Payment scheduling defines when guests are charged after the initial payment.
It works together with your payment terms to control installment timing, due dates, and how remaining balances are collected.
How Payment Scheduling Works
When you use partial payments, the total booking amount is split into:
An initial payment at checkout
One or more scheduled payments after booking confirmation
Each scheduled payment has:
A due date
A defined amount or percentage
These payments are charged automatically based on your configuration.
How to Set Up Payment Scheduling
Go to Direct → Booking Policies
Open the booking policy you want to update
Go to the Payment schedule section
Select Set a custom payment schedule
Define your schedule:
Initial payment amount (at checkout)
Payment amounts or percentages
When each payment is due, such as days before check-in
Set a grace period for missed payments
Click Save
Payment scheduling settings in Hospitable showing split payments, percentages, and due dates before check-in
Types of Payment Schedules
You can configure different scheduling approaches depending on your needs.
Single Future Payment
Guest pays a portion at checkout
Remaining balance is charged on a specific date
Multiple Installments
Guest pays part at checkout
Remaining balance is split across multiple scheduled payments
Full Payment at Checkout
No schedule is created
The total amount is charged immediately
When Payments Are Charged
Payments are charged automatically based on your schedule:
The first payment is collected after the booking is accepted
Future payments are charged on their scheduled dates
Charges are processed using the guest’s saved payment method
If a booking is cancelled:
Future scheduled payments are not charged
Payment Timing Rules
When configuring schedules, keep in mind:
Payment dates are based on your defined schedule (e.g., days before check-in)
All scheduled payments must occur before or during the stay
The full balance must be collected according to your configured timing
Payment schedules are applied at the time of booking and cannot be changed for existing reservations.
How Scheduling Affects Bookings
Pending bookings → No payments are captured
Accepted bookings → Payment schedule begins
If a booking is canceled:
Future scheduled payments are not charged
Refunds depend on your cancellation policy and collected payments
Also see: Direct Booking Refunds
What Guests See
During checkout, guests:
See the total booking amount
See how much is due immediately
See when future payments will be charged
This helps set clear expectations before they confirm the booking.
Direct booking checkout page showing payment breakdown with initial payment and scheduled future payments
What Happens If a Scheduled Payment Fails
If a scheduled payment fails:
The guest is notified
They can complete payment through the Guest Portal
A grace period applies (if configured)
If the payment is not completed within the grace period:
The booking may be cancelled
Refunds follow the cancellation policy
Guests can update their payment method and complete failed payments through the Guest Portal.
Key Things to Know
Payment schedules define when remaining balances are charged
They work together with your payment terms
Scheduled payments are charged automatically
Only accepted bookings trigger scheduled payments
Failed payments may lead to cancellation if not resolved
Payment schedules cannot be changed after booking creation