--- title: "Start a Tab | SpotOn Restaurant FOH (RPOS) (TSYS Only)" canonical: "https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/2589261985/Start%20a%20Tab%20%7C%20SpotOn%20Restaurant%20FOH%20(RPOS)%20(TSYS%20Only)" format: markdown --- ## **Overview** The Start a Tab feature in SpotOn Restaurant (RPOS) allows Front of House (FOH) staff to initiate, manage, and process guest tabs efficiently. This article guides staff through using the Start a Tab function, adjusting default tab amounts, and understanding how card pre-authorizations behave when adding items to an open tab. --- **Quick Links** > Macro (toc) --- ## **Step-by-Step Instructions** > ℹ️ To set up Start a Tab or limit it to specific job positions, please view the needed BOH configuration settings[ here](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/2589261836/Start+a+Tab+Configuration+Settings+%7C+SpotOn+Restaurant+BOH). ### **Start a Tab FOH Functions** Action Start a Tab 1. Once Start a Tab has been enabled in BOH, the Start a Tab function will display in the FOH once a new order is created as well as being available as a Ticket Commands option #### **Default Tab Amount** 1. When users select the Start a Tab command in FOH, the Default Tab Amount is the minimum total required to use the Start a Tab function > ℹ️ To learn how to change the Default Tab Amount in BOH, please visit[ here](https://help.spoton.com/space/SI/2508554400/Start+a+Tab+Configuration+Settings+-+Beta+(FOH)#Allow-Default-Tab-Adjustments) --- #### **Default Tab Adjustments** 1. When enabled, users can adjust the Default Tab amount when the Start a Tab command function has been selected by using the Default Tab Amount pin pad #### Increment as Tab Increases #### **Increment as Tab Increases - Enabled** 1. If Increment as Tab is enabled in the BOH, items added to the tab in FOH will automatically trigger an authorization on the guest’s payment method to verify funds for that amount are available 2. From the FOH Payments screen, users can simply select Apply Payment to close out the tab > ℹ️ To learn more about enabling Increment as Tab increases in the BOH, please visit[ here](https://help.spoton.com/space/SI/2508554400/Start+a+Tab+Configuration+Settings+-+Beta+(FOH)#Increment-as-Tab-Increases) --- #### **Increment as Tab Increases - Disabled** 1. When Increment as Tab Increases is disabled in BOH, users can continue adding items to a Start a Tab ticket without triggering an additional pre-authorization as the tab increases. Note: Card authorizations may appear on the guest's bank statement as pending charges and typically drop off within 2–3 business days. 2. The card will not be authorized again until Apply Payment is selected to close the guest's tab. 3. The closed ticket will display the successful authorization confirmation. > ⚠️ ***IMPORTANT: ****The Increment as Tab Increases feature is supported only for SpotOn Restaurant locations using TSYS payment processing. This feature is not supported with Worldpay (WP).* --- ## **FAQs** **Why don't I see the "Start a Tab" option on the FOH screen?** The feature must first be enabled in the Back of House (BOH) settings under your order type/terminal configuration. ** Why does a guest see multiple pending charges on their bank statement when using Start a Tab?** For locations using TSYS, if Increment as Tab Increases is enabled, additional pre-authorizations may occur as the tab increases. These authorizations may appear as pending charges on the guest's bank statement and typically drop off within 2–3 business days, depending on the guest's financial institution. > ⚠️ *This functionality is not supported with Worldpay (WP).* **Does Start a Tab automatically finalize when the tab reaches a certain amount or after a certain amount of time?** No. The **Default Tab Amount** determines the minimum amount used when starting a tab, and **Increment as Tab Increases** can authorize additional amounts as items are added for supported TSYS locations. These authorization amounts do not automatically finalize the tab. To manually finalize a Start a Tab order, navigate to the **Payments** screen and select **Apply Payment**. If **Close Orders on Auto End Day** is enabled, AEOD can close remaining open orders. However, **AEOD does not automatically finalize the Start a Tab pre-authorization. The pre-authorization must be finalized manually.** --- ## **Tips** - Card Declined on Incremental Hold (TSYS Only): If an incremental pre-authorization fails when adding new items, the system will prompt staff to either re-swipe/tap a payment method or settle the tab using the existing pre-authorized balance. - Adjusting Initial Hold: If a guest plans on ordering a large round or high-value items, use the Default Tab Adjustments PIN pad at tab creation to set a higher initial authorization amount up front. --- ## **Related Articles** - [QR Start a Tab on WorldPay | SpotOn Restaurant BOH](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/3942416389) - [Start a Tab Configuration Settings | SpotOn Restaurant BOH](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/2589261836) - [Start a Tab FAQs | SpotOn Restaurant FOH](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/2588442955) - [Start a Tab FAQs (World Pay) | SpotOn Restaurant FOH](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/3402891265)