On This Page

{#jumplink-list}  
[Markdown](/docs/cybs/en-us/payments/developer/ctv/so/payments/payments-intro/payments-services-intro/payments-intro-processing-auth/payments-intro-pre-auths.md)  
Filter  
FILTER BY TAG

Pre-Authorization {#payments-intro-pre-auths}
=============================================

A pre-authorization enables you to authorize a payment when the final amount is unknown. The system places the funds on hold until you request a follow-up transaction. Pre-authorizations are typically used for lodging, auto rental, e-commerce, and restaurant transactions.
Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) rules in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) require the initial pre-authorization to use strong customer authentication for merchants or customers in PSD2-applicable countries.  
When you have a specific merchant category code (MCC) assigned to your account, you are allowed to capture up to 20% more than the cumulatively authorized amount on Visa, Diners, Discover, and JCB cards. Contact your account manager to have your account enabled for this option.  
For a pre-authorization:

* The authorization amount is greater than zero.
* Submit the authorization for capture within 30 calendar days of its request.
* When you do not capture the authorization, reverse it.  
  In the US, 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.  
  RELATED TO THIS PAGE