Understanding payment authorization and capture
When processing payments, there are typically two distinct steps:
- Authorization: A hold is placed on the customer's payment method, reserving the funds.
- Capture: The actual transfer of funds from the customer's account to your merchant account.
When delayed capture is enabled, Checkout authorizes the payment at the time of order placement but does not capture the funds until either the order is shipped or a configured time window (typically 3 days) passes, whichever is sooner.
Enabling delayed capture
Delayed capture is currently only available by contacting Zonos to enable it on your account manually. To request this feature, please reach out to your Zonos account manager or contact support@zonos.com.
Delayed payment capture
Control when Checkout captures payment for orders.
Delayed payment capture gives merchants greater control over their payment processing workflow by separating the authorization of funds from the actual capture of payment. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses that need to verify inventory or align payment capture with order fulfillment of back-ordered or delayed shipments.
By default, Zonos Checkout processes payment immediately upon order placement. Delayed capture allows you to hold the funds temporarily and complete the transaction at a more optimal time.