What are automated payments?
For properties using Little Hotelier Pay, the automated payments feature lets you set up automatic charges for your guest reservations. Each payment rule has specific conditions that determine which reservation it applies to.
Create a payment rule
Navigate to Payments > Automated payments
Click Create a rule
Follow the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Configure payment rule
Select when to charge the payment using the dropdown lists in the Payment action section.
Step 2: Rule settings
Select the booking channels this rule should apply to and if you want to apply a surcharge. The rule triggers when reservations come through any of your selected channels.
Step 3: Review and activate
Review all settings before activation, as they cannot be modified afterwards. The payment rule becomes active immediately upon confirmation.
Manage payment rules
To view and manage your rules:
Navigate to Payments > Automated payments > Manage rules
Filter rules by status (Active or Archived)
Click View on any rule to see its detailed summary, including:
Creation date
Conditions
Payment actions
Examples of automated payment rules
Here are common automated payment rule configurations:
Pre-arrival payment
Criteria: 7 days before check-in
Time: 11:00am
Action: Charges outstanding balance
Includes: Reservation fee and any modifications (extras or add-ons)
Check-out payment
Criteria: Check-out day
Time: 12:00pm
Action: Charges outstanding balance
Includes: Any extras incurred during stay
Check-in payment
Criteria: Check-in day
Time: 11:00am
Action: Charges outstanding balance
Includes: Any extras added after booking but before check-in
Notes:
Rules cannot be edited after activation - create a new rule if changes are needed
When a rule is archived, any existing scheduled payments will still be processed but no new payments are scheduled based on the rule