A pre-authorization places a temporary hold on your customer's card for an estimated amount. It's common for hotels, rentals and other businesses that charge a final amount later. Every authorization is only valid for a limited time, which depends on the card network and your type of business.
What Happens When It Expires
You can no longer capture it. Once the authorization expires, you can't charge against it. To collect payment, you'll need to run a new payment.
The hold drops off the customer's card. The customer's bank releases the hold. You don't need to void it, and no money is moved.
Timing depends on the customer's bank. If a customer still sees a hold, it's because their bank hasn't released it yet. Only their bank can speed that up.
Best Practice: Release Holds You Won't Use
If you know you won't be capturing a pre-authorization, for example because a booking was cancelled or a deposit isn't needed, cancel (void) it rather than waiting for it to expire:
Your customer gets access to their funds sooner.
Card networks can charge fees for authorizations that are never captured or released.
FAQ
Do I need to void a pre-authorization after it expires?
No. Once it's expired, there's nothing left to void.
Can I extend a pre-authorization?
Some setups allow you to adjust or extend an authorization before it expires. Ask your support team what's available for your account.
The customer still sees the hold after it expired. What do I do?
Let them know the hold has been released on your side, and that their bank controls when it disappears from their account.