Support Authorization-Only / Delayed Capture for Scheduled Balance Due Payments
Description:
For property managers using Stripe payment schedules, it would be helpful to have the option to authorize a guest’s scheduled balance due payment without immediately capturing the funds.
Today, when the balance due date arrives, Hostfully automatically charges and captures the payment. If a guest later realizes they wanted to use a different card, needs additional time, or was unaware the payment was about to process, property managers must refund and recharge the payment, often resulting in additional processing fees and guest frustration.
Proposed Solution:
Add an optional payment schedule setting that allows the balance due payment to be:
- Authorized (but not captured) on the due date
- Held for a configurable period (e.g., 3–7 days)
- Captured manually by the property manager or automatically after the hold period expires
Potential Benefits:
- Reduces refunds and reprocessing fees
- Gives guests a final opportunity to update payment methods
- Improves the guest payment experience for larger bookings
- May reduce chargebacks and payment disputes
- Provides more flexibility for high-value reservations and longer stays
Example Use Case:
A guest receives payment reminders but misses them. The balance due payment is authorized on the scheduled due date rather than immediately captured. The guest has a short window to confirm the payment method or contact the host before funds are finalized.
Current Workaround:
Property managers must refund the original charge and process a new payment, resulting in additional processing fees and extra administrative work.
Would love to see Hostfully explore authorization-only and delayed capture workflows with Stripe for scheduled balance due payments.
Hannah Castillo
shared this idea