When separating authorization and capture, what is the maximum length of time a hold can be kept before capture?

When separating authorization and capture, what is the maximum length of time a hold can be kept before capture?

• A. Up to 7 days
• B. Up to 24 hours
• C. Up to 30 days
• D. Indefinitely

Answer: (A)

When you separate authorization and capture, you place a temporary hold on the customer's funds while you decide when to actually charge. Card networks limit how long that hold can stay active. In Stripe, the authorization hold is valid for up to seven days. If you don’t capture within that window, the authorization expires and the funds are released automatically. If you still need to charge after that, you’d need to obtain a new authorization and then capture. That’s why seven days is the maximum. A 24-hour hold is typically too short for many scenarios, while longer or indefinite holds aren’t supported for standard authorizations.

When you separate authorization and capture, you place a temporary hold on the customer's funds while you decide when to actually charge. Card networks limit how long that hold can stay active. In Stripe, the authorization hold is valid for up to seven days. If you don’t capture within that window, the authorization expires and the funds are released automatically. If you still need to charge after that, you’d need to obtain a new authorization and then capture. That’s why seven days is the maximum. A 24-hour hold is typically too short for many scenarios, while longer or indefinite holds aren’t supported for standard authorizations.