---
title: "2.1.6 Automate Invoicing & Payment Collection"
description: "Configure how you invoice guests, accept payments, and automate payment collection throughout the booking journey."
url: https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-216-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection
collection: "2.1 Customise Pre-Check-In Form"
updated: 2026-11-04
language: en-gb
---

# 2.1.6 Automate Invoicing & Payment Collection

Configure how you invoice guests, accept payments, and automate payment collection throughout the booking journey.

Setting up invoicing and payment collection ensures your guests know what they need to pay, how they can pay, and when payment is due. You can choose your payment methods, connect a payment gateway for online card payments, and customise the invoices guests receive.

## Understand the Payment Settings

There are three different concepts to keep in mind:

**Payment method** — how your guest pays you, such as by card or bank transfer.

**Payment gateway** — the service that processes online card payments, such as Stripe, PayPal, or Opayo.

**Payout method** — how funds collected through the relevant booking source are handled and paid out to you.

Understanding the difference makes it easier to choose the right settings for your business.

* * *

## Why Set Up Online Payments?

Online payments make it easier for guests to complete their bookings and reduce the amount of payment administration you need to handle manually.

With online payments, you can:

-   Collect payment during the booking journey
    
-   Reduce manual payment follow-ups
    
-   Give guests a smoother booking experience
    
-   Confirm bookings when the required payment has been received
    
-   Offer guests a convenient way to pay online
    

If you do not collect payments online, you may need to provide guests with payment instructions and follow up with them manually before receiving payment.

* * *

## Set Up Online Payments

There are three main steps to setting up online payments in Zeevou:

1.  **Choose your payment method**
    
2.  **Connect a payment gateway**
    
3.  **Enable the gateway for that payment method**
    

You can then customise your invoices and configure additional payment options.

* * *

## 1\. Choose Your Payment Method

Zeevou allows you to configure the payment methods available to your guests:

1.  Click on the **Gear** **Icon** in the top-right corner.
    
2.  Select **Settings**.
    
3.  Select your **Brand**, then navigate to the **Finance** tab.
    
4.  Scroll down to **Payment Methods**.
    
5.  Select your **preferred payment method**.
    

**Card payments**

Enable **Card Payment** if you want guests to pay online by card.

A payment gateway must be connected before card payments can be processed.

Depending on your setup, you can connect:

-   [Stripe](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-216-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-6-set-up-stripe)
    
-   [PayPal](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-216-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-14-set-up-paypal)
    
-   [Opayo by Elavon](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-216-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-20-set-up-opayo-by-elavon-formerly-sage-pay)
    

**Bank transfer**

Enable **Bank Transfer** if you want to allow guests to pay by bank transfer.

When bank transfer is enabled, you can display your bank account information on the guest invoice so that guests know where to send their payment.

You can configure your bank account information as part of your invoice settings.

* * *

## 2\. Choose Your Payment Gateway

A payment gateway processes online card payments between Zeevou and your payment provider. Zeevou currently supports the following gateways:

