--- title: Understanding How Payments Work on Hostelworld description: "On Hostelworld, the payment process takes place in two steps: At the time of booking: The guest pays a percentage to secure their booking. This payment is retained by Hostelworld as a service fee/ com" --- [Skip to content](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/understanding-how-payments-work-on-hostelworld#main-content) - [English](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/understanding-how-payments-work-on-hostelworld) - [Português - Portugal](https://support.hostelworld.com/pt-pt/knowledge/entendendo-como-funcionam-os-pagamentos-na-hostelworld) English Show submenu for translations ![Hostelworld](https://support.hostelworld.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HW_Horizontal%20tagline%20orange%20.png?width=432&height=96&name=HW_Horizontal%20tagline%20orange%20.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [English](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/understanding-how-payments-work-on-hostelworld) - [Português - Portugal](https://support.hostelworld.com/pt-pt/knowledge/entendendo-como-funcionam-os-pagamentos-na-hostelworld) English Show submenu for translations - hostelworld.com hostelworld.com Hello! 👋 How can we help you today? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Payment Details](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/payment-details?hsLang=en) # Understanding How Payments Work on Hostelworld On Hostelworld, the payment process takes place in **two steps**: 1. **At the time of booking:** The guest pays a percentage to secure their booking. This payment is retained by Hostelworld as a service fee/ commission. 2. **At check-in or according to your property’s policy and rate chosen:** The **remaining balance** must be paid **directly to the property**, following the terms and conditions set in your profile. --- ### **1. How the remaining balance is charged** You can choose between two ways to collect the remaining payment: #### **Option 1 – Payment at check-in** The guest pays the balance **only upon arrival at the property**. 💡 **Important recommendation:** We strongly suggest collecting the payment **at the time of check-in** to avoid any issues or inability to charge later. --- #### **Option 2 – Advance payment** You set a deadline and provide a payment method. Examples of accepted methods: - Manual card charge - [Paynow](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/paynowguide?hsLang=en)– automatic charging for NRR only - Payment link (PayPal, etc.) 📌 **Note:** The PayNow feature is only available in certain countries and for **Non-Refundable rates ONLY**. ⚠️ **Important:** If you choose to request advance payment, this rule must be **clearly stated in your profile policies**, in **all languages**.   --- #### **2. Example policies to include in your profile** Here are examples of **Advance Payment or Non-Refundable Policy conditions** that must be clearly stated in your profile, according to your own rules: - After the booking is confirmed, advance payment will be required. - The payment amount may be **100% of the total** or **X% of the remaining balance**. - Payment must be made **immediately after confirmation** or within **24h / 48h / X days**. - The guest must contact the property to arrange payment. *(optional)* - The property will contact the guest to arrange payment. *(optional)* - Payment can be made via: **manual card charge, CVV request, payment link (PayPal, etc.)**. - If payment is not completed within the set timeframe, the booking will be **canceled**. - The remaining balance (if partial payment was made) must be paid at check-in. *(optional)* - The amount paid in advance is **non-refundable** in case of cancellation or no-show. --- #### **3. What to do if the guest does not pay** If the guest does not make the advance payment according to your policy: - Report a payment issue via your Hostelworld Inbox. - After waiting the required period, you can **cancel the booking**. [Learn how to do it here](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/how-can-i-cancel-a-booking?hsLang=en). --- ✅ **Tip:** Keep your policies **clear and up to date, and translated in all languages you have translations for -** to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a great guest experience. - [⚙️ Setting Up Your Hostelworld Profile](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/%EF%B8%8F-setting-up-your-hostelworld-profile?hsLang=en#main-content) - [🧭 Start Here](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/%EF%B8%8F-setting-up-your-hostelworld-profile?hsLang=en#start-here) - [🏠 Add Your Rooms and Rates](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/%EF%B8%8F-setting-up-your-hostelworld-profile?hsLang=en#add-your-rooms-and-rates) - [⚙️ Update Your Property Details](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/%EF%B8%8F-setting-up-your-hostelworld-profile?hsLang=en#%EF%B8%8F-update-your-property-details) - [📅 Policies and Profile Info](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/%EF%B8%8F-setting-up-your-hostelworld-profile?hsLang=en#policies-and-profile-info) - [🚀 Get Ready for Busy Times](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/%EF%B8%8F-setting-up-your-hostelworld-profile?hsLang=en#get-ready-for-busy-times) - [💡 Promotional Tools and Services](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/promotional-tools-and-services?hsLang=en#main-content) - [🎯 Promotions](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/promotional-tools-and-services?hsLang=en#promotions) - [🚀 Elevate](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/promotional-tools-and-services?hsLang=en#elevate) - [💬 Property Chat](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/promotional-tools-and-services?hsLang=en#property-chat) - [🤝 Linkups](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/promotional-tools-and-services?hsLang=en#linkups) - [🌟Featured Listing](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/promotional-tools-and-services?hsLang=en#featured-listing) - [💳 PayNow](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/promotional-tools-and-services?hsLang=en#paynow) - [📊 NCS (Net Competitive Score)](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/promotional-tools-and-services?hsLang=en#ncs-net-competitive-score) - [💰 Rates & Availability](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/rates-availability?hsLang=en#main-content) - [📊 Understanding Rates](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/rates-availability?hsLang=en#understanding-rates) - [💸 Non-Refundable & Flexible Rates](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/rates-availability?hsLang=en#non-refundable-flexible-rates) - [🥐 Bed & Breakfast Rate](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/rates-availability?hsLang=en#bed-breakfast-rate) - [🗓 Availability & Restrictions](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/rates-availability?hsLang=en#availability-restrictions) - [🛏 Room Setup](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/rates-availability?hsLang=en#room-setup) - [🔗 Channel Manager](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/rates-availability?hsLang=en#channel-manager-1) - [New! Video Tutorials 🎬](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/new-video-tutorials?