Card Authorization for Subscription and Payment Plans

How Card Authorization Works

Card Authorization runs a temporary funds check on the customer’s card. It verifies 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 helps confirm the customer can pay when the trial ends.
• Payment plans: If you split a purchase into installments, authorization can verify funds up front (based on your configuration).
• Protection: Reduce access granted to cards that can’t support the billing amount.

Note: You may see the authorization in your payment provider (like 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. This amount must be greater than 0 and typically applies to products with a recurring price type.

1. Go to Sites → choose Funnels or Websites.
2. Open the funnel step or website page where the product is sold.
3. Open the Products tab.
4. Click Edit on an existing product (or click + Add Product).
5. Find Additional Options, then locate the Custom Authorization field.
6. Enter the authorization amount (must be greater than 0).
7. Click Save to apply changes.

Note: Authorization holds often release quickly, but exact timing depends on the payment provider and bank.

When to Use Card Authorization

• Subscriptions: Confirm the card can support recurring billing before access starts.
• Free trials: Reduce “trial abuse” and improve trial-to-paid conversion quality.
• Installment plans: Add extra protection before delivering access or fulfillment.
• High-value offers: Use it for products where failed payments create real operational friction.