Do I need technical knowledge to use Stripe?

Stripe provides APIs that require development work to integrate fully. However, tools like Stripe Checkout and Stripe Dashboard can be used without coding. For rental-specific workflows (bond hold refresh, post-hire charges), you typically need either custom development or a workflow tool like Parked Funds.

Can I use Stripe for bond holds?

Yes. Stripe supports payment authorisations (holds) through PaymentIntents. However, holds typically expire after 7 days, so you need to refresh them for long rentals. This requires monitoring and automation, which can be built custom or handled by a workflow tool.

What are Stripe's processing fees?

Fees depend on your region and plan. For New Zealand cards, Stripe typically charges 1.75% + 30¢ per transaction. International cards may have different rates. Check Stripe's pricing page for current rates in your region.

How do I handle disputes in Stripe?

When a dispute is created, Stripe notifies you and gives you time to respond (typically 7-21 days). You can submit evidence through Stripe Dashboard or API. Include transaction details, customer consent, timeline, photos, and communication records. Strong evidence improves your chances of winning disputes.

Can I customize Stripe payment pages?

Yes. Stripe Checkout allows some customization (logo, colors, text). For complete design control, you can use Stripe Elements to build custom payment forms, but this requires development work.

What happens if a bond hold expires?

If a bond hold expires, you cannot capture it. The authorisation is released automatically, and funds become available to the customer. You would need to create a new charge or post-hire charge if you still need to collect payment. This is why monitoring and refreshing holds is important for long rentals.

Can I use Stripe with my existing booking system?

Yes. Stripe provides APIs that can be integrated with any booking system. However, this requires development work. Alternatively, you can use a workflow tool like Parked Funds that sits between your booking system and Stripe, handling rental-specific processes without requiring changes to your booking system.

How do I track which payments belong to which bookings?

Use Stripe's metadata fields when creating payments to store booking references, customer names, and other rental-specific information. This makes it easier to reconcile payments with bookings. Some workflow tools automatically link payments to bookings for you.

Stripe for Rental Companies | Payment Setup Guide

Understanding Stripe from a rental operator's perspective: what it's great at, where operators typically get caught out, and recommended settings for rental businesses.

What Stripe is Great At

Stripe handles card processing, security, and authorisations well. It covers:

✓ Payment Processing: Accepts cards, handles currency conversion, and processes payments reliably worldwide.
✓ Security & Compliance: PCI-compliant, handles sensitive card data securely, and manages fraud detection.
✓ Payment Authorisations: Can authorise funds (holds) without charging, which is essential for bond holds.
✓ Dispute Management: Provides tools to respond to chargebacks and submit evidence.
✓ Reporting: Detailed transaction history, reconciliation data, and financial reporting.

Where Rental Operators Get Caught Out

Bond Holds Expiring

Problem: Stripe payment authorisations (holds) typically expire after 7 days. If a rental extends beyond this, the hold expires and you lose protection.

Solution: Monitor rental duration and refresh holds before they expire. This requires custom code or a workflow tool that tracks rentals and automatically refreshes holds.

Manual Processes

Problem: Stripe provides APIs, but rental-specific workflows (bond hold refresh, post-hire charge customer review, evidence collection) require building custom integrations.

Solution: Use a workflow layer (like Parked Funds) that handles rental-specific processes, or invest in custom development to build these workflows yourself.

Evidence Collection Timing

Problem: Stripe's dispute tools let you submit evidence, but they don't prompt you to collect evidence at the right time (when incidents occur).

Solution: Establish operational processes to collect evidence (photos, notes) immediately when issues are found. Store this evidence systematically so it's ready if disputes arise.

Reconciliation Overhead

Problem: Stripe shows payments, but linking them to bookings requires manual work or custom integration with your booking system.

Solution: Include booking references in payment metadata when creating charges. Use a system that automatically links payments to bookings for easier reconciliation.

Suggested Stripe Settings to Review

These settings in your Stripe Dashboard can help rental operators:

Payment Methods: Enable card payments. Consider enabling other methods (e.g., bank transfers) if your customers request them, but cards are typically most convenient for rental payments.
Dispute Settings: Review your dispute response settings. Stripe can automatically respond to some disputes, but for rental charges, you typically want to review and submit evidence manually.
Webhooks: Set up webhooks to be notified of payment events (charges succeeded, disputes created, etc.). This helps you track payment status automatically.
Metadata: Use metadata fields when creating payments to store booking references, customer names, and other rental-specific information. This makes reconciliation easier.
Email Receipts: Enable automatic email receipts. Customers receive receipts immediately, which improves experience and reduces support inquiries.

Disputes: What Stripe Typically Asks For

When responding to Stripe disputes (chargebacks), you'll typically need to provide:

→ Transaction Details: Payment amount, date, customer information, and what the payment was for.
→ Customer Consent: Evidence that the customer agreed to the charge (signed terms, booking confirmation, communication records).
→ Timeline: When the rental occurred, when issues were discovered, and when the customer was notified.
→ Evidence: Photos, invoices, repair quotes, or other documentation supporting the charge.
→ Communications: Email or SMS records showing you notified the customer and gave them opportunity to respond.

Tip: Submit evidence as soon as possible after a dispute is created. Stripe typically gives you 7-21 days to respond, depending on the card network.

How Parked Funds Fits

Parked Funds is a workflow layer built on top of Stripe, designed specifically for rental businesses:

✓ Bond Hold Management: Automatically refreshes bond holds before they expire, preventing loss of protection during long rentals.
✓ Rental Workflows: Handles post-hire charges with customer review, evidence collection prompts, and dispute-ready documentation.
✓ Operator Dashboard: Shows bookings, payment status, and readiness at a glance. Rental-focused, not just payment-focused.
✓ Automatic Reconciliation: Links payments to booking references automatically, reducing admin time.
✓ Customer Communication: Sends payment requests, reminders, and receipts automatically with your branding.

All payments still go through Stripe. Parked Funds doesn't touch your funds. It simply adds rental-specific workflows on top of Stripe's payment processing.

Stripe for Rental Companies