How does a traveler reserve and make payment?

Unlike most platforms where you don't get paid till guest check-in, Houfy does not interfere in your payment transactions. All transactions pass between you and your guest only. As such, hosts choose their own forms of payment acceptance: check, Square, Stripe, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, bank transfer, etc. It's entirely up to you.

For those who would like travelers to book and pay on Houfy with credit card (just like they would book and pay on other sites), you need to connect one of Houfy's integrated processors (Square and Stripe). You'll still have the option to accept/decline the pending direct booking, as "instant book" is not available.

Even though Stripe and Square are integrated with Houfy, the payments only pass between you and your guest. They never pass through Houfy's bank account.

If you prefer not to connect Stripe or Square, just fill out your listing's payment policies section and check off the payment methods accepted.

Can travelers just send me an inquiry if they are not ready to book?

Of course! Travelers can send hosts an inquiry and a text and email notification will be sent from Houfy.

Set up online payments

Create a Square or Stripe account. Here is a brief comparison guide of Square and Stripe.
Be sure to connect your Stripe or Square account to Houfy: Menu > Manage Listings > Connected Payments

Once you have a Square or Stripe account connected to Houfy, travelers can enter dates and pay with credit card.

The host receives a "Pending Direct Booking" via text and email, with option to accept/decline. After accepting the pending direct booking, the dates will automatically be blocked on your Houfy calendar.

Accepting payment outside of Houfy

Travelers can send an inquiry and you will arrange payment however you wish. Once you have decided to proceed with the booking, you can click "mark as confirmed" on the inquiry. This does two things: