postautorisaatioon

Postautorisaatioon refers to a process where a transaction is authorized after it has already been initiated or completed. This is a less common scenario compared to pre-authorization, where funds are set aside before a purchase. In postauthorization, a merchant might request authorization for a transaction that was initially processed without it, perhaps due to a technical issue or a specific business need.

This method is often employed in situations where the exact final amount of a transaction is not known at the time of purchase. Examples include hotel stays where incidental charges are added later, or car rental agreements where damages or additional services might incur extra costs. The customer's account is then debited for the final, confirmed amount after these charges are determined.

Postauthorization is generally considered riskier for the merchant than preauthorization because there's a higher chance the transaction might be declined if the customer's account balance is insufficient at the time of the postauthorization request. It requires careful management and clear communication with the customer to avoid disputes. While not standard practice for all transactions, it serves a practical purpose in specific industries where final costs are variable.