Quick answer
WanderOS offers two payment timing options at checkout: Pay in Full and Half Now, Half Later (HNHL). Both work on Instant Book reservations, so eligible bookings are confirmed immediately when the guest completes payment. Pay in Full is the default and is always available. HNHL is available when the host has enabled it and the check-in date is at least 31 days away. This applies to all WanderOS hosts and property managers.
Comparison at a glance
Option | When the guest pays | Eligibility | Setup required |
Pay in Full | 100% charged at booking | Always available | None — on by default |
Half Now, Half Later (HNHL) | 50% at booking, 50% charged 30 days before check-in | Check-in must be at least 31 days away; host must enable HNHL | Toggle on in Channels → Website → Payment Options |
For deep-dives, see:
What does the guest see at checkout?
The guest is shown one or both options based on the booking's eligibility.
If only Pay in Full is available (HNHL not enabled, or the check-in date is not at least 31 days away): the guest pays the full amount to confirm the booking.
If both options are available: the guest sees Pay in Full (selected by default) and Half Now, Half Later as a second choice. Picking HNHL splits the charge into two equal payments.
In both cases, Instant Book applies — the reservation is confirmed the moment the first payment goes through. No host approval step.
Frequently asked questions
Do guests have to pay the full amount at the time of booking? Not necessarily. If the host has enabled HNHL and the check-in date is at least 31 days away, the guest can choose to pay 50% now and the remaining 50% 30 days before check-in.
Are these payment options available on Instant Book reservations? Yes. Both Pay in Full and HNHL run through Instant Book, so eligible bookings are confirmed automatically when the first payment succeeds.
Can a guest switch from Pay in Full to HNHL after booking? The payment option is selected at checkout and applies for the full booking. To change it, the booking must be cancelled and re-created.
What happens if the second HNHL payment fails? The booking is automatically cancelled and the first 50% is non-refundable. See How does Half Now, Half Later (HNHL) work in WanderOS? for details.