A "Capture" operation refers to the final step in completing a transaction. It occurs after the authorization phase, where the funds are reserved from the customer’s account but not yet transferred. By capturing the payment, the merchant confirms the sale, and the funds are transferred from the customer’s account to the merchant’s account.

Key points about a Capture operation:

Timing: It happens after the payment has been authorized. The capture can occur immediately (in a combined authorization-capture process) or at a later time.

Result: The funds that were previously reserved during the authorization stage are now transferred to the merchant's account.

In relation to Authorization: Authorization and capture are separate steps. This gives the merchant time to verify the transaction or adjust tips before completing the payment.

In summary, a capture finalizes the transaction by moving the authorized funds to the merchant's account, making the sale complete.