SetupIntent

A SetupIntent is the Stripe object that saves a payment method for later without charging the customer now. It works like a PaymentIntent and also handles authentication such as 3D Secure. The difference is that it saves a card instead of collecting money.

When you use one

• Save a card at signup or at the start of a trial so you can charge it when the subscription renews.
• Authenticate up front so later charges can run while the customer is away (off-session).
• Let customers keep a card on file for one-click checkout.

Why it matters

European Strong Customer Authentication rules often require the customer to authenticate when you save a card. A SetupIntent collects that authentication at save time. Later off-session charges are then less likely to be declined for missing authentication.