PayLinker
Security deposit • Online

Online security deposit for rentals, equipment and bookings

An online security deposit helps you protect a rental, equipment handover, venue booking or service with a clear card authorization. With a payment link, the customer authorizes their card remotely without a terminal, and you capture all or part only if needed.

  • Authorize a deposit remotely
  • Secure card flow (Stripe)
  • 7 days by default on Stripe, exact date shown after authorization
  • Capture all or part only if needed
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Real flow

Authorize a security deposit

PayLinker

Amount

EUR 120.00

Reason

Equipment deposit

Channel

SMS + email

Send link

What your customer receives

Hello, to finalise the booking, here is the secure link to authorize the deposit. pay.linker/ABC123

Secure authorization

The customer authorizes their card; you capture only if needed.

Deposit authorized
Amount capturable before expiry+ EUR 120.00

Why request an online security deposit before handover

A deposit sets expectations: it reminds customers there is responsibility (damage, late return, missing items). For professionals, it reduces disputes and grey areas. Note: a security deposit is a guarantee, not a final fee: the amount is authorized, then captured only if you decide to collect all or part before expiry.

With PayLinker, you send a deposit link by SMS or online. The customer authorizes the amount on a secure Stripe page, you get instant confirmation, and PayLinker shows the exact authorization expiry date. Your return, inspection and dispute policy remains yours.

In the app

One deposit option, then a clear review before sending.

The seller enters the amount and customer, enables the security deposit option, then reviews the request before sending it by SMS or email.

Standard payment remains the default; deposits are explicit.
The review screen reminds the seller of the estimated banking window.
After authorization, PayLinker shows the exact expiry date.
Localized PayLinker mobile screenshot for creating a security deposit
The customer authorizes, the seller decides later.

The customer authorizes, the seller decides later.

The deposit is not captured immediately. Stripe cancels the authorization after a period, 7 days by default. Before that date, you can release it, capture part of it or capture it in full.

What an online security deposit protects in practice

Equipment rentals

Collect the deposit before handover: bikes, jet-skis, sound gear, tools… → See also: Deposit by SMS (to secure a slot): /en/deposit-by-sms

Short-term rentals

Deposit and booking fee remotely, then balance before arrival if needed. → To confirm a booking: Booking deposits by SMS: /en/booking-deposit-by-sms

Events

Deposit for a venue, equipment or service: clear framework before the event. → Create a generic link: Payment link: /en/payment-link. Sector example: sports & leisure.

How to request a deposit with PayLinker

  1. 1. Create a “deposit” link (amount, reason, customer).
  2. 2. Send it by SMS or share it online.
  3. 3. The customer authorizes the amount on a secure Stripe page.
  4. 4. You get confirmation; capture all or part before expiry, or let the authorization release.

Don’t mix them up: deposit vs booking fee vs down payment

Depending on your activity, you may combine a security deposit with a booking fee or a down payment. The key is clarity: purpose, amount and terms. These pages help. Reference (UK): official guidance on tenancy deposit protection: tenancy deposit protection (GOV.UK).

Helpful pages:

FAQ – Online security deposit

Is an online security deposit charged or just held?

With PayLinker, the deposit is a card authorization via a secure link. You can capture all or part before expiry; if you do nothing, Stripe cancels the authorization automatically.

Can I request the deposit by SMS?

Yes. Sending by SMS is available (1 SMS = 1 credit).

Does the customer need an account?

No, customers authorize their card on a secure page, without an account.

How do I prove a deposit was authorized?

You receive a confirmation and a time-stamped authorization history. If you capture all or part of the deposit, the related receipt is generated.

Deposit vs booking fee vs down payment: how to choose?

Security deposit = guarantee. Booking fee/down payment = reservation commitment. See dedicated pages.

Ready to secure your rentals and handovers?

A clearly explained online security deposit reduces back-and-forth, protects equipment or property handover, and lets the customer authorize their card without a terminal.

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