Collecting a security deposit in cash or by check at check-in is awkward for everyone. It turns a welcome into a transaction, international guests rarely carry checkbooks, and a check can bounce. A card pre-authorization (sometimes called a hold) solves most of these problems: the amount is reserved on the guest’s card before arrival and only charged if there is justified damage.
The short answer
Use a card pre-authorization requested online before arrival. The funds are held on the card without being charged, and you capture all or part of the amount only for documented damage. Automate the request and reminders, and remember that a pre-authorization only lasts a limited time.
1. No more awkward check-in
Asking for cash or a check at the door breaks the vacation mood immediately. With an online deposit, everything is settled before arrival, and check-in becomes a friendly moment again. It also works with self check-in, when nobody meets the guest.
2. Real financial protection
A check can bounce or be canceled. Cash raises traceability and safety issues. With a pre-authorization, the guest’s bank confirms the funds are available and reserves them. If something is damaged, you can capture all or part of the amount, with evidence to back it up.
3. What changes for the guest
For the guest, a pre-authorization is not a payment: the amount is reserved, not debited, and it disappears from their available balance only temporarily. It is released when you cancel the hold or when it expires. Explain this clearly in your messages: most guests accept it easily once they understand nothing is charged.
Some debit cards and prepaid cards handle holds differently, and a few banks show the hold like a pending charge. A short explanation avoids worried messages.
4. Know how long a hold lasts
A card pre-authorization does not last forever. With Stripe, an authorization for an online card payment is usually valid for seven days, and an extended authorization is available for some eligible payments. For longer stays, the hold may need to be placed closer to arrival or renewed. Check the rules of your payment provider before setting the timing.
5. Automate so nothing is forgotten
A deposit that depends on someone remembering to send a link will be missed during busy weeks. Automate:
- the deposit request, sent a few days before arrival;
- reminders if the guest has not completed it;
- the release after checkout when everything is fine.
Many hosts also hold back the access code until the deposit is in place. With Boostinghost, the deposit link can be sent automatically in your guest messages, and access details in the digital guidebook can stay hidden until the deposit is placed. See our guest message templates.
6. Handle damage claims professionally
If something is damaged:
- document it right away with photos, ideally taken by the cleaner at checkout;
- get an invoice or a quote;
- message the guest calmly, with the evidence and the amount;
- capture only the justified amount, before the hold expires.
A guest can dispute a charge with their bank, so keep every document.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pre-authorization the same as a charge?
No. The amount is held, not taken. It is only charged if you capture it.
How much should the security deposit be?
It depends on the property and its contents. It should cover typical damage without discouraging bookings.
Can I use a security deposit with Airbnb bookings?
Airbnb has its own rules and damage process. Check what your listing allows before asking guests for a separate deposit.
What happens if the hold expires before checkout?
Nothing is held anymore. Plan the timing according to the length of the stay, or renew the hold when your tools support it.
Key takeaways
A card pre-authorization makes check-in easier, protects you better than cash or checks, and reassures guests because nothing is charged unless there is damage. Automate the request, mind the expiration, and keep evidence for every claim.
Sources
- https://docs.stripe.com/payments/place-a-hold-on-a-payment-method
- https://docs.stripe.com/payments/extended-authorization
Sources verified on November 8, 2026.
