I was issued a refund on an app purchase. but i unlinked the card it was charged on and there’s no refund showing in my card’s transaction history. Is my refund being held until I re-link the same card?

• If a refund is issued to an unlinked card, will it stay “pending” until the card is re-linked?

I received notice that a decision had been made in my favor regarding a “refund request” on an app purchase. My Apple receipt states the refund amount went back to my debit card, yet nothing in my card’s transaction history showing the funds went back to my account. Is it because I unlinked the card from my Wallet? Or, does it just take awhile before it shows up in my account? How long do I wait before reporting it missing? Thank you for your help!