You rent out an e-bike, hire out equipment or take a booking: you want a guarantee, but you do not yet know how much you will actually collect. That is exactly what a pre-authorisation is for. Here is how it works, with an example in francs.
What it is, in simple terms
With a pre-authorisation the amount is blocked on the customer’s card but not charged. You collect it later, in full or in part, once you know the exact sum. The part you do not collect becomes available to the customer again.
It differs from a normal payment, where the money comes to you straight away, and from a refund, where you first collect and then give back.
An example in francs
You rent out an e-bike for CHF 60.- and block CHF 300.- as a deposit. The customer brings it back intact: you collect CHF 60.- and release the rest. If the bike comes back damaged, you also collect the part of the deposit you need, without having to ask for a second payment.
When it is worth using
- Rentals: bikes, sports equipment, vans, event material.
- Deposits: keys, costumes, loaned devices.
- Bookings: the customer books and you collect only when the service is confirmed.
- Amounts that change: usage-based services or jobs where the final price is known only at the end.
For a normal advance payment, a single payment is enough: the customer pays the advance and the money is yours.
How long the block lasts
If you do not collect, the block expires on its own after a period set by the customer’s bank, usually between 7 and 30 days. So it is best to collect as soon as you know the amount: after expiry you would have to ask for a new payment.
Worth remembering
A pre-authorisation guarantees the money is there at the moment of the block. If you wait too long and the block expires, the guarantee is gone.
How to use it with 1pay.ch
In almost all 1pay.ch tools you will find the payment type option: choose the pre-authorisation instead of the one-off payment.
- With a payment link: you send it by e-mail, SMS or WhatsApp before the rental or booking.
- With the virtual terminal: the customer pays from your payment page, even at the counter.
- Then, under pre-authorisations in your account, you see all the blocks and collect the right amount, in full or in part.
Which methods support it
| Method | Pre-authorisation |
|---|---|
| Visa and Mastercard | Yes |
| Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay | Yes |
| TWINT | Yes |
| PostFinance Pay | Yes |
| Purchase on invoice, Klarna, crypto | No, single payments only |
Before offering a pre-authorisation, check that the methods you offer support it. It is included in all plans, even the free Starter.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a pre-authorisation last?
The block stays active for a period set by the customer’s bank, usually between 7 and 30 days. If you do not collect within that time, it expires on its own and the amount becomes available again.
Can I collect only part of the blocked amount?
Yes. You collect the right amount, in full or in part, and the rest becomes available to the customer again. That is the typical deposit case: you collect the rental and release the rest.
Which payment methods support pre-authorisation?
Visa and Mastercard cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, TWINT and PostFinance Pay. Purchase on invoice, Klarna and crypto accept single payments only.
What is the difference from tokenisation?
With a pre-authorisation you block a precise amount and collect it later. With tokenisation the customer registers their payment method and you can charge it later for amounts agreed with them: registration checks that the card is valid but does not block any money.
Do you run a rental or a service with a deposit?
Call or message us: we will show you how to set up the pre-authorisation for your case.
Phone +41 91 857 47 37 · WhatsApp +41 79 857 47 37 · info@1pay.ch
Block the deposit, collect the right amount
Sign up free in 5 minutes, with no credit card. Pre-authorisation is included in all plans.
