Short answer: When you use Authorize only with a card reader, Payment for Stripe asks the card network for an extended hold automatically. Whether you get one depends on the card and your type of business, so the app shows you the deadline after each authorization.
How it works:
- Turn on pre-authorizations. In Settings, switch on Pre-authorizations (Android: Allow pre-authorizations).
- Ring up the sale and choose Authorize only (Android: tap More checkout options, then Authorize only).
- Tap or insert the card. The funds are held, not charged.
- The result screen shows how long you have, with a "capture within" countdown in days.
- Open the payment and tap Capture to take the money, or Release to cancel the hold.
How long does a hold last?
Stripe says an in-person authorization is good for at least 2 days (5 for Visa). With an extended authorization it can run up to 30 days for eligible cards and business types, like hotels and car rentals. Mastercard allows 30 days in all categories. Use the date the app shows. It's the real deadline for that card.
If you miss the deadline, the hold is released and you can't capture it. Run a new sale instead.
Not covered:
- Extended holds don't apply to Interac (Canada) or eftpos (Australia). Those cards pay in one step.
- On Android, a keyed-in card can be authorized, but without an extended hold.
- Authorize only needs an internet connection.
More on holds: Authorize only.
Next steps