Summary
Choose the payment method that works best for your business. Host Tools Direct Booking offers two options: connect to Stripe for automated, secure payment processing, or collect payments manually with full control over how and when you receive funds. Both options let you accept direct bookings while maintaining the flexibility you need.
Payment Options
Host Tools offers two payment options for direct bookings:
Option 1: Automated Payments with Stripe
Benefits:
Secure, automated payment processing
Guests pay at the time of booking
No manual payment collection needed
Professional checkout experience
Supports major credit cards and payment methods
Best for: Hosts who want a hands-off payment experience and prefer guests to pay immediately when booking.
Option 2: Manual Payment Collection
Benefits:
Full control over payment timing and methods
Accept cash, bank transfers, or alternative payment methods
No credit card payment processing fees
Flexibility to negotiate payment terms with guests
Best for: Hosts who prefer to handle payments directly with guests, or who want to offer alternative payment methods, or who have listings in a country where Stripe is not supported.
Steps
Setting Up Stripe for Automated Payments
Navigate to
Settings > Direct BookingClick Add Custom Site or Edit an existing site
In the Payment section, click Connect with Stripe
You'll be redirected to Stripe to log in or create an account
Follow the Stripe prompts to connect your account
Once connected, you'll be returned to Host Tools with Stripe linked
Click Save to save your direct booking site
> 💡 Pro tip: Once Stripe is connected, a Stripe badge will appear next to your direct booking site in the settings.
Setting Up Manual Payment Collection
Navigate to
Settings > Direct BookingClick Add Custom Site or Edit an existing site
In the Payment section, do NOT click Connect with Stripe
Complete the rest of your site configuration
Click Save to save your direct booking site
Without Stripe connected, guests will submit booking requests that you can review and approve. You'll need to arrange payment details directly with guests outside of Host Tools.
Disconnecting Stripe
If you've connected Stripe but want to switch to manual payments:
Navigate to
Settings > Direct BookingClick Edit on your direct booking site
In the Payment section, click Disconnect Stripe
Click Save to update your settings
What Guests Experience
With Stripe Connected
Guests will:
Select their dates and enter their information
See the total price, including any fees
Enter their payment information on a secure Stripe checkout form
Receive immediate booking confirmation after payment
Without Stripe (Manual Payments)
Guests will:
Select their dates and enter their information
Submit a booking request
Wait for you to approve their request
Coordinate payment directly with you
Troubleshooting
I can't connect my Stripe account
Try these steps:
Make sure you have a valid Stripe account
Clear your browser cache and try again
Disable any browser extensions that might block the OAuth flow
Try using a different browser
A guest's payment failed
Common reasons for payment failures include:
Insufficient funds on the guest's card
Card declined by the issuing bank
Incorrect card details entered
Ask the guest to try a different payment method or contact their bank.
I want to offer both automated and manual payment options
Each direct booking site can only have one payment configuration. If you want to offer both options, create separate direct booking sites—one with Stripe connected and one without.
FAQ
What fees does Stripe charge?
Stripe charges standard processing fees for each transaction. Visit Stripe's pricing page for current rates in your region.
When do I receive the money from Stripe payments?
Stripe typically transfers funds to your bank account within 2-7 business days, depending on your Stripe account settings and country.
Can I collect a deposit or split payments?
With Stripe connected, guests pay the full amount at booking. If you need split payments or deposits, you may want to use manual payment collection where you can coordinate terms directly with guests.
Do I need a business to use Stripe?
No, individuals can also create Stripe accounts. Stripe supports both individual and business accounts.
Is my guests' payment information secure?
Yes, Stripe is PCI-DSS compliant and handles all sensitive payment data securely. Credit card information is never stored on Host Tools' servers.