The deposit is an important warranty for both you as a manager and for the guests. Setting it up correctly helps you avoid unexpected issues and ensures that the collection and refund process is smooth and transparent.
Where is the deposit configured?
You have several options depending on your needs:
Section Accommodations – Short-term Rentals – Extras – Refundable Deposit: if the amount and procedure are the same for all accommodations.
Accommodation file – Extras – Refundable Deposit: if you want to define different amounts or procedures per accommodation.
How do I manage the deposit payment?
In the service payment section, within the extras configuration interface (general or accommodation-specific), you can select when the guest has to pay the deposit and the various payment options.
Payment or card hold options
When working with a credit card, you can choose between two procedures:
Card charge
It's a normal transaction.
Authorization is requested from the bank at the time of charging.
Card hold (pre-authorization)
An amount is temporarily blocked on the guest's credit or debit card.
The money is not transferred unless you complete the transaction.
If you don't, the bank automatically releases the amount after the set period.
Pay attention to the details:
The hold period always depends on the card issuer bank, although the system allows for custom configurations.
Typically, entities release the hold between 7 and 14 days for VISA and MasterCard.
(Note: only these two methods are part of the Avantio Payments flow)
Customization of the pre-authorization period
You can adjust how the system behaves when releasing the deposit:
Behavior 1: the system takes at least what is configured in the deposit extra and at most what is set by the payment platform.
Behavior 2: the period set by the payment platform always applies, ignoring the extra configuration.
Practical example:
Deposit extra configured to be refunded in 14 days.
Payment platform allows up to 31 days of hold.
If the stay exceeds the period configured in the extra, the system will apply the platform's logic.
Deposit refund
The refund method will depend on how it was configured:
If you work with charge or hold on a card, the refund/release must be done on the same card.
In the reservation file, you will see the Release or Charge buttons when manual action is needed.
Common mistake: choosing a refund method different from the one configured. This can block the operation, so always check for consistency before saving.
Quick checklist
Have I always configured the refundable deposit extra?
Is it clear whether I will use charge or hold on a card?
Have I reviewed the pre-authorization period on my payment platform?
Is the refund method consistent with the initial configuration?
Summary and next step
Properly configuring the deposit allows you to work securely and avoid unnecessary disputes. Review your accommodations, adjust the periods, and ensure that the refund methods match your usual operations. This way, you'll gain peace of mind and professionalism.
Additional resources
Configure automated operations in Avantio Payments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mandatory to always configure the deposit?
Yes, the refundable deposit extra must be configured in all accommodations.
What happens if I don't release a card hold?
The guest's bank will automatically release it when the period set by the entity or payment platform ends.
Can I refund the deposit by a method other than the card?
No, if you work with charge or hold on a card, the refund can only be done on the same card.
Who really controls the hold period?
The card issuer bank. Even if you configure a range on the platform, what the guest's bank determines prevails.
How will I know what configuration has been applied to a reservation?
The system shows notices in the deposit extra and in the reservation file, indicating the logic used to calculate the period.
How can I invoice the deposit if an amount is charged for damages?
You need to charge and invoice the amount charged from the deposit, which can be done in two ways: 1 - From invoicing extras and services, selecting the deposit and invoicing the corresponding amount. 2 - Adding in the reservation the previously created extra "charged deposit", adding the amount and invoicing directly from the reservation.