Incremental Authorization
Definition
Incremental authorization requests a higher authorized amount on an existing uncaptured payment; issuer approval and provider support are required.
Incremental authorization requests an increase to the authorized amount of an existing, uncaptured payment. The issuer must approve the increase; it is not a second independent purchase. Availability depends on the scheme, card, merchant category and provider.
An incremental authorization is useful when a bill grows after the initial pre-authorization, such as during a hotel stay. It increases the amount available for eventual capture on the existing payment.
Example and failure handling
Illustrative example: a hotel initially authorizes $300. The guest adds $50 of room service, so the hotel requests a new authorized total of $350. The additional $50 is not an independent purchase. Confirm whether your PSP expects the new total or the increment in its API.
A request is not proof of approval. Check the adjustment result or webhook before capturing the higher amount. Support is limited by payment method, merchant category and issuer decisions; the original authorization can also expire.
Do not confuse it with partial authorization
Partial authorization approves less than the amount requested. Incremental authorization seeks more on an existing payment. Neither operation means the funds have settled. See the payment lifecycle guide.
Sources and content review
Content reviewed . See our editorial policy.
- Adyen: Authorization adjustment
Provider-specific requirements, issuer discretion and asynchronous adjustment results; other providers may differ.
Related terms
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Card on File
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Partial Authorization
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Pre-Authorization
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