FAQ: How do payments work with Houfy?
Guests pay directly into your own Stripe, Square or PayPal account, so you are paid when they pay rather than at check-in. How connecting works, what it costs, and how Instant Book fits in.
Last updated August 28, 2026
What does connecting a Stripe, Square or PayPal account do?
It allows travelers to enter a credit card at checkout like how they pay on Airbnb and Vrbo. The funds then land in your bank account.
What if I don't want to use Stripe, Square or PayPal?
There is no requirement to use either one. Just have guests pay however you like outside of Houfy. For example: bank transfer, check, Business PayPal, cash, etc. Payment methods are up to you.
Will Houfy hold my guest payments until after check-in?
No. You are paid when the guest pays, not at check-in. Connect a Stripe, Square or PayPal account to your Houfy listing and travelers can enter a credit card at checkout. The charge is created against your own connected account and settles to you - you are the merchant of record, and Houfy does not hold or pass through your nightly rate or your payout.
The one exception is Houfy's own add-ons: where a booking includes Houfy Protect, Check-in Hero or the connection fee, that portion is deducted from the same card charge as a disclosed platform fee. Once the money is in your processor account, the payout schedule to your bank is set by that processor, not by Houfy.
What are the pros and cons of using Stripe or Square?
Read this quick and easy Square and Stripe comparison. Be sure to check with Stripe and Square directly for the latest updates and any specific questions about your account.
How do I connect my Stripe or Square account to my Houfy listing?
Log in to Houfy > Click on Profile Pic > Manage Listings > Connected Payments. It takes a few seconds to connect. Don't forget to do a test booking.
What does it mean to be online bookable?
It means the traveler can book and enter credit card at checkout, just like on Airbnb or Vrbo.
Does Houfy have instant book or will I be able to vet travelers?
Instant Book is optional on Houfy. By default the guest's button reads Request to book, and the request arrives as a pending booking you can accept or decline.
To turn it on, open your listing's Calendar settings and set Allow instant book without accept to Yes under Instant Booking. It is a calendar setting rather than a payment one, though in practice a guest cannot complete a card payment until you have connected a processor.
Hosts are always encouraged to communicate with travelers and make informed decisions before accepting a booking.
Can you explain what Stripe and Square are? I have never heard of them.
They are 3rd-party payment processors, similar to using Business PayPal to accept credit card payments.
Do I have to have a Stripe or Square account to list on Houfy?
No. There is NO REQUIREMENT to use either one. You can have all guests pay in cash if you like.
Can any other payment processors like PayPal connect to Houfy?
Yes. Houfy supports Stripe, Square and PayPal. Connect any of them from Manage Listings, then Connected Payments, where Stripe is marked Recommended. You can also keep using your own payment methods outside of Houfy.
How much do Stripe and Square cost?
Around the same 3% you pay to Vrbo and Airbnb. The difference is you receive payment right away. Read this easy Stripe and Square comparison and be sure to visit their websites directly for accurate information and more questions.