending Approval or Approved.

• If the merchant doesn’t complete the charge → funds are automatically released once the hold expires.

🔁 Still Pending After 30 Days?

If your transaction remains in Pending Settlement beyond 30 days:

1. Contact SiFi Support at support@sifi.sa 

2. We’ll investigate with Mastercard and the merchant.

3. If needed, we will help you file a formal dispute.