Search - What is the maximum time I have to capture an authorization?
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12/18/2025 18:41 PM
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Introduction
Capturing payment authorizations promptly helps ensure compliance with card network rules, reduces the risk of declines, and can lower interchange costs. While the Visa platform supports extended timeframes for capturing authorizations, the best practice is to capture within seven days of the original authorization date. This aligns with typical issuer and acquirer expectations and helps avoid potential fees or penalties.
Overview
After a payment authorization is obtained, merchants must submit a capture request to complete the transaction. Delays in capturing funds can lead to expired authorizations, higher processing costs, and possible non-compliance with your Merchant Service Provider (MSP), acquirer, or processor requirements.
Cybersource systems support different capture methods, each with its own maximum allowable timeframe. However, your MSP, acquirer, or processor may enforce stricter limits. Always confirm their requirements before relying on the system’s maximum timeframes.
Best Practice Recommendation
- Capture authorizations within 7 days of the original authorization date whenever possible.
- Delaying capture beyond 7 days may increase interchange fees and the risk of declined or expired authorizations.
- Consult your MSP, acquirer, or processor for their specific authorization capture rules.
Capture Methods and Time Limits
| Capture Method | System Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| API or Batch Capture | Up to 60 days from the original authorization date | Includes REST API, Simple Order API, SCMP API, SOAP Toolkit, and offline batch upload. Attempting to capture after 60 days will result in an error. |
| Business Center Capture | Up to 180 days from the original authorization date | Capture available via the Transaction Search Detail page or the “Auths Ready to Settle” search option (if enabled). Records are purged after 6 months. Your MSP/acquirer may not honor captures beyond their own limits. |
Common Error
If a capture request is submitted after the system time limit, the following error may occur:
Reason Code 102: "The request data was either invalid or missing: auth_request_id"
Key Takeaways
- Always aim to capture within 7 days for optimal compliance and cost efficiency.
- System limits allow up to 60 days for API/batch captures and 180 days for Business Center captures, but your MSP/acquirer may have shorter limits.
- Confirm your MSP/acquirer’s policies to avoid declines, penalties, or non-compliance issues.
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