Capture Date

The capture date refers to the specific day on which a payment transaction is processed and finalized by an acquirer. The acquirer, which is the financial institution or service provider that processes credit and debit card transactions on behalf of a merchant, confirms the transfer of funds from the cardholder's bank to the merchant's account on this date.

This date is critical in the payment processing cycle because it marks the transition of funds from being merely authorized (reserved for the transaction) to being actually captured (transferred to the merchant). The capture date is essential for accounting and financial tracking, as it helps merchants manage their financial records by providing a definitive timeline of when transactions are completed and funds are received. It also plays a role in reconciling accounts and preparing financial statements, ensuring that revenue is accurately recorded in the correct accounting period.