Loading...
Loading...
Home
  • Payments and Transfers
  • Disputes and Limitations
  • My Account
  • My Wallet
  • Login & Security
  • Seller Tools

What’s an “authorization” and can I cancel it?

When you authorise a payment to a merchant, you agree to make a purchase for a specified amount. Your account will show a “Pending” authorisation until the merchant captures the payment. Once a merchant processes the order, they capture the payment and charge your account. The payment will show as ‘"Complete” and the merchant will ship the item.

Neither you nor PayPal can cancel an order, but the merchant might be able to cancel it for you. If you need to cancel an order or authorization, please contact the merchant.

To see the seller’s contact details:

  1. Go to Activity.
  2. Select the payment.
  3. Use the contact information on this page to contact the seller.

Bear in mind: 

  • Orders and authorizations typically expire in 30 days. Authorizations are sometimes for a future payment, for example a hotel stay or reservation.
  • The venue will capture your payment when you arrive.
Was this article helpful?

More ways we can help

Resolution Centre
Fix transaction and account-related issues
Community Forum
Join the discussion with PayPal customers
Tax centre
Get your 1099-K and other tax info here
Business Help
Get help with using any of our PayPal products
Technical Help
Find out how PayPal works for your business
Contact Us
Contact Customer Service
Message Centre
Send, receive and view your PayPal messages
How are we doing?
Take our survey
Loading...