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)
Exact expiry shown after the card authorization
Capture all or part only if needed

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Real flow

Authorize a security deposit

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, its separate status makes the agreed guarantee clearer before handover. 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 deposit is not captured immediately. The authorization has a limited lifetime; PayLinker shows its exact expiry after the customer authorizes. Before expiry, you can release it or capture part or all of it if needed.

What an online security deposit protects in practice

Equipment rentals

Request a separate card authorization before handing over bikes, jet-skis or equipment. The rental price can be paid separately.

Short-term rentals

Request the stay price separately from any card authorization used as a guarantee. Check the exact authorization expiry against the handover date.

Events

For venue or equipment hire, agree on a guarantee amount and request its authorization separately from the hire fee.

How to request a deposit with PayLinker

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

A card guarantee is different from a collected payment

You may request both a rental payment and a guarantee when your terms call for them. The rental amount is collected; the guarantee is a separate card authorization, with capture only if needed before its expiry.

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?

A security deposit is a card authorization used as a guarantee. A booking or first payment is collected towards the agreed price; the contractual terms are set separately.

Ready to secure your rentals and handovers?

Request a distinct authorization, check its expiry and prepare the handover with the guarantee status visible in PayLinker.

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