<table data-id="86aa53f2-f8c4-446b-ae98-7349eb9f674d" style="min-width: 254px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="width: 129px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.55pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 27.4pt;"><p data-id="e5578f2b-9cc7-476f-be7a-2d0bec345d44" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Gateway</strong></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 27.4pt;"><p data-id="6d151824-8a49-4dd4-80f2-db026e07b0c1" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Best For</strong></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 27.4pt;"><p data-id="fcc56268-c650-4edb-bacc-a1f74bf26310" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Key Benefit</strong></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 27.4pt;"><p data-id="37ce406f-5b2a-4dcd-99d7-3cb6ba1345ea" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Monthly Fees</strong></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p data-id="0cba1f78-b10f-4e54-a674-5749d91c1a12"><strong>Suitable if</strong></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p data-id="7513fd16-9e67-4090-a9b8-807f3a3d351a"><strong>What you need</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.55pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 99.8pt;"><p data-id="90b71903-699e-4603-938c-f4854857074a" style="text-align: center;"><a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="linktype-link link" data-linktype="link" href="https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-6-set-up-stripe"><strong>Stripe</strong></a></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 99.8pt;"><p data-id="c3717018-d3c4-4d23-8d16-10cdd2ea6caf" style="text-align: center;">Most property managers globally</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 99.8pt;"><p data-id="6cc7a459-6300-4b0d-a063-fd6866222d97" style="text-align: center;">Easy 15-minute setup, 135+ currencies, automatic payouts</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 99.8pt;"><p data-id="a0c0f978-ee11-45ac-a0d5-de5a9af18d36" style="text-align: center;">None - pay per transaction only</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p data-id="03ce58f2-9680-4f1b-8320-cc781c8a7de2" style="text-align: center;">You are setting up online payments without an existing gateway</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p data-id="969a7a5e-f202-458c-9d7d-4feed414c042" style="text-align: center;">A Stripe account</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.55pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 117.9pt;"><p data-id="a6538388-5fb6-41c2-967a-19d9643e9f5e" style="text-align: center;"><a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="linktype-link link" data-linktype="link" href="https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-13-set-up-paypal"><strong>PayPal</strong></a></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 117.9pt;"><p data-id="054836dd-61b1-49d2-bdda-6b8b41fc1fcf" style="text-align: center;">Properties with international guests</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 117.9pt;"><p data-id="be06c2f5-665e-4d69-b41b-489c0f99e1c4" style="text-align: center;">Guests trust PayPal, familiar checkout, buyer protection</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 117.9pt;"><p data-id="e987bbd0-fa1e-4812-aff9-7048f9a78af7" style="text-align: center;">None - pay per transaction only</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p data-id="17d4d798-0155-4c1c-90e1-6aeee5c75f7d" style="text-align: center;">You want to accept payments through PayPal</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p data-id="5a45bfdd-cecb-4539-ac61-2263d4c78c52" style="text-align: center;">A PayPal Business account and PayPal API credentials</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.55pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 117.3pt;"><p data-id="d3fdca37-c1a5-4179-bccd-3a3c847f2750" style="text-align: center;"><a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="linktype-link link" data-linktype="link" href="https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-19-set-up-opayo-by-elavon-formerly-sage-pay"><strong>Opayo</strong></a></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 117.3pt;"><p data-id="09ca38da-3ae8-403a-871d-ae321eb203e7" style="text-align: center;">UK/Europe with existing merchant account</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 117.3pt;"><p data-id="fd9bf92b-6eb7-480c-9a9a-6a4307d95ed9" style="text-align: center;">Works with Elavon, WorldPay, FirstData accounts you already have</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="width: 102.6pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 117.3pt;"><p data-id="d8f953f5-8f06-4493-9473-f8adc0708266" style="text-align: center;">Varies by merchant account</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p data-id="029dc79a-4bfc-42a0-9b23-e4daf799edbb" style="text-align: center;">You already use Opayo and a supported merchant account</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p data-id="4eb4fa56-6c36-4a9d-bc53-09d7d2ff63a7" style="text-align: center;">An Opayo account and a supported merchant account</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

* * *

## Not Sure Which Gateway to Choose?

**Choose** [Stripe](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-216-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-6-set-up-stripe) **if:**

-   You're starting fresh (no existing payment accounts)
    
-   You want the fastest, easiest setup
    
-   You need to accept multiple currencies
    
-   You want automatic bank transfers
    

**Choose** [PayPal](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-216-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-14-set-up-paypal) **if:**

-   Your guests frequently request PayPal
    
-   You already have a PayPal Business account
    
-   You operate globally and want guest payment protection
    

**Choose** [Opayo](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-216-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-20-set-up-opayo-by-elavon-formerly-sage-pay) **if:**

-   You already have an Elavon, WorldPay, or FirstData merchant account
    
-   You operate primarily in UK/Europe
    
-   Your accountant or bank requires a specific merchant account
    

**Still unsure?** Start with [**Stripe**](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-6-set-up-stripe) - it's the quickest to set up and works for most property managers.

* * *

## Set Up Stripe

Connect Stripe to accept instant guest payments in 135+ currencies with automatic bank transfers.

**What You'll Need**

-   Approximately 15 minutes
    
-   A Stripe account ([create a free account](https://stripe.com) if you don't have one)
    
-   Your business information, if you are creating a new Stripe account
    

* * *

### Step 1: Connect Stripe to Zeevou

1.  Log into [**app.zeevou.com**](https://app.zeevou.com).
    
2.  Click the **gear icon** in the top-right corner.
    
3.  Go to **Integrations**.
    
4.  Select the **Payments** tab.
    
5.  Select **Stripe**.
    
6.  Click **Connect to Stripe**.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/Nj0EYtX6HJuqWc28k2B7CRB8rbBI9HKcQHfRQsKNhEJ5UK41RIeypPzRXHoBqnsoeeyyPuRbKzr.webp)

* * *

### Step 2: Choose Where Payments Go

Choose where payments should be received:

-   **Organisation** - All payments go to your company account. (most common)
    
-   **Owner** - Each property owner gets paid separately. (for property management companies splitting revenue)
    

* * *

### Step 3: Link Your Stripe Account

We have three different ways to connect a Stripe account with Zeevou:

1.  **Creating a new account through Zeevou**
    

In this case, we explicitly create a **Standard** Stripe account:

```javascript
$account = $stripe->accounts->create(['type' => 'standard']);

```

2.  **Using an existing account previously created through our platform**
    

If an `account_id` already exists, we don't create a new account. We simply use the existing account, which follows the same setup as above.

