Release an Authorization
Once an authorization is done, the only way to release it is to use it.
Regardless of the action taken, whether it's releasing an authorization, releasing held funds, or issuing a refund to a credit card, it's important to note that funds will not be immediately released back into the guest's bank account. A back-end process involving your credit card processor, card companies, and banks is necessary. This process typically takes an average of 3 to 10 business days to complete.
If the reservation is already checked-in
Go to the folio and process a $1 payment using the credit card linked to the authorization you wish to release. This will create a $1 charge and release the remaining authorization amount, minus the $1. However, since posting a charge involves a "capture," which means the funds are held, the only way to finalize the process is to refund the $1 payment just processed. By refunding this payment, the $1 held from the initial authorization will be released, resulting in the full release of the entire authorization amount.
If the reservation is for a future date
Access the Advance Deposit section and record an Advance Deposit of $1 using the credit card linked to the authorization you aim to release. Following this, proceed to refund the Advance Deposit.
When dealing with reservations scheduled for a distant future stay, it's crucial either to release the authorization promptly or, alternatively, refrain from pre-authorizing too far in advance. Visual Matrix does not update the status of an authorization upon receipt. It's essential to note that authorizations are not held indefinitely by banks. Failing to release the authorization means that, during guest check-in, Visual Matrix will erroneously assume a valid authorization exists, allowing payment to be posted on the folio. However, when the batch attempts to settle, it may result in payment declines as the bank had already dropped the authorization long before.
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