Cashback does not become approved immediately after your purchase. Most cashback transactions first appear as Pending while the retailer validates the order.
The approval process can take time because brands need to confirm things like:
the purchase was completed successfully
the order was not canceled
the items were not returned or refunded
the transaction meets the cashback terms and conditions
Depending on the retailer, cashback may stay in Pending status for anywhere from a few weeks to 120 days or more before becoming Approved.
Once the retailer finishes validating the purchase, your cashback status will update automatically.
Understanding cashback statuses
Pending: Your purchase was tracked and is waiting for retailer validation
Approved: Your cashback has been confirmed by the retailer
Paid: Your cashback has been sent to your payout account
Example
Alex buys a pair of shoes through a cashback offer on Coupons.com. His cashback appears as Pending a few days later. After the retailer confirms that the order was not returned, the cashback changes to Approved and is later paid out.
Tips to avoid cashback delays
Always activate the cashback offer before shopping
Review the cashback terms and conditions carefully
Avoid canceling or returning the order if possible
Allow enough time for the retailer’s validation process
If your cashback has been pending longer than the timeframe listed in the offer terms, feel free to contact our Customer Service team and we’ll be happy to help investigate.