> 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-us/payware-connect/transaction-help/web-terminal/pre-auth.md).

# Pre Auth

This section includes how Merchants can process a Pre Authorization using the Web Terminal from established PAYware Connect Store Portal services.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Use this when** you need to reserve a customer's credit limit for an amount that can only be estimated right now, without transferring funds yet.
{% endhint %}

A Pre Authorization reduces a card's credit limit, like a Sale does, but does not request the transfer of funds. Use it when the final total can be estimated but not yet precisely stated. A Pre Auth can't be settled until a [Completion](/support-us/payware-connect/transaction-help/web-terminal/completion.md) is performed on it.

## Process a Pre Auth

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the Web Terminal

Once logged in to the [Store Portal](https://storeportal.vfipayna.com/), navigate to `Transaction Processing` → `Web Terminal`. The **Web Terminal** window opens.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select Pre Auth

Choose the **Pre Auth** option.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter transaction details

Fill out **Account Number**, **Expiration (MMYY)**, and **Trans Amount** — these are the only required fields.

{% hint style="info" %}
You may also fill out Card Holder Name, Street Address, Zip/Postal Code, CVV2, Invoice Number, and Server ID, but none of these are required.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Submit and print the receipt

Click **Submit**. PAYware Connect connects to the payment processing company and, after a moment, displays the transaction result and an on-screen receipt.

To print, click **Print Receipt** at the bottom of the receipt window, confirm the desired printer, then click **Print**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Review the transaction result

After closing the receipt window, the transaction's result appears in the main PAYware Connect interface. Each item is a "section" of the transaction results, with a Response for each item.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Next step

A Pre Auth must be finalized with a [Completion](/support-us/payware-connect/transaction-help/web-terminal/completion.md) before it can be settled.

<details>

<summary>Keywords</summary>

Also called: pre-authorization, authorize a card, hold funds, reserve credit limit. Search terms: pre auth, preauth, web terminal, PAYware Connect.

</details>


---

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