Multiple Capture

Multiple capture is a card payment feature that allows a merchant to collect the funds from a single authorisation in two or more separate captures, rather than in one. It is used mainly in e-commerce when an order is delivered in parts: a retailer authorises the full order value when the customer checks out, then captures the cost of each item as it is shipped, which is usually how card network rules expect merchants to charge for goods. Each capture is linked to the original authorisation through its reference, and the total captured should not exceed the amount approved. Once the final capture is made, any remaining authorised amount is released back to the cardholder. Multiple capture is related to partial capture, where only part of an authorisation is collected once, and to delayed capture. Not every acquirer, card type or payment gateway supports it, and captures must be completed before the authorisation expiry date.