Authorization Controls
Manage and refine payment authorizations with granular controls for dynamic transaction scenarios.
Explore PCE’s authorization management toolkit, offering incremental auth, voids, and adjustments to match real-world billing needs.
Prerequisites
- Active merchant account with card processing enabled
- PCI DSS Level 1 compliance for authorization operations
Limitations
- Capture must occur within card-scheme validity windows (7–10 days)
Compliance / Regulation Mandates
PCI DSS Level 1
All card data handling—authorization, capture, routing, and tokenization—must comply with PCI DSS Level 1 standards to secure cardholder information.
PSD2 Strong Customer Authentication
Two-factor authentication under PSD2 is required for EU card payments initiated by customers.
AML & KYC
Implement risk-based anti-money laundering controls and customer due diligence for card transactions, especially high-value or cross-border.
GDPR Data Protection
Ensure personal and payment data processed in card workflows adheres to GDPR principles, including minimization, consent, and secure handling.
Incremental Authorization
Increase the authorized amount on an existing transaction before it’s captured, ensuring coverage for additional costs.
Use cases
- Hotel stays (mini-bar charges)
- Car rentals (fuel fees)
Workflow
- Initial Auth: Guest checks in; authorize $300 for a two-night stay.
- Incremental Auth: Guest orders $50 dinner; request additional $50 authorization (total $350).
- Another Incremental Auth: Guest incurs $25 breakfast; request additional $25 (total $375).
- Capture: At checkout, capture final amount of $375.
Void Authorization
Cancel an existing authorization that hasn’t been captured to release held funds and avoid unnecessary fees.
Benefits
- Avoids refund-related transaction fees
- Prevents settled charges from appearing on customer statements
Workflow
- Identify the original authorization ID.
- Send a void request referencing that authorization.
Authorization Adjustments
Adjust an existing authorization amount—either up or down—before capture to correct or finalize charges.
Use cases
- Tipping or service fees
- Final price adjustments based on weight, quantity, or additional services
Workflow
- Authorize initial amount.
- For each change in amount, send an adjustment request (increase or decrease).
- After the last adjustment, capture the final authorized amount.
API Reference: Adjust Transaction
Updated 4 days ago