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What’s an “authorisation” 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.

Once an order is placed, it’s not possible to change the payment amount or number of items purchased.

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 authorisation, 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.

Tips: 

  • Orders and authorisations typically expire in 29 days. Authorisations are sometimes for a future payment, for example a hotel stay or reservation.
  • The honour period for authorisations is typically three days. You can reauthorise an authorisation to start a new honour period. Please refer to our developer documentation.
  • The venue will capture your payment when you arrive or when they process your order.
How do I void an order or authorisation for my customers?

More ways we can help

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