Pre-authorization

1Pre-authorize at check-in

If your store takes cards through Fiserv and has check-in pre-authorization turned on, the guest can tap a card once on arrival to put a hold on the amount, and you settle after the service. Click Sarah’s appointment, then Check In & Start. This one has no room yet, so the full check-in window opens; pick a room first. The right-hand column is Pay upfront · Pre-auth. Turn on Pre-authorize at check-in. Service Amount is $80. Pre-auth Amount is $96, which is 20% more than the service, leaving room for a tip. Pick the reader below; it shows Online. A pre-authorization only holds the amount; nothing is charged. After the service you settle the real total, service plus tip, once, and the guest doesn’t tap a second time. To do this at every check-in, tick Set as store check-in default. From then on, when the room and service are both set, clicking Check In & Start pre-authorizes straight away, with no window. Click Check in & authorize $96.00 and turn the reader toward the guest; they can insert, tap or swipe. The reader doesn’t ask for a tip at this point. Once the reader approves, the appointment moves to In service, and the hold is already on the guest’s card.

2Checkout: complete the pre-auth

The service is done. Click Sarah’s appointment, then Checkout. Under Payment Method there is no cash or card to pick, only a locked Complete pre-authorization (no card swipe). The guest doesn’t tap again. Pre-auth Amount above is what the gateway actually froze. This store charges a 3% surcharge, so it’s $98.88, a little above the $96 from check-in. If the card issuer approved only part of it, a Partially approved tag shows up here.

Tip: entered at the desk, on the card