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Card Authorization for Subscriptions and Payment Plans

This article explains how Card Authorization works for subscription and payment plan products and how to configure a custom authorization amount.

Updated over 2 months ago

Who This Is For / When to Use

Use this feature if you:

  • Sell subscriptions or payment plans

  • Offer free trials before the first charge

  • Want to confirm customers have sufficient funds before granting access

  • Use recurring pricing for products

What Card Authorization Does

Card Authorization verifies that sufficient funds are available on a customer’s card at signup.

  • The card is authorized, not charged

  • Funds are not collected immediately

  • The authorization is released automatically

  • The actual charge happens on the billing date

This helps prevent failed payments after trials or during payment plans.

When Card Authorization Applies

Card Authorization:

  • Works only with recurring price types

  • Applies to:

    • Subscriptions

    • Payment plans

    • Free trials with delayed billing

  • Does not apply to one-time products

Example: Free Trial With Authorization

Scenario:

  • 7-day free trial

  • $100 charged on day 8

Without Card Authorization

  • Trial access is granted

  • Payment may fail on day 8 if funds are unavailable

With Card Authorization

  • Kyrios checks if $100 is available at signup

  • Trial access is granted only if funds are available

  • No money is collected during the trial

Example: Payment Plan Authorization

Scenario:

  • $150 product

  • 3 installments of $50

Card Authorization:

  • Checks that $150 is available at signup

  • Charges only $50 per billing cycle

  • Reduces risk of partial payment failure

Where Card Authorization Appears

Card Authorization is configured inside a funnel or website product, not in global product settings.

You must edit the product within the funnel or website.

Step 1: Open the Funnel or Website

  1. Go to Sites.

  2. Select Funnels or Websites.

  3. Open the funnel or website where the product is used.

  4. Navigate to the Products tab.

Step 2: Access Products From a Page (Optional)

If editing from a page:

  1. Open the Pages view.

  2. Click the three-dot menu on the page.

  3. Select Products.

Step 3: Select or Add a Product

  1. Click + Add Product, or

  2. Click Edit on an existing product.

Ensure:

  • A product is selected

  • A recurring price is selected

Step 4: Open Additional Options

  1. Scroll to Additional Options.

  2. Expand the section.

This section controls quantity rules, bump products, and authorization settings.

Step 5: Set a Custom Authorization Amount

  1. Locate Custom Authorization.

  2. Enter an amount greater than 0.

  3. Click Save.

This amount is what Kyrios verifies at signup.

How Authorization Appears to Customers

  • The authorization appears as a temporary hold

  • It is shown separately in your payment provider (e.g., Stripe)

  • The amount is refunded automatically

  • Customers are not charged at this stage

Important Notes

  • Recurring pricing required: Authorization works only with recurring prices

  • Not a charge: Funds are verified, not collected

  • Authorization expiry: Holds typically expire within ~7 days (processor-dependent)

  • Applies to new signups only: Existing subscribers are not affected by changes

Best Practices

  • Use authorization for:

    • Free trials

    • High-value subscriptions

    • Long payment plans

  • Inform customers during checkout that authorization will occur

  • Test with small amounts before going live

  • Avoid long delays between authorization and first charge

FAQ

Is Card Authorization the same as charging the customer?

No. Card Authorization only checks if funds are available. The customer is not charged at this stage.

Do I need to enable Card Authorization for all products?

No. It is optional and recommended only for recurring products with delayed or installment billing.

How long does it take for the authorization to be refunded?

The authorization is typically released instantly, though timing depends on the payment provider.

Can I change the authorization amount after launch?

Yes. Changes apply only to new customers going forward.

Does Card Authorization work with one-time products?

No. It requires a recurring price type.

Will customers see the authorization?

Yes. Customers may see a temporary authorization hold in their bank or card statement.

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