Quick Answer
What does Card Authorization do?
Card Authorization performs a temporary funds check on the customer’s card. It verifies that the card can cover the amount you set, but it does not collect the payment until the actual billing date.
Verifying Payments Before Granting Access
You may be offering subscriptions, trials, or payment plans, but not every payment method will successfully process when it is time to bill.
Card Authorization allows you to verify that a customer’s card can cover the intended authorization amount before access is granted.
Without this step, you may grant access to users whose payments later fail.
This guide shows you how Card Authorization works, how to set a custom authorization amount, and when the feature may be useful.
Card Authorization at a Glance
Before You Begin
Card Authorization is optional and is most useful when you are working with recurring products, trials, or payment plans.
- Confirm that the product uses a recurring price type where Card Authorization is applicable.
- Decide what authorization amount you want to use. The amount must be greater than 0.
How Card Authorization Works
Card Authorization runs a temporary funds check on the customer’s card. It verifies that the card can cover the amount you set, but it does not collect the payment until the real billing date.
Free Trials
If a trial converts into a charge later, authorization can help confirm that the customer can pay when the trial ends.
Payment Plans
If a purchase is split into installments, authorization can verify funds up front based on your configuration.
Protection
Card Authorization can reduce access granted to cards that cannot support the authorization amount.
Temporary Authorization
You may see the authorization in your payment provider, such as Stripe, as a temporary hold. It is not the actual charge.
Set a Custom Card Authorization Amount
You can set a custom authorization amount per product. The amount must be greater than 0 and typically applies to products with a recurring price type.
Step 1: Open Funnels or Websites
Go to Sites, then choose Funnels or Websites.
Step 2: Open the Selling Page
Open the funnel step or website page where the product is sold.
Step 3: Open Products
Open the Products tab.
Step 4: Edit or Add the Product
Click Edit on an existing product or click + Add Product.
Step 5: Find Custom Authorization
Find Additional Options, then locate the Custom Authorization field.
Step 6: Enter the Authorization Amount
Enter the authorization amount. The value must be greater than 0.
Step 7: Save the Product
Click Save to apply the changes.
Checkout Note for Trials
If you use a trial, consider adding a short note near the checkout explaining that the card may be temporarily authorized to verify funds and that the customer will not be charged until the billing date.
Authorization Release Timing
Authorization holds often release quickly, but exact timing depends on the payment provider and bank.
When to Use Card Authorization
Subscriptions
Confirm that the card can support recurring billing before access starts.
Free Trials
Use authorization to reduce trial abuse and improve the quality of trial-to-paid conversions.
Installment Plans
Add an additional funds check before delivering access or fulfillment.
High-Value Offers
Use it for products where failed payments create meaningful operational friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Card Authorization the same as charging my customer?
No. Card Authorization is a temporary funds check. The amount is authorized (a test hold) but not collected until the actual billing date.
Do I need to set up Card Authorization for all my products?
No. Card Authorization is optional and is most useful for recurring products, trials, and payment plans where you want to verify funds before granting access.
How long does it take for the authorization charge to be refunded?
It’s typically released quickly because it’s a temporary authorization, but timing can vary by payment provider and bank. Check your processor (e.g., Stripe) for exact timing.
Continue Learning
Continue with related Funnels & Websites guides for Card Authorization, payment plans, and payment testing.
