Can You Take Deposits on Stripe?
Yes! Stripe offers multiple ways to collect deposits and security holds. Learn about pre-authorization, partial payments, and refundable deposits.
Short Answer: Yes!
Stripe supports several deposit methods:
- ✓Pre-authorization: Hold funds without charging (up to 7 days)
- ✓Partial payments: Charge a deposit now, balance later
- ✓Refundable deposits: Charge full amount, refund after
4 Ways to Take Deposits on Stripe
Pre-Authorization (Auth & Capture)
Hold funds on a customer's card without charging. Capture later or release automatically.
Partial Capture
Authorize an amount, then capture only what you need (e.g., actual damages).
Upfront Deposit + Balance
Charge a deposit now, then charge the remaining balance later.
Refundable Security Deposit
Charge the full deposit, then refund after the service/rental is complete.
Compare Deposit Methods
| Method | Charges Customer? | Funds in Account? | Refund Needed? | Time Limit | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Authorization | No (hold only) | No | No | 7 days | No fee if not captured |
| Charge + Refund | Yes | Yes | Yes | None | Full fee, refund fee may apply |
| Deposit + Balance | Partial | Partial | No | None | Fee on deposit only |
Common Use Cases for Stripe Deposits
Vacation Rentals
Hold security deposits for Airbnb-style rentals without charging unless there's damage.
Car Rentals
Pre-authorize for the rental + deposit, capture only the rental fee if no damage.
Event Bookings
Take deposits to secure event dates, charge the balance closer to the event.
Freelance Projects
Collect 50% upfront deposits before starting work on client projects.
Equipment Rentals
Hold a security deposit while customers rent expensive equipment.
Property Management
Collect and manage security deposits for rental properties.
Important Things to Know
- •7-day limit: Pre-authorizations expire after 7 days. For longer holds, you'll need a different approach.
- •Customer experience: Pre-auths show as "pending" on customer statements, which can cause confusion.
- •Card requirements: Not all cards support pre-authorization. Debit cards in some countries may not work.
- •Documentation: Always have clear terms about when deposits are captured or refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take deposits on Stripe?
Yes! Stripe supports multiple deposit methods: pre-authorization (hold funds without charging), partial payments (charge a deposit upfront), and standard charges with refunds. The best method depends on your use case.
How long can you hold a pre-authorization on Stripe?
Stripe allows you to hold a pre-authorization for up to 7 days. After that, the hold automatically expires and the funds are released back to the customer. For longer periods, you'll need to charge and refund.
Does Stripe charge fees on pre-authorizations?
No! Stripe only charges fees when you capture (complete) the payment. If you release the authorization without capturing, there's no fee. This makes pre-auth ideal for security deposits.
Can I capture less than the authorized amount?
Yes, Stripe supports partial capture. If you authorize €500 but only need to charge €100 for damages, you can capture just €100 and the remaining €400 is released.
What happens if a customer disputes a deposit?
Deposits can be disputed like any charge. For pre-authorizations that were captured, the customer can file a chargeback. Having clear terms and documentation helps win disputes.
Can I use Stripe deposits without coding?
Yes! PayRequest offers a no-code security deposits feature built on Stripe. Create deposit requests, hold funds, and capture or release — all from a simple dashboard.
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Take Deposits Without Code
PayRequest makes Stripe deposits easy. Create security deposit requests, pre-authorize cards, and capture or release — all from a simple dashboard.