Booking payments FAQ: deposits, no-shows and Stripe

Take full payment when the price is fixed and the slot can't be resold at short notice, such as a class or ticket. Take a deposit when the final price can change, or when asking for everything up front would put customers off.

Enough to make customers commit, without feeling like a penalty. Around 10 to 30 percent of the booking value is common, with a fixed amount per person for group bookings.

A deposit is money actually taken. A hold reserves the amount on the customer's card without charging it, and you capture or release it after the appointment.

For most online card payments, about 7 days. For bookings further out, save the card instead and charge it later.

On the day is simplest. For high-value bookings like private hire, many businesses collect the balance a few days before.

Yes, if the customer agreed to it at booking and the card was saved for later charges. In Europe and the UK, the bank may sometimes ask the customer to authenticate, so have a fallback, such as sending a payment link.

24 hours is the most common. Use 48 hours or more for high-value bookings, and shorter windows where you can easily resell the slot.

That's set by your cancellation policy, but consumer protection rules vary by country. Check what applies where you trade before you finalise your policy.

Refund the part of the booking that's affected. If one guest out of four drops out, refund their share and keep the rest of the booking.

Usually 5 to 10 business days, depending on their bank. Tell them this when you confirm the refund.

Stripe notifies you and you can submit evidence. A clear policy the customer accepted, the booking confirmation and your messages give you the best chance of winning.

Not to get started. Stripe Payment Links need no code. A developer helps when you want payments connected to your booking calendar.

Hold the slot for a few minutes while the customer pays, and release it if they don't finish. Only confirm the booking once payment has succeeded.

Through Stripe webhooks, which notify your system the moment a payment succeeds. This is more reliable than waiting for the customer to land back on your website.

Yes, when you use Stripe Checkout or Stripe Payment Links. Card details are entered on Stripe's secure page and never touch your systems.

Yes. Stripe's test mode lets you run bookings, declines, refunds and cancellations with test cards, without real money.

Stripe Connect, so each business gets paid directly into its own Stripe account.

No. They pay with their card or a wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, with no account or sign-up.

Yes. You can send a Stripe Checkout session or payment link in any messaging app, and use the same conversation for confirmations and reminders.

Your statement descriptor, which you set in Stripe. Use your business name customers recognise, as unfamiliar names lead to disputes.

Show your cancellation policy before they pay, confirm the booking instantly, and make rescheduling easy. Customers accept deposits when the rules feel fair and clear.