Handle Overcapture

Permitted overcapture limits by merchant category code (MCC) and region

Overcapture allows merchants to capture an amount higher than the authorized amount for a card payment. Unlike incremental authorizations, it does not result in additional authorization events. Overcapture is allowed as part of card scheme rules to provide flexibility and efficiency in transaction processing. As such, Rain is required to honor such transactions if they fall within certain MCCs and the allowable card threshold. The table below outlines the MCCs and allowable thresholds.

Partner-managed Programs

In Partner-managed programs, when you check your ledger to determine if the user has enough funds, you can use this list of MCCs to check and adjust the spendingPower at authorization and approve or decline the transaction based on whether the user has sufficient funds in the case of overcapture. This ensures that you reserve enough funds to cover the maximum possible settlement amount, preventing insufficient funds errors when the merchant captures more than the authorized amount.

Permitted Overcapture Limits by MCC

Effective through 20 February 2026

Merchant/Transaction Type	Permitted Difference between Authorization Amount and Capture Amount
MCC 4121 (Taxicabs and Limousines)	Up to 20%
MCC 5812 (Eating Places and Restaurants)	Up to 20%
MCC 5813 (Drinking Places [Alcoholic Beverages – Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs, Cocktail Lounges, and Discotheques])	Up to 20%
MCC 5814 (Fast Food Restaurants)	Up to 20%
MCC 7230 (Beauty and Barber Shops)	Up to 20%
MCC 7298 (Health and Beauty Spas)	Up to 20%
Cruise Lines, Lodging	Up to 15%
Vehicle Rental	The greater of 15% or USD 75 (or local currency equivalent)
Other Cardholder-initiated Transactions in the Card-Absent Environment	Up to 15%

Effective 21 February 2026

AP, Canada, CEMEA, Europe, LAC:

Merchant/Transaction Type	Permitted Difference between Authorization Amount and Capture Amount
MCC 5812 (Eating Places and Restaurants)	Up to 20%
MCC 5814 (Fast Food Restaurants)	Up to 20%

US:

Merchant/Transaction Type	Permitted Difference between Authorization Amount and Capture Amount
MCC 5811 (Caterers)	Up to 30%
MCC 5812 (Eating Places and Restaurants)	Up to 30%
MCC 5814 (Fast Food Restaurants)	Up to 30%