If request-to-book reservations from Guesty are arriving without a working payment card, there are three ways to handle it, depending on how you want to approach the problem.
Option 1: Keep request-to-book and add card pre-validation. This requires a restricted Stripe API key for your connected Stripe account, so the card can be validated before the reservation is created. Enter the key under HomeRunner Settings > Payment Providers, alongside the publishable key. If you do not have a dashboard login, contact support, who will arrange a secure handoff.
Option 2: Switch to instant booking. You can switch the property’s connection to instant booking, where payment is validated as part of the booking step itself.
Option 3: Request a payment method before approving (interim step). As an interim operational step, do the following before approving any request-to-book reservation, so a working card is on file while the guest is still engaged:
- Open the reservation in Guesty.
- Go to the Payments tab.
- Use the Request payment method option.
In most cases the guest simply had a card declined and will readily provide another one.