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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://waffo.com/docs/llms.txt

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Standard payments are typically “Immediate Sale,” meaning funds are debited simultaneously as the user pays. Auth & Capture splits the payment process into two distinct steps:

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Core value

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Use cases

Ideal for scenarios with high costs and variable fees, such as AI image generation, LLM inference, and cloud compute rental.
StepTimingWhat happens
AuthBefore task startsUser submits a complex generation task. The system estimates a maximum fee of $10 and freezes that amount, ensuring the user’s card has sufficient funds to cover the compute cost.
CaptureAfter task endsThe task actually consumed 5,000 tokens valued at 4.50.Thesysteminitiatesacapturefor4.50. The system initiates a capture for 4.50 and automatically releases the remaining $5.50 credit limit.
Advantage: Avoids the poor experience of “Task interrupted due to insufficient balance” while preventing merchants from giving away expensive GPU resources for free.

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Key capabilities & operations

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Partial capture

Supports capturing an amount less than the original frozen amount for a pre-authorized order.
Scenario: AI task estimated at 10,actualconsumption10, actual consumption 4.50.Operation: Initiate a Capture request for 4.50.Thesystemdebits4.50. The system debits 4.50 and automatically releases the remaining $5.50 limit.

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Void authorization

You can cancel the transaction at any time before initiating capture.
Scenario: AI task failed due to system overload; no actual cost incurred.Operation: Call the Void API.Feature: Zero cost (no processing fees), instant release (user limit restored within minutes) — far superior to refunds, which typically take 3–7 days.

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Integration

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API integration

Set the parameter capture_method: manual when creating a payment order to enable pre-authorization mode. The default is automatic for immediate sale.

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Webhook notifications

The system sends notifications at the following nodes to help you sync business status:
EventDescription
payment_intent.authorizedCredit limit frozen successfully. You can start the AI task or ship goods.
payment_intent.capturedFunds debited successfully. Funds are ready for settlement.
payment_intent.canceledPre-authorization voided or expired.
View API documentation for parameter examples and integration guides.

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Frequently asked questions

Typically, Visa/Mastercard pre-authorizations are valid for 7 days. This is usually sufficient for AI services or e-commerce shipping. If you are in a special industry (e.g., long-term rentals), we can assist in applying to extend the pre-authorization window to 30 days.
Pre-authorization only “freezes” the user’s credit limit; the funds are still in the user’s bank account and have not been transferred to the merchant. Funds will only begin settlement and enter your account balance after you successfully call the Capture interface.
No “Refund” is needed because the money hasn’t actually been taken. You simply need to call the Void interface or do nothing (wait for auto-expiration), and the user’s limit will be restored. This is simpler than the refund process and avoids user confusion over “Charged then Refunded.”
Currently, we primarily support Single Capture. Once you initiate a Capture (even for a partial amount), the remaining pre-authorized limit is automatically released. If you run a continuous AI service (e.g., chat stream billed by the minute), we recommend using the Tokenization feature to bind the card and initiate charges periodically (e.g., every hour or upon reaching a $10 threshold).
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