Manual Capture
A payment processing mode where the merchant explicitly decides when to finalize a pre-authorized payment, separating authorization from settlement for full control over timing and amount.
What is Manual Capture?
Manual capture is a payment processing mode that separates the authorization and settlement steps of a credit card transaction. In the default auto-capture flow, when a customer pays, their card is authorized and funds are immediately captured (settled) in a single step. With manual capture, the authorization happens first, and the merchant explicitly triggers the capture later.
This separation gives merchants critical flexibility. After authorizing a card, the merchant can wait hours, days, or even weeks before deciding what to do with the authorization. They can capture the full amount, capture a partial amount (less than the authorized total), or cancel the authorization entirely without any charge.
Manual capture is the technical mechanism behind security deposits and pre-authorization holds. When a payment is created with capture_method set to manual in the API, the payment processor (e.g., Mollie or Stripe) authorizes the card but holds the funds in a pending state. The merchant then uses a capture or cancel API call to finalize the transaction.
The hold duration for manual capture varies by provider. Mollie supports holds up to 28 days, while Stripe's default is 7 days (extendable). After the hold period expires, the authorization is automatically voided and the customer's credit limit is restored. It's important for merchants to capture or release within the allowed window.
Key Benefits of Manual Capture
- Full control over when and how much to charge the customer
- Partial capture allows charging only the exact amount owed
- Cancel authorization without any charge if not needed
- Reduces refund volume since uncaptured holds aren't charges
- Lower dispute rates — customers see 'pending' not 'charged'
- Essential for security deposits, hotels, rentals, and booking workflows
Real-World Examples
See how manual capture is used in different payment scenarios.
Security Deposit
A vacation rental authorizes €500 at check-in. After checkout and inspection, they either capture for damages or cancel the authorization entirely.
Hotel Reservation
A hotel authorizes a guest's card for the estimated stay cost. At checkout, they capture the actual amount including extras like minibar or room service.
Pre-Order Product
An online store authorizes payment when a customer pre-orders. They only capture when the product ships, avoiding charges for items they can't fulfill.
Service Quote
A repair service authorizes the maximum estimated cost. After completing the work, they capture only the actual cost — which might be lower than estimated.
Event Catering
A catering company authorizes the full quoted amount. After the event, they capture based on the actual headcount and menu selections.
Equipment Rental
A construction equipment company authorizes a damage deposit. When equipment is returned in good condition, the authorization is cancelled — zero charge.
Manual Capture with PayRequest
PayRequest integrates with Mollie's manual capture mode, letting you create pre-authorized payment links without writing any code.
No-Code Setup
Enable manual capture through PayRequest's dashboard. No API integration or developer time required — just toggle the setting and create links.
Dashboard Management
View all pending authorizations, capture full or partial amounts, and release holds — all from a single dashboard interface.
28-Day Hold Window
Through Mollie's manual capture, hold funds for up to 28 days — four times longer than Stripe's default 7-day window.
Automated Notifications
Customers receive branded notifications when their hold is placed, captured, partially captured, or released.
Related PayRequest Features
Explore features that use manual capture.
Start using manual capture today
Create pre-authorized payment links with Mollie manual capture. No code needed — just create a link and share it.