Handling security deposits

You can collect security deposits by clicking the "Add security deposit" button. You'll find this button either directly on the reservation or under "Payment actions".

When you add a deposit, the system creates a hold on the specified amount for 7 days (or 5 days for Visa cards). During this hold period, you can charge the held funds at any time if needed.

Limitations

For Airbnb, Booking.com (Payments by Booking), and Vrbo reservations, credit card details are not captured for reservations because the payments are directly collected by the channel. The user must manually request the card details from the guest in order to add a security deposit.

Once there is a valid credit card on the reservation, the process can be completed using the steps below.

Add a security deposit (no charge)

Follow the steps below to add a security deposit without charging immediately.

Step by step:

1. Sign in to your Guesty account.
2. In the side navigation menu, click Reservation report.
3. Select the relevant reservation.
4. In the left submenu, click Payments.
5. In the top-right corner, click Payment actions then select Add security deposit.
6. In the pop-up, enter the necessary information.
7. Click Hold now or Save, depending on whether you set the hold for the current or future date.

Charge a security deposit

Follow the steps below to immediately charge the full deposit amount.

Step by step:

1. Sign in to your Guesty account.
2. In the side navigation menu, click Reservation report.
3. Select the relevant reservation.
4. In the left submenu, click Payments.
5. Click the payment line with transaction type "Security deposit".
6. In the side-panel, click Charge security deposit.
7. Enter an optional reason for the charge. The amount to be charged is the total funds held and cannot be changed.
8. Click Charge.

A "Security deposit charge" item is automatically added to the guest invoice.

Release a security deposit

To release the funds earlier than scheduled, follow the steps below.

Important Requirements

• Manual Processing: All deposit transactions require manual intervention
• Guest Communication: Inform guests about deposit policies before booking confirmation
• Documentation: Keep records of any damage assessments and related charges