Want to protect yourself against damage, breakage, or a no-show with a security deposit? Check Cherry doesn't place a temporary authorization hold on a card — but there are two clean, client-friendly ways to handle a deposit, and for most event pros they work just as well.
Check Cherry can't place a temporary "hold" or pre-authorization on a card — and for events, a hold wouldn't help anyway. A card authorization is released by the bank after about 7 days (30 at the very most, with extended authorization), so it would expire long before an event that's booked weeks or months out. Holds are built for short windows — a hotel stay, or charging once an order ships — not an event deposit. Use one of the two approaches below instead.
Option 1: Collect a refundable deposit
Add the deposit to the booking as a line item, collect it like any other payment, then refund it after the event if there's no damage. This is the clearest option for clients — they see exactly what they paid, and refunding is quick on your end.
Open the booking and add the deposit as a line item — use an adjustment, or a Flex Pricing rule if you want it applied automatically.
Collect it like any normal payment, or let the client pay it online.
After the event, if there's no damage, refund it. Credit card refunds are quick on Check Cherry Payments.
Spell out the refundable deposit and when you return it in your contract terms. A clear "refundable damage deposit" line sets expectations and builds trust.
Option 2: Keep a card on file and charge only if needed
Prefer not to collect the money up front? You can charge the client's card only if something goes wrong — as long as their card is saved on the booking.
Turn on card saving in your payment settings — see Can clients save their payment info?
The card is saved when the client makes a payment — for example their deposit or first installment — with the save-card option on.
If there's damage, open the booking, click Make Payment, and charge the saved card — see How do I charge a saved card?
Always get the client's consent before charging a saved card for damages, and make sure your contract authorizes it. A card can only be saved after the client makes a payment — Check Cherry can't store a card with no transaction, so this option won't work if they haven't paid anything yet.
Which should I use?
If you want the security of money in hand, collect a refundable deposit (Option 1). If you'd rather not tie up the client's funds and you're comfortable with the booking, keep a card on file and charge only if needed (Option 2). Many pros use Option 1 for higher-risk rentals — equipment, photo booths, large setups — and skip it for everything else.