Pay in instalments

"Pay half now, the rest later”: eligibility, payment tracking, ensuring the payment method is valid and what happens if a payment fails.

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Written by Tech Team
Updated over a week ago

Why choose “Pay half now, the rest later”?

“Pay half now, the rest later” is a payment plan allowing you to split the cost of your trip over 2 equal payments, interest-free.

  • Pay 50% at the time of booking.

  • Pay the remaining balance two weeks before the cancellation policy runs out (the exact date is provided at the time of booking, and you can view it anytime in your trip page under the "Payment plan" tab).

  • Payments are automatic – we’ll send you a reminder 3 days before the next payment is due. It is your responsibility to ensure the payment method is valid and sufficient funds are available when the automatic charge occurs.


Who is eligible?

Plum Guide offers the payment plan option for bookings meeting two criteria:

  • The booking value is at least £500 (or equivalent in another currency).

  • The booking’s cancellation policy threshold (when your booking becomes no longer eligible for a refund) is at least 14 days away.


Can I select any payment method?

You can pay with any debit or credit card we support at checkout, Apple and Google Pay. Unfortunately, we do not currently offer paying in instalments using Paypal.


Where can I track my payments?

You can view your payment plan details, including how much you have paid so far, the remaining balance, the past and upcoming dates for each transaction and the credit or debit card selected for the second payment in your Plum Guide account.

Visit your Trips page, choose a trip and select the "Payment plan" tab.


Can I pay off early?

You can make a payment and complete you payment plan early anytime before the second instalment is due.

Visit your Trips page, choose a trip, select the "Payment plan" tab and find the “Make a payment now” button.


Can I change the payment method for the next automatic charge?

We don’t currently offer the option to change the registered payment method ahead of the automatic charge.

If you would like to use a different credit or debit card, or if your registered payment method has expired or been cancelled, please make a manual payment using your preferred payment method anytime before the second instalment charge is due.

Visit your Trips page, choose a trip, select the "Payment plan" tab and find the “Make a payment now” button.


What happens if the automatic payment fails?

The second payment is charged automatically to your original payment method. It is your responsibility to ensure that your payment method is valid and sufficient funds are available when the automatic charge occurs, and to help we’ll send you a reminder 3 days before it is due so you can double check the payment will can through smoothly.

In the instance that the payment doesn’t go through:

  • You have 72 hours to make a new payment.

    • You will be notified by email and text message.

    • We’ll include a quick link to pay using an alternative payment method.

    • You can also make a new payment in your account: visit your Trips page, choose a trip, select the "Payment plan" tab and find the “Make a payment now” button.

  • After 72 hours, and if a new payment hasn't been confirmed, your booking will be automatically cancelled.

    • You and your host will be notified by email.

    • The terms of your trip's cancellation policy will still apply and you may not be eligible for a refund of the first payment.


What happens if I cancel my booking?

Cancelling your trip when you pay your booking in instalments is no different than if you pay the full cost ahead. If you cancel a booking, or if the second payment can’t be completed by the due date, you will receive a refund according to your trip’s cancellation policy.

Eg: If you’re eligible for a 50% refund and you cancel before the second payment is completed, no refund will be issued and the remaining 50% simply won’t be charged.

Visit your Trips page, choose a trip and select the "Cancellation" tab to see which cancellation policy covers your booking.


Still need help? To get in touch with our team, visit our contact us page.

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