Temporarily holdcard fundswithout charging
Pre-authorizations let you temporarily hold an amount on your customer's credit card. During the hold period, the funds are unavailable to the customer. Capture the funds if needed, or release them automatically.
Premium Car Rental
Vehicle pre-authorization
Funds reserved, not charged
This pre-authorization temporarily reserves €500 on your card. You'll only be charged for actual usage (fuel, tolls, damage).
What is Pre-Authorization?
A pre-authorization (also called a card hold or auth hold) is a temporary hold on a portion of a credit card's available credit. It's not a charge – it's a reservation of funds.
Not a Charge
Pre-auth reserves funds but doesn't transfer money. The actual charge only happens when you capture.
Time Limited
Holds typically last 7 days. If you don't capture, the hold releases automatically.
Customer Friendly
Customers see a 'pending' charge that disappears if not captured, building trust.
Risk Reduction
Verify card validity and fund availability before providing service.
How Pre-Authorization Works
A simple 4-step process that protects both your business and your customers.
Request Authorization
Send a pre-auth request with the amount you want to hold. Customer enters card details.
Funds Reserved
Card issuer reserves the funds. Customer sees 'pending' on their statement.
Provide Service
Deliver your service with confidence knowing funds are secured.
Capture or Release
Capture the amount owed (full or partial), or release if nothing is due.
After Service Completion
You decide what happens with the held funds
Full Capture
Charge the entire held amount
Partial Capture
Charge only what's owed
Release
Cancel hold, no charge
When to Use Pre-Authorization
Pre-authorizations are ideal for any business where the final charge amount isn't known upfront.
Hotels & Accommodations
Hold for incidentals, minibar, room damage. Capture on checkout for actual charges.
Car & Vehicle Rentals
Secure deposit for the rental period. Capture for fuel, tolls, or damage.
Equipment Rentals
Protect valuable equipment. Charge only for damage or late returns.
Restaurant Reservations
Secure no-show protection. Release when guests arrive, capture for no-shows.
Boat & Yacht Charters
High-value rentals require substantial holds. Capture for fuel or damage.
Luxury Item Rentals
Designer goods, jewelry, and high-value items need protection.
Benefits of Pre-Authorization
Why businesses and customers both love pre-authorizations.
For Your Business
Reduce No-Shows
Customers with a hold are much more likely to show up.
Guarantee Payment
Know funds are available before providing service.
Flexible Charging
Capture exactly what's owed, no more, no less.
Lower Fraud Risk
Card verification happens before service delivery.
For Your Customers
Not Charged Upfront
They only pay for what they actually use.
Clear Expectations
Transparent about what the hold is for.
Quick Release
Unused holds release immediately after settlement.
Trust Building
Fair billing practices build loyalty.
Pre-Authorization Features
Everything you need to manage card holds professionally.
Instant Processing
Pre-auths process in under a second. No waiting for approval.
7-Day Hold Period
Standard hold duration with options for shorter periods.
Partial Capture
Capture any amount up to the original hold amount.
Multi-Currency
Hold and capture in EUR, USD, GBP, and 135+ currencies.
API Integration
Automate pre-auths with your booking or rental system.
Email Notifications
Automatic emails for holds, captures, and releases.
Pre-Authorization vs. Regular Charge
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach.
Important to Know
- •Pre-authorization hold periods vary by card issuer (typically 7 days, sometimes less).
- •Debit cards may show holds as actual deductions from the available balance.
- •Uncaptured holds release automatically – you cannot extend them.
- •Some card types (prepaid, certain debit) may not support pre-authorization.
Ready to use pre-authorization?
Stop worrying about no-shows and unpaid services. Start using pre-authorizations with PayRequest today.
No credit card required • 0% platform fees • Cancel anytime