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Can I take deposits (partial payments) for bookings in WordPress?

Yes. Deposits (partial payments) let you charge only part of the total amount at booking time and collect the remaining balance later. This is useful for rentals, accommodations, and high-value bookings where customers prefer not to pay 100% upfront. In WP Booking System, deposits are typically handled with a part payments feature: you set the deposit amount (often a percentage), show it clearly on the booking form, and define how and when the remaining balance should be paid. After setup, test both the deposit payment and the final payment workflow so the customer communication is clear.

On this page

1. What a deposit (partial payment) means
2. What you’ll need
3. Step 1: Decide your deposit policy
4. Step 2: Enable part payments and set the deposit amount
5. Step 3: Show deposit information clearly on the booking form
6. Step 4: Decide how the remaining balance is paid
7. Step 5: Test the deposit booking flow
8. Common issues (and quick fixes)
9. Best practices
10. Mini FAQ

What a deposit (partial payment) means

• The customer pays a deposit amount at booking time (for example: 20% of the total).
• The remaining balance is paid later (for example: before arrival, on arrival, or via a payment link).
• Your booking confirmation emails should clearly state what was paid and what is still due.

What you’ll need

• WP Booking System installed and activated
• Pricing enabled so the total booking amount can be calculated
• A payment method configured (online or offline)
• A booking form that includes payment options
• Part payments/deposit feature available in your setup

Step 1: Decide your deposit policy

Before configuring anything, define your deposit rules in one sentence. This makes the setup and customer communication much easier.

• Example: “We charge 30% deposit at booking, the rest is due 7 days before arrival.”
• Example: “We charge a fixed deposit of 100 EUR, the rest is paid on arrival.”
• Example: “We charge 50% upfront for all bookings.”

Tip: Make sure your cancellation policy matches the deposit policy, especially if deposits are non-refundable.

Step 2: Enable part payments and set the deposit amount

Enable the part payments option and decide how the deposit is calculated. Most businesses use a percentage, but fixed deposits can also work for certain services.

• Set deposit type: percentage or fixed amount.
• Set the deposit value (for example: 30% or 100).
• Confirm whether the deposit applies to all bookings or only to specific calendars/forms.

Tip: If you have multiple resources with different pricing, consider whether the same deposit percentage makes sense for all of them.

Step 3: Show deposit information clearly on the booking form

Deposits reduce confusion only if customers understand what they are paying now and what they will pay later. Make sure the booking form displays deposit details in plain language.

• Show “Deposit due now” and “Remaining balance” as separate amounts.
• Include the due date for the remaining balance if you require payment before arrival.
• If you allow pay on arrival for the remainder, say so clearly.

Tip: Add a short note near the payment section like “You pay the deposit now to reserve the dates. The remaining balance is due later.”

Step 4: Decide how the remaining balance is paid

Deposits always create a second payment step. Decide how you will collect the remaining amount, because this affects your admin workflow and customer experience.

• Pay on arrival: simplest workflow, no second online payment needed.
• Bank transfer: send payment details by email, confirm manually.
• Online payment link: send an email reminder with a link to pay the remaining balance.

Tip: If you require the remainder before arrival, set up automated reminder emails so you do not chase payments manually.

Step 5: Test the deposit booking flow

Always run a full test booking to confirm deposit calculations, payment processing, and emails are correct.

[wpbs id="1" form_id="1"]

1. Open the booking page in an incognito/private window.
2. Select dates and complete a booking using the deposit option.
3. Confirm the deposit amount is correct and the booking is created.
4. Check the confirmation email for clear deposit and balance details.
5. Verify your admin view shows what was paid and what remains due.

Tip: Test at least two different date ranges (one short stay, one longer stay) to confirm deposit calculations remain consistent.

Common issues (and quick fixes)

The deposit amount is not displayed on the form

• Confirm pricing is enabled and the booking total is calculated.
• Confirm part payments/deposit settings are enabled for the calendar/form you are using.
• Check that your form includes the payment field and the deposit option is not hidden.

Customers think the deposit is the full amount

• Update the form text to explicitly show “Deposit due now” and “Remaining balance”.
• Add a short line above the payment options explaining the two-step payment process.
• Make the confirmation email repeat the same message in simple language.

The remaining balance due date is unclear

• Write the due date rule clearly (for example: “Due 7 days before arrival”).
• Add a reminder email schedule if you require payment before arrival.
• If you accept pay on arrival, state that the remainder is paid at check-in.

Deposit bookings still cause double booking risk

• Decide whether dates should block immediately on deposit payment or on booking submission, then configure your workflow accordingly.
• If you accept bookings on multiple channels, use sync and assume there can be delays, so immediate blocking is safer.

Best practices

• Use a deposit percentage that matches your business risk (common ranges are 20%–50%).
• Explain deposits in three places: on the booking page, on the booking form, and in the confirmation email.
• If you require final payment before arrival, automate reminders to reduce admin workload.
• Test the deposit flow after any payment gateway update or optimization plugin change.

Mini FAQ

Is a deposit the same as a security deposit?

No. A booking deposit is part of the booking price and reduces the remaining balance. A security deposit is a separate refundable amount used to cover potential damages.

Can I take a fixed deposit instead of a percentage?

Yes, if your part payments settings support fixed amounts. Fixed deposits can work well when bookings vary only slightly in price.

Can I take a deposit and collect the rest on arrival?

Yes. This is a common setup: customers pay a deposit to reserve dates, then pay the remaining balance at check-in or on arrival.