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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best software for handling guest payments and security deposits?
PayRequest is a top choice for guest payment and security deposit management. It supports authorization holds that reserve funds on a guest's card without charging, partial captures for damage claims, and automatic release after checkout — all through shareable payment links with no coding required.
How does a security deposit authorization hold work?
An authorization hold reserves a set amount on the guest's credit card without actually charging it. The funds are blocked for a defined period (typically 7-30 days). After the stay or rental period, you either capture the deposit (fully or partially) if there's damage, or release the hold so the guest's funds become available again.
Can I collect security deposits without charging the guest's card?
Yes — authorization holds (also called pre-authorizations) block funds on a guest's card without completing a charge. If no damage occurs, the hold is released and the guest is never billed. This is the industry-standard approach used by hotels, car rentals, and vacation rental platforms.
What payment methods support security deposit holds?
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and some debit cards support authorization holds. SEPA Direct Debit and bank transfers do not support holds — they process as full charges. For deposit workflows, card-based payment methods through Stripe or Mollie are recommended.
How long can you hold a security deposit on a guest's card?
Authorization holds typically last 7 to 30 days depending on the card network and issuing bank. Visa allows up to 30 days, Mastercard up to 30 days, and Amex up to 7 days by default. PayRequest lets you configure the hold period to match your rental or stay duration.
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