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Rates & Availability](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/new-video-tutorials?hsLang=en#rates-availability) - [Account & User Management](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/new-video-tutorials?hsLang=en#account-user-management) - [Property Setup & User Management](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/new-video-tutorials?hsLang=en#property-setup-user-management) - [LINKUPS](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/new-video-tutorials?hsLang=en#linkups) - [Bookings](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/new-video-tutorials?hsLang=en#bookings) - [Elevate](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/new-video-tutorials?hsLang=en#elevate) - [🏆 Hostelworld HOSCARs](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/hostelworld-hoscars?hsLang=en#main-content) - [🎓What Are the HOSCARs?](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/hostelworld-hoscars?hsLang=en#what-are-the-hoscars) - [📂 Categories](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/hostelworld-hoscars?hsLang=en#categories) - [🏆 HOSCARs 2026](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/hostelworld-hoscars?hsLang=en#hoscars-2026) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#main-content) - [How to Contact Hostelworld](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#how-to-contact-hostelworld) - [How to log into my property Hostelworld Inbox](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#how-to-log-into-my-property-hostelworld-inbox) - [Most Frequently Asked Questions](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#most-frequently-asked-questions) - [Keeping your business safe online](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#keeping-your-business-safe-online) - [Second Amendment](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#second-amendment) - [Bookings](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/bookings?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overbookings](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/bookings?hsLang=en#overbookings) - [View & Collect Bookings using Hostelworld Inbox](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/bookings?hsLang=en#view-collect-bookings-using-hostelworld-inbox) - [No shows and Cancellations](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/bookings?hsLang=en#no-shows-and-cancellations) - [Hostelworld Group Bookings](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/bookings?hsLang=en#hostelworld-group-bookings) - [Reports & Statistics](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/bookings?hsLang=en#reports-statistics) - [Taxes](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/bookings?hsLang=en#taxes) - [Sustainability](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/sustainability?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Staircase to Sustainability (S2S)](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/sustainability?hsLang=en#staircase-to-sustainability-s2s) - [Sustainability Levels (S2S)](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/sustainability?hsLang=en#sustainability-levels-s2s) - [Sustainable Management Pillar](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/sustainability?hsLang=en#sustainable-management-pillar) - [Socio Economic Pillar](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/sustainability?hsLang=en#socio-economic-pillar) - [Environment Impacts Pillar](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/sustainability?hsLang=en#environment-impacts-pillar) - [Commit to becoming a more sustainable hostel with the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI)](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/sustainability?hsLang=en#commit-to-becoming-a-more-sustainable-hostel-with-the-global-tourism-plastics-initiative-gtpi) - [Online Content](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/online-content?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Updating my property description](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/online-content?hsLang=en#updating-my-property-description) - [Images and Video content](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/online-content?hsLang=en#images-and-video-content) - [Payment Details](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/payment-details?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Credit Card Information](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/payment-details?hsLang=en#credit-card-information) - [PayNow](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/paynow?hsLang=en) - [Reviews](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/reviews?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Reviews FAQ](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/reviews?hsLang=en#reviews-faq) - [How to manage negative reviews](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/reviews?hsLang=en#how-to-manage-negative-reviews) - [Campaigns](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/campaigns?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Set up Campaigns](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/campaigns?hsLang=en#set-up-campaigns) - [Black Friday Terms & Conditions](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/campaigns?hsLang=en#black-friday-terms-conditions) - [Channel Manager](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/channel-manager?hsLang=en) - [EU Tax Information](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/eu-tax-information?hsLang=en#main-content) - [DAC7](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/eu-tax-information?hsLang=en#dac7) - [Non-EU Tax Information](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/non-eu-tax-information?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Australia (SERR)](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/non-eu-tax-information?hsLang=en#australia-serr) - [Canada, New Zealand & United Kingdom (MRDP)](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/non-eu-tax-information?hsLang=en#canada-new-zealand-united-kingdom-mrdp) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://support.hostelworld.com/hubfs/hw-icon-1.svg "Chill listening crop-3")](http://www.hostelworld.com) hostelworld.com Help Center Copyright © 2026, Hostelworld