How to start a payments app for holiday lets: direct bookings, deposits and guests from abroad
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
Many holiday let owners want more direct bookings so they pay less commission to big booking sites. Direct guests still need a safe, simple way to pay a deposit and balance, often from abroad. A payments platform built for holiday let owners and small guest houses can make direct bookings feel as easy as the big sites.
What owners want
- Payment links for deposits and balances on direct bookings.
- Accounts that hold more than one currency for guests from abroad.
- Quick payments to cleaners, laundry and maintenance.
- A clear view of income for each property.
Reaching them
Owners meet through local tourism groups, holiday let associations, property managers and online communities. Start in one popular area and win owners who already take direct bookings.
Things to watch
Be clear about cancellation and refund rules. Keep guests' security deposits separate in your records, and check local rules on holiday lets where you operate.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay lets you launch your own payments platform under your brand, with GBP, EUR and USD accounts, transfers, branded Visa cards, payment links, invoices and subscriptions, powered by licensed partners. SendPay doesn't offer card machines, isn't a bank and doesn't offer lending.
Build it
Create your own financial platform.
Pick a template, name it, brand it, preview every page before you pay. Your brand, your users, your fees.
Build my platform →Questions people ask
How do I start a payments app for tour operators?
Take deposits and balances online, often in several currencies.
Tour operator payments →How do I start a bookings platform?
Combine bookings with deposits and payment links.
Bookings platforms →What is a multi-currency account?
One account that holds balances in several currencies.
Multi-currency accounts →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.