Icon

FAQ: How do payments work with Houfy?

If you would like your Houfy listing to be online bookable, just connect a Stripe or Square account to your listing.

What does "connecting" a Stripe or Square account do?
It allows travelers to enter a credit card at checkout like how they pay on Airbnb and Vrbo. The funds then land in your bank account.
What if I don't want to use Stripe or Square?
There is no requirement to use either one. Just have guests pay however you like outside of Houfy. For example: bank transfer, check, Business PayPal, cash, etc. Payment methods are up to you.
Will Houfy hold my guest payments until after check-in?
No. Houfy doesn't handle money. Just connect a Stripe or Square account to your Houfy listing. Travelers can then enter a credit card during checkout. Guest payments are deposited directly into your bank account, as they never pass through Houfy.
What are the pros and cons of using Stripe or Square?
Read this quick and easy Square and Stripe comparison. Be sure to check with Stripe and Square directly for the latest updates and any specific questions about your account.
How do I connect my Stripe or Square account to my Houfy listing?
Log in to Houfy > Click on Profile Pic > Manage Listings > Connected Payments. It takes a few seconds to connect. Don't forget to do a test booking.
What does it mean to be online bookable?
It means the traveler can book and enter credit card at checkout, just like on Airbnb or Vrbo.
Does Houfy have instant book or will I be able to vet travelers?
There is NO "instant book" on Houfy, and you can always talk to travelers first. Once a traveler enters credit card info, you'll receive a PENDING DIRECT BOOKING to accept/decline the booking payment.
Can you explain what Stripe and Square are? I have never heard of them.
They are 3rd-party payment processors, similar to using Business PayPal to accept credit card payments.
Do I have to have a Stripe or Square account to list on Houfy?
No. There is NO REQUIREMENT to use either one. You can have all guests pay in cash if you like.
Can any other payment processors like PayPal connect to Houfy?
Not at this time. Square and Stripe are the current options. You can still use your own payment methods outside of Houfy.
How much do Stripe and Square cost?
Around the same 3% you pay to Vrbo and Airbnb. The difference is you receive payment right away. Read this easy Stripe and Square comparison and be sure to visit their websites directly for accurate information and more questions.


Loading Views...

Related articles

Does Houfy integrate with PayPal
Unfortunately we have not connected directly to them yet
Where can I tell if I signed up for Square or Stripe?
To view if you are connected to stripe or square on Houfy go to:
I set up Stripe and still can't set my pricing for Houfy to collect?
Please follow these instructions to connect to Stripe:
How to view my earnings report on Houfy?
Please follow below steps to get earnings report on Houfy.
How to set no tax for long term reservations?
If you want to not charged taxes above certain nights, please follow below steps
Houfy and accepting direct payments by connecting to Stripe or Square
We have connected the payments processing companies Stripe and Square to Houfy for you to receive direct deposits & payments from your guests. This will only work if your listing is completed and verified by us.
Can a guest use a different credit card to pay a remaining balance?
Yes. Since Houfy doesn't handle payments there is no credit card on file. Travelers enter a credit card number when the second payment request is automatically sent.
Can I issue my guest an additional payment link after the reservation is paid in full?
No.
Do guests need to sign up for Stripe or Square in order to pay with credit card?
No. If your listing has Stripe or Square connected, then travelers just enter their credit card during checkout. It's no different than booking a property on other platforms.
View Square Credit Card Transactions on Square Dashboard
Whether you are sending email invoices through Square or receiving payment through Houfy using the Square's eCommerce integration, all transactions will be visible from your Square account dashboard. i.e. Sign into your Square account to see the transactions.
Can I connect other payment processors for payments besides Stripe and Square?
In order to connect to Houfy, you must use one of the integrated processor oprtions: at this time Stripe and Square. You can still choose to use other payment methods to invoice your guests directly.
Understanding Credit Card Costs
In order to recover your credit card costs in your rental pricing, you need to understand the true cost of accepting credit cards. In this story, I'll explain how to determine the true cost of the credit card fee relative to your rental rate and how to set your rental rate at a value that will allow you to receive the rental take-rate you desire to cover these credit card costs.