What are preauthorizations?
Preauthorizations reserve a specified amount on the customer's card without capturing it. You capture (confirm) or release the hold later from the admin panel — ideal when you need to verify funds before delivering goods or services.
How does it work?
- Set preauthorizations globally or per-product.
- The customer pays normally, but funds are held, not charged.
- Preauthorized orders appear clearly marked in the admin.
- Confirm the hold (optionally with a modified amount) to capture, or cancel to release it. Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported too.
Benefits for store owners
- Essential for hotels, rentals, and events
- Verify funds before delivery
- Modify the final amount before capture
- Bulk approval with one click
- Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay preauth
For customers
- A hold appears on their statement, not a charge
- Charged only the confirmed final amount
- Holds released automatically if not captured
Where you can use preauthorizations
| Plugin | Availability | More |
|---|---|---|
| WooCommerce Premium | Yes — global + per-product + bulk + Apple/Google Pay | View plugin |
| WooCommerce Lite | Yes — basic (global or per-product) | View plugin |
| Redsys for PrestaShop | Yes — via card | View plugin |
| Cafetito | Not available | View plugin |
How stores put it to work
Hotels & rentals
Hold a deposit at booking and capture the final amount at checkout.
Events
Reserve funds for tickets, then confirm or release in bulk after the event is finalized.
Variable final amount
Capture a lower amount than held when the final order value changes before fulfilment.
Preauthorization questions
Related features
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Get preauthorizations
Hold funds before capture, modify amounts, and approve in bulk — perfect for bookings, rentals, and events.