Pre-authorization

In this article, you will learn what pre-authorizations are and how you can use them in Payrexx.

A pre-authorization is the reservation of an amount as a money guarantee, where a certain amount is blocked and withheld for a predefined period. The maximum possible reservation amount depends on the respective card issuer.

Facts about pre-authorizations

  • A pre-authorization is typically valid for 7 days (depending on the card issuer).

  • A pre-authorization can be charged exactly once.

  • The amount charged cannot exceed the reserved amount, although a lesser or equal charge is possible.

  • If the specified period is adhered to, the reserved amount can be guaranteed to be charged.

Applications of pre-authorizations

Hotels

Pre-authorizations are commonly used in hotels. Pre-authorized payments allow funds to be reserved either during the booking phase or at check-in. By reserving an amount, it ensures that a guest does not leave without paying and covers additional costs such as minibar or spa services.

Car Rentals

Car rental companies also typically use pre-authorizations. By withholding funds at the time of vehicle pickup, it ensures that the vehicle is returned in the desired condition and with a full tank, or that at least the incurred costs are covered if this is not the case.

Integration

To perform pre-authorizations, there are two methods: via Payrexx tools or via API/Gateway.

Via Payrexx tools

To make pre-authorizations via Payrexx tools, a payment provider that supports pre-authorizations must first be set up. After that, the payment method "pre-authorization" can be easily selected in the various Payrexx tools.

The following example demonstrates how to set up pre-authorization in the Payrexx tool "Pages":

  1. In your Payrexx account, navigate to Pages > Overview.

  2. Create a new page or open an existing one and click on tab "Payment information".

  3. Select the payment type "Pre-authorization".

Further information on how to use pre-authorization can be found in the following article:

Via API or Gateway

Information and instructions for implementing pre-authorization as a payment method via API or Gateway can be found in our developer documentation:

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