> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dintero.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Auto-capture

> Understand how auto-capture works in Dintero, when it applies, and how it affects transaction fees.

By default, Dintero authorizes payments but does not capture them automatically. You capture the payment manually when you are ready to dispatch the order. Auto-capture skips that manual step and captures the payment immediately after authorization.

## How capture works

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Without auto-capture (default)">
    1. Customer pays. Dintero authorizes the amount and the order status becomes **Authorized**.
    2. You prepare and dispatch the order.
    3. You capture the payment in your platform or in Backoffice. The order status becomes **Captured** and funds are paid out.

    If the order is cancelled before capture, you cancel the authorization and no transaction fee is charged.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="With auto-capture">
    1. Customer pays. Dintero authorizes and immediately captures the amount. The order status becomes **Captured**.
    2. Funds are paid out without any manual step.

    If the customer returns the order, you issue a refund. The transaction fee is not reversed.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

See [Transaction statuses](/docs/integrations/support/transaction-statuses) for a full overview of order states.

## Eligibility

Consumer protection regulations prohibit capturing payment before dispatching to the customer. Auto-capture is only appropriate for businesses that fulfill orders at the point of sale or immediately after payment, such as:

* Digital products (downloads, subscriptions, software licenses)
* Restaurants and food service
* Made-to-order or on-demand products

<Warning>
  Do not enable auto-capture if your business ships physical goods. You must not withdraw funds before dispatch.
</Warning>

## Effect on transaction fees

| Capture method   | When a fee is charged      | Returns and cancellations                                         |
| ---------------- | -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Manual (default) | Only when you capture      | Cancel before capture: no fee. Partial capture: proportional fee. |
| Auto-capture     | On every completed payment | Fee is charged regardless of returns or refunds.                  |

If your return or cancellation rate is high, the default manual capture can lower your total fee costs.

## Enable auto-capture

Auto-capture is off by default. Contact [Dintero support](https://www.dintero.com/support) to enable it for your account.