Overview
A pre-authorisation places a temporary hold on a guest's credit card without charging it. You can then capture the hold — fully or partially — or release it if it's no longer needed.
Manual pre-authorisations are created from a reservation in Reservations → View booking details → Payments, under AmenitizPay.
This article explains:
How to create a manual pre-authorisation
How to capture (debit) a pre-authorisation
How to release a pre-authorisation
Before you start
AmenitizPay must be activated on your property
A valid credit card must be saved on the reservation (visible in the Client tab)
Step-by-step instructions
Create a manual pre-authorisation
Use this to hold a custom amount on a guest's card — for example, a security deposit for incidentals.
1. Open the reservation
Go to
Reservationsand click on the bookingClick
View booking details
2. Add the authorisation
Open the
PaymentstabIn the Authorisations section, click
Add authorisationEnter the amount to hold and confirm
💡 Tip: You can see every pre-authorisation and its status from AmenitizPay → Authorisations.
Capture (debit) a pre-authorisation
Capturing converts the hold into a real charge. You can capture the full amount or only part of it.
1. Open the authorisation
Go to
Reservationsand click on the bookingClick
View booking detailsOpen the
Paymentstab and find the authorisation in the Authorisations section
2. Capture the amount
Click the three dots under Options and select
Capture authorisationEnter the amount to capture (full or partial) and confirm
📌 Note: A captured pre-authorisation is treated like any other payment — it lands on the booking and can be allocated to a bill. For custom cases (damages, stolen items, etc.), add a Custom charge to the bill first, then allocate the captured amount to it.
Release a pre-authorisation
Releasing removes the hold so the funds become available to the guest again. Use this when the authorisation is no longer needed.
1. Open the authorisation
Go to
Reservationsand click on the bookingClick
View booking detailsOpen the
Paymentstab and find the authorisation in the Authorisations section
2. Release the hold
Click the three dots under Options and select
Release authorisation
⚠️ Warning: Once released, the authorisation cannot be captured. If you still need to charge the guest, create a new authorisation or a new payment.
FAQs
How long does a pre-authorisation last?
How long does a pre-authorisation last?
Up to 30 days from the day it was created (Visa: about 29 days and 18 hours). After that, the card network automatically releases the hold and it can no longer be captured.
Can I capture only part of the authorised amount?
Can I capture only part of the authorised amount?
Yes. When you click Capture authorisation, enter any amount up to the original authorisation. The authorisation will show as Partially captured, and the uncaptured portion is released to the guest.
Is there anything special about American Express?
Is there anything special about American Express?
Yes. Amex network rules require you to capture the authorised amount by the end of the guest's stay. Leaving an Amex pre-authorisation open past checkout may result in a network violation.
I can't create a manual pre-authorisation. What should I check?
I can't create a manual pre-authorisation. What should I check?
The two most common causes:
AmenitizPay is not activated. Go to
Settings→Payments→AmenitizPayand make sure the status is Activated.No customer credit card is saved. Open the reservation, go to the Client tab and check that a valid card is stored.
What does "Failed" mean?
What does "Failed" mean?
The card could not hold the authorised amount — most often insufficient funds, but also an expired card, a block from the issuer, or a declined 3-D Secure check.
Where can I see the status of my pre-authorisations?
Where can I see the status of my pre-authorisations?
Go to AmenitizPay → Authorisations. Each authorisation shows its status: Authorised, Captured, Partially captured, Released, or Failed.