Auth Only + Prior Auth Capture versus Auth and Capture

[danw]

Hi there,

We've recently built an integration that uses the CP API and performs an Auth Only request on card swipe, followed by a Prior Auth Capture if the customer's signature is verified.

The transaction is then submitted for settlement, and it all works fine.

One of our customers has told us that this is an unorthodox approach, and that it would be better for us to use a single Auth and Capture request, as this will mean that the transaction can be refunded prior to settlement, which we are currently unable to do, and this is frustrating (understandably) for our customers.

I haven't found anything in the docs about this. Is anyone able to confirm/verify/shed some light on this?

Cheers,

Dan.

[RaynorC1emen7]

It the same, you need to "void" if it is non settled or "credit" if it already settled.

An auth_only will never get settled until it is capture, so if you need to cancel the transaction, you would need to run a void transaction.

[danw]

Thanks - this makes sense. 

So we would need to implement a 'Refund' as a 'Void' if prior to transaction settlement, and as a 'Credit, if subsequent to transaction settlement?

Our successful transactions are captured very soon after the auth-only - are we able to void captured sales that have not yet been settled?

[RaynorC1emen7 · Accepted solution]

So we would need to implement a 'Refund' as a 'Void' if prior to transaction settlement, and as a 'Credit, if subsequent to transaction settlement?

yes.

Our successful transactions are captured very soon after the auth-only - are we able to void captured sales that have not yet been settled?

yes. If it is still on auth_only, you can just void it.  If it got capture, usually you would try a void first then a credit.

[danw]

Awesome!

Thank you so much for your help!