Authorize Card Payments in Sparkforge (Old Funnel Builder)

Card authorization in the Version 1 funnel builder verifies a customer has funds before their subscription or payment plan kicks in. Sparkforge holds the authorization amount, then refunds it once the card clears.

If you're on Version 2 of the page builder, use the V2 instructions instead.

How authorization works

• Authorization is off by default — enable it per plan.
• Sparkforge debits the authorize amount from the customer's bank, then credits it back after approval.
• If funds aren't available, the customer can't advance to the next step.
• Trial days start the moment the card is authorized.
• Refunds can take up to 5 business days to land back in the customer's account.
• Works only with Subscriptions and Payment plans.

To authorize before purchase across multiple plans, repeat this setup for each plan attached to the payment form.

Enable authorization (Version 1)

1. Open the funnel builder and select the funnel step where your products live.
2. Click Products.
3. Click the Edit icon to open product settings. Repeat the steps below for every plan that needs authorization.
4. Click Authorize Card.
5. Enter the dollar amount to authorize (typically $1).
6. Click Currency and select USD (or your preferred currency).
7. Click Update.

That's the full setup. Test with a real card to confirm the hold and refund cycle work as expected.