Glossary · Money

Chargeback

Chargeback · definition
  • A chargeback is a payment reversal a guest obtains from their card issuer, clawing funds back after the stay — rare on OTA bookings, a real risk on direct ones.
  • Category: Money

OTA vs direct exposure

On OTA bookings the platform is the merchant and absorbs most chargeback handling. On direct bookings YOU are the merchant: documentation, rebuttal deadlines and losses are yours.

Defence

Clear cancellation terms accepted at booking, ID verification, and written records of the stay. For direct bookings, use a processor with proper dispute tooling.

Part of the Stays short-term rental glossary.

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