Authorize Card Payments in Sparkforge Websites (V1)

Card authorization on Sparkforge Version 1 websites verifies a customer's funds before their subscription or payment plan starts. Sparkforge holds the authorize amount briefly, then refunds it.

If you're on Version 2 of the website builder, follow the V2 instructions instead.

How authorization works

• Authorization is off by default — enable it per plan.
• Sparkforge debits the authorize amount, then credits it back after approval.
• Customers without funds can't advance through the form.
• Trial days start as soon as the card is authorized.
• Refunds can take up to 5 business days to clear.
• Works only with Subscriptions and Payment plans.

For multi-plan forms, repeat the setup for each plan attached to the payment form.

Enable authorization (V1 websites)

1. Open the website and find the step that holds the order form. Click the three dots.
2. Click Products. Attach products first if none exist.
3. Click the Edit icon on the plan to authorize.
4. Click Authorize Card.
5. Enter the dollar amount you want to authorize (typically $1).
6. Click Currency and pick your currency (e.g., USD).
7. Click Update.

Test with a real card to verify the hold and refund cycle behave as expected before switching to live traffic.