Sales Clerk Guide > Entering Transactions as the Salesperson > Tendering a Sale > Accepting Credit Cards and Debit Cards Using Authorization Software > Preauthorizing a Transaction
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Preauthorizing a Transaction
If you want to preauthorize a transaction, keep in mind that you must have appropriate salesperson rights. The Preauthorization option is only available if you select the check box in the Tender Prompts section on the Tender tab of the Sales Set Up Sales Entry Layout window.
To preauthorize a transaction:
1 In the Sales Transaction Closeout window, enter the amount you want to preauthorize.
2 Select the Pre-Auth [F10] button.
3 A Cayan window appears. Swipe the customer’s credit card or enter the card information, or have the customer swipe the card.
When the preauthorization is complete, an entry appears in the grid with the amount and authorization status.
4 Select Done to complete the preauthorization.
When a preauthorized transaction is saved, it is stored as a Hold transaction. For information on how to retrieve and complete a preauthorized transaction, refer to Completing a Hold or Quote.
After you retrieve the transaction and change it to an invoice, select the Post-Auth [F10] button in the Sales Transaction Closeout window to authorize the transaction. You will receive a message when authorization completes.
For information on how to cancel a preauthorized transaction, see Canceling a Hold or Quote.
Example: When Would I Preauthorize a Transaction?
Let’s say you work for a hotel that likes to preauthorize credit cards for reservations that total more than $200. One reason you might do this is to ensure there is enough credit on the customer’s card to charge the customer for any incidentals they purchase while at the hotel (e.g., phone or movie charges). You might finalize the sale the next morning when the guest checks out.