SetupIntent

A SetupIntent is the Stripe object used to set up a payment method for future use without charging the customer immediately. It mirrors a PaymentIntent — including handling authentication like 3D Secure — but its goal is to save a card, not to collect money now.

When you use one

• Subscriptions and trials — save a card during signup so you can bill it later when a subscription renews.
• Off-session payments — collect authentication up front so a future charge can run without the customer present.
• "Card on file" — let customers store a payment method for one-click checkout.

Why it matters

European Strong Customer Authentication rules often require the customer to authenticate when a card is saved. A SetupIntent captures that authentication now, so later off-session charges are more likely to succeed instead of being declined for missing authentication.