Authorize a Card Before a Subscription Purchase

Card authorization places a small temporary hold on a buyer's card before a subscription or payment plan begins. It filters out cards that cannot be charged. It is off by default and applies only to subscriptions and payment plans.

How it works

• A hold of the amount you set is placed on the card.
• If the card cannot cover it, the buyer cannot continue to the next step.
• Once approved, the hold is released and the amount returns to the buyer. Banks can take up to 5 business days to show the refund.
• Trial days attached to the plan start as soon as the card is authorized.

Turn it on in funnels and websites

1. Open the funnel step, or for a website click the three dots on the page, and go to Products.
2. Click the Edit icon beside a subscription or payment plan.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click Additional Options.
4. In Custom Authorization, enter an amount of 1 or more, with no more than two decimals and no negative values.
5. Click Save.

Remember

• Repeat for each plan on the order form.
• Pick a small amount, such as 1, to reduce buyer concern.
• If your page uses the older builder, the setting is labelled Authorize Card: click it, enter the amount and currency, then click Update.

Why use it

It reduces failed trials, protects revenue and keeps unusable cards out of your subscriber list.

Good to know: Tell buyers on the page that a small temporary hold may appear so they are not surprised by it.