What occurs when a credit card transaction is authorized in NetSuite?

When a credit card transaction is authorized in NetSuite, the sale transaction is sent to the payment gateway for fund acquisition. This process involves the system communicating with the payment processor to secure the funds associated with the credit card transaction. Authorizing the transaction ensures that the funds are available and sets aside the amount needed for the purchase, which can then be captured later through the next steps in the payment processing workflow.

The sending of the transaction to the gateway signifies that the initial approval to use the card has been obtained, but it is crucial to note that this is separate from charging the cardholder, which usually occurs later in the workflow when the transaction is finally completed. This step is vital for maintaining the integrity of the transaction process and ensuring successful payment processing in accordance with banking and financial regulations.