thread Is it possible to pre-authorise a capture amount? in Payments Troubleshooting

Is it possible to pre-authorise a capture amount?

WC123 — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:51:13 GMT

Hi there, our business use-case requires a custom capture of customer funds. We are an on-demand delivery service where the final price that customer pays may change. For example:

Customer pays £40 on our website checkout > Square pre-authorises £45 (to cover unexpected fees) > We capture only £42.99

Is this possible via Square?

Re: Is it possible to pre-authorise a capture amount?

MJD — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:48:36 GMT

The fees are to be expected as they are noted, this is how square makes money. Work out the amount you want to take and add the square fees on top to ensure you’re getting what you need!

If this helps mark it as best answer to help others in the future.

Re: Is it possible to pre-authorise a capture amount?

tranguyen — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:54:55 GMT

Hi @WC123, thanks for your post!

At the moment, it isn't possible pre-authorise a card or put a hold on a card for a certain amount with Square.

If you are processing payments online, you can choose to charge the higher amount upfront and issue a refund afterwards. There is no fee associated with issuing a refund through Square.

You can also send the customer an invoice to split the payment, requesting a deposit upfront and collect the remaining balance afterwards. More information on how to set this up can be found in our Support Centre.

I hope this will help!