Sometimes you want to hold a guest's card rather than charge it — for incidentals, a security deposit, or to settle a final amount at check-in. TripWorks lets you pre-authorize a card, so the funds are reserved without money moving until you decide.
What a pre-authorization is
A pre-authorization places a temporary hold on the guest's card for a set amount. No money is withdrawn — the guest's bank simply sets the amount aside. Later, you can:
- Capture the full or a partial amount (charge it), or
- Release the hold without charging anything.
It's ideal when the final amount isn't known at booking — rentals with a damage deposit, tours that settle extras at the end, or anything where you want the card on file guaranteed.
Using a pre-authorization
Create the pre-authorization on the trip in place of a charge, then capture or release it when you know the final amount. Holds don't last forever — banks release them after a period — so if you need a hold to last longer, see Can I extend a credit card hold? For ordinary charges, see Recording payments on a trip.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pre-authorization charge the guest?
No. It reserves the amount on their card without withdrawing money. You charge only if and when you capture the hold.
What if I don't need to charge them?
Release the hold and nothing is charged. The reserved amount frees up on the guest's card.
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