Authorizations

Advanced Authorization Types

This section outlines the specialized authorization flows supported by Hyperswitch. These methods allow you to verify payment instruments or manage fluctuating transaction totals without requiring the customer to re-enter their details.

1. $0 Authorization (Account Verification)

Commonly used for card-on-file or subscription setups, this flow verifies that a payment method is valid and active without actually blocking any funds. It is an essential step for "Save Card" features to ensure the payment_method_id is linked to a legitimate account before future use.

2. Estimate Authorization

This allows a business to block a calculated amount on a customer’s card based on an expected total, such as a hotel stay or a car rental deposit. It ensures the customer has sufficient credit available before the service is rendered, providing a safety net for the merchant.

3. Incremental Authorization

If the final cost exceeds the initial estimate (e.g., a guest extends their stay or adds room service), this flow allows you to increase the authorized amount on the existing transaction. It avoids the need for a completely new transaction, keeping the checkout experience seamless and consolidated.

4. Extended Authorization

Standard authorizations typically expire within 3 to 7 days; however, Extended Authorization keeps the hold active for a longer duration. This is ideal for businesses with long lead times, such as custom-manufactured goods or pre-orders, where shipping might occur weeks after the initial order.

5. Partial Authorization

In scenarios where a customer's card balance is lower than the total purchase amount, a Partial Authorization allows you to capture the remaining available balance. The customer can then cover the difference using a secondary payment method, effectively preventing a total transaction decline.