On This Page

Pre-Authorizations

A pre-authorization enables you to authorize a payment when the final amount is unknown. It is typically used for lodging, auto rental, e-commerce, and restaurant transactions.
For a pre-authorization:
  • The authorization amount must be greater than zero.
  • The authorization must be submitted for capture within 30 calendar days of its request.
  • When you do not capture the authorization, you must reverse it.
    In the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, Mastercard charges an additional fee for a pre-authorization that is not captured and not reversed.
    In Europe, Russia, Middle East, and Africa, Mastercard charges fees for all pre-authorizations.
  • Chargeback protection is in effect for 30 days after the authorization.