Documentation

Deposits (pre-authorization)

Create a deposit request, verify authorization and identify where to capture, release or refund it.

A deposit starts as a request in ZenHost. It becomes a bank authorization only after the guest completes the process and Stripe confirms it. An authorization reserves funds; capture charges them.

Create and share the request

  1. Connect Stripe and link the property's Booking payments account.
  2. Open the booking's Deposit card, then Create deposit when no request exists.
  3. Check the amount suggested from the property settings and save.
  4. Copy the deposit link from the card and send it to the guest. They must open the secure page and authorize their card.
  5. Check the result. Pending does not mean that funds are reserved.

You can edit the amount while the request is pending. The card does not provide capture, release or refund controls.

Understand the states

  • Pending: request created, authorization not confirmed.
  • Pre-authorized: funds reserved, not collected.
  • Captured: funds charged.
  • Released: authorization cancelled.
  • Refunded: previously charged funds refunded.

For a financial decision, also check the transaction in the relevant Stripe account, especially if the ZenHost status appears out of date.

Capture, release or refund

Open the Dashboard for the Stripe account linked to the property's booking payments and find the deposit transaction: check the booking, amount and currency. With the required Stripe permissions, open the uncaptured payment to capture it, or cancel the authorization to release it. A collected payment requires a refund. See Stripe's capture and cancellation or refund instructions.

Check the Stripe result before confirming the operation to the guest. If you cannot find the transaction or the expected controls, contact the Stripe account holder or support with the booking reference; do not create a second charge to compensate.

Authorization duration

The duration depends on the transaction and card network. Check its expiry in Stripe: it is not tied to guest departure. An authorization may expire before the stay ends. Cancelling a booking in ZenHost does not prove that its deposit was released or refunded.

See edit or cancel a booking.