> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.verifone.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.verifone.com/support-uk/v200c/how-tos/how-to-process-auth-only.md).

# How to Process Auth Only

Authorise (reserve) funds on a card without taking payment — you complete the payment later with a matching Charge Only transaction.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Use this when** you need to reserve funds on a card without collecting payment yet — for example to hold an amount and capture it later.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Do NOT use this when** you want to take the payment in full now — Auth Only only reserves the funds, it doesn't collect them. For an immediate sale, use the standard Sale flow instead.
{% endhint %}

This guide starts an Authorisation Only transaction from the Sale screen, which reserves funds and returns an Auth Code you use later to collect the payment.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Access the Sale Screen

After logging in, go to the Sale screen.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the Menu

Tap the blue banner at the top of the screen.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select Authorisation Only

Choose `Authorisation Only` from the menu. You return to the Sale screen, and `Authorisation Only` now shows above **Enter Amount**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter the amount

Type the amount you want to authorise an Auth Code for.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Proceed with payment

Press the green button or **Next**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Present the card

Insert, swipe, or tap the card when prompted.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Receive the Auth Code

Once the card is processed, the terminal displays the Auth Code. Make a note of it — you'll need it to complete the payment.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
**This only authorises the funds — it does not complete the payment.** To make sure the payment reaches your bank, you must later run a [Charge Only](/support-uk/v200c/how-tos/how-to-process-charge-only.md) transaction using the same Auth Code for the same amount. If you don't, the authorisation expires and the customer's funds return to their account.
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Keywords</summary>

Also called: auth only, authorisation only, authorization only, pre-auth, reserve funds, hold funds, auth code. Search terms: auth only, authorisation, pre-auth, auth code, reserve funds, charge only.

</details>


---

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