A bar tab in Genius is a pre-authorization: the card is authorized for a set amount and kept on file until the tab is finalized. An incremental authorization tops that up automatically as the tab grows, so the card is always verified for at least what is owed.

Why POS Specialists recommends it

Global Payments recommends every Genius site use incremental authorizations. The point is chargeback protection: the card is checked for funds as the tab grows, again at the final subtotal, and again after the tip.

The lifecycle

With a $10 pre-auth amount and a $5 increment:

1. Guest starts a tab. Card swiped, pre-authorized for $10.
2. Guest orders more. $10 exceeded, POS adds $5.
3. Guest orders more. Previous amount exceeded, POS adds another $5.
4. Guest pays. POS verifies funds and authorizes for the tab subtotal.
5. Guest adds a tip. POS verifies funds again and authorizes for subtotal plus tip.
6. Credit Add to Batch. The finalized transaction joins the credit card batch.

Minimum versions

• NextGen POS with a Genius Reader: POS 2.12.446 JS v290, Genius Reader firmware 14.03-10.5.23 or later.
• NextGen POS with a Verifone T650 P or T650 C: POS 2.16 APK, Pay App 2.18G on the Restaurant POS Template.
• Mobile 2.0: POS 2.12.446 JS v290, Pay App 2.18e on the Restaurant POS Template.

Where a Pay App template is required, it needs IncrementalAuthSupported enabled, Settle with open auths enabled, PreAuthDeleteOption enabled and Pre Auth Days Limit set to 2.

Source: Global Payments Bar Tabs User Guide for Mobile 2.0 and NextGen.