What purpose does a SetupIntent serve?

A SetupIntent is specifically designed to facilitate the process of setting up a payment method for future use, rather than charging a payment right away or managing transactional activities like refunds. By creating a SetupIntent, a developer ensures that the customer's payment details can be securely collected and stored, allowing for subsequent transactions without requiring the customer to re-enter their payment information each time.

This is especially useful in scenarios where a business anticipates needing to charge a customer multiple times or on a recurring basis, such as in subscription services. The SetupIntent streamlines the customer experience and enhances security, as it ensures that sensitive payment information is handled according to industry standards. Thus, the role of SetupIntent is closely aligned with preparing for future transactions rather than executing immediate charges or managing financial assessments.