3.  **Connecting an existing Stripe account via OAuth**
    

We also support connecting an existing Stripe account using Stripe's **OAuth flow**. According to Stripe's documentation, this OAuth flow is used for connecting **Standard accounts**.

You can check [Stripe Connect OAuth Reference](https://docs.stripe.com/connect/oauth-reference) to learn more.

**Option A: Create New Stripe Account (Recommended if starting fresh)**

1.  Click the **message button** (bottom right) to get your unique setup link.
    
2.  Open the setup link to go to Stripe.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/lYnkpBQpT4raWrfxOMj7Rqq9X1b4MHU2lT9u8Op6DWz8ntqPD55KOjl8zmYIerEdoPCO9nyZChI.png)

3.  Enter your email address.
    
4.  Complete Stripe's signup. (business details & bank account)
    
5.  Stripe confirms the connection and shows your Account ID.
    
6.  Copy your Account ID.
    
7.  Return to Zeevou and paste the Account ID.
    
8.  Click **Proceed.**
    

**Option B: Connect Existing Stripe Account.**

1.  Select **"Connect to an Existing Stripe Account"**.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/D1UwUCTR5xfhlaTt6DhrUUDwTc1uIbtTWprVZTkEm8qLRqdZxG7CIQpathxtpiVsmAAAuntcZqq.png)
    
2.  Log in to your [Stripe Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com).
    
3.  Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
    
4.  Locate your **Account ID**. It starts with "acct\_".
    
5.  Copy the Account ID.
    
6.  Return to Zeevou.
    
7.  Paste the Account ID.
    
8.  Click **Proceed**.
    

**Important:** Only Standard, Express, or Custom Stripe accounts work. If you have a Platform account, contact our support.

* * *

### Step 4: Enable Card Payments in Zeevou

1.  Click the **gear icon**.
    
2.  Go to **Settings → Finance**.
    
3.  Find the **Payment Methods** section.
    
4.  Turn on the **Card** toggle.
    
5.  Select **Stripe** from the gateway dropdown.
    
6.  Click **Save**.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/n5fEJlBxX8KPQlYF77cH6KNxVuASwHsQJvNsYEv9AYrJ1YKep00jzsUD0zq2649GZ7Rr9QRLTKi.png)

Your Stripe connection and card payment method are now configured.

* * *

### Step 5: Enable Security Deposits (Optional)

If you want to collect a refundable security deposit by card, you can configure Stripe as the collection method.

1.  Set the **Security Deposit Timeline** under
    
2.  For new listings: **Listings → Set Listing Defaults → Security Deposit Timeline**
    
3.  For existing listings: override it within the **Listing → Policies → Security Deposit Timeline**
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/IzQgSKaKi5uDcffHYYmfnk7rwXKQhCeAPPcZLj9iBb6X4vLhgLa26VeO2NUR1TJNlmQeARZR8fN.png)
    
4.  Select Stripe as the collection method by going to **Settings** → **Finance** → **Security Deposit Collection Methods**
    
5.  Turn on the **Card** toggle.
    
6.  Select **Stripe.**
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/F2GSHvFweIZgOcuSxci6eSrcWXifrR65t3FDunpote39rxN749xuH05XEDmyDIsErrqecf26qs3.png)

7.  Select one of the boxes (**Important:** Read [this section](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/771-automate-invoicing-and-payment-collection.md#heading-12-important-stripe-requirement) before deciding**.**)
    

-   **Auto Charge/Auto Refund** (automatically collects the deposit before arrival and refunds it after check-out).
    
-   **Pre-authorization** (only freezes funds in the guest’s account and releases them after their departure)**.**
    

8.  Click **Save**.
    

* * *

### **Important Stripe Requirement**

Stripe can only hold pre-authorisations for 4/5 days. We have developed two options to reduce the risk of being out of pocket for longer bookings. You can choose either method, but they both have their disadvantages:

1.  **Pre-authorisation Holds** - Automatically attempts to renew the authorisation every 4/5 days until checkout.
    

_Disadvantages_:

-   There is no guarantee that a renewal will succeed (e.g., the guest may use the funds post expiry before the renewal attempt can be processed).
    
-   Guests will see multiple transactions on their account and may think you are capturing multiple lots of funds rather than renewing the hold.
    

2.  **Auto-Charge/Auto-Refund** - the deposit is treated as an actual charge (captured) and then automatically refunded based on your configured timeline.
    

_Disadvantage_:

-   Stripe will charge you when the system charges the deposit and when it refunds the deposit.
    

You can select **Auto-Charge/Auto-Refund** for the most reliable security deposit handling.

* * *

### Step 6: Test Your Setup

1.  Visit your booking website.
    
2.  [Make a test booking](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/757-place-a-test-booking.md).
    
3.  Use Stripe's [test card numbers](https://stripe.com/docs/testing):
    
    -   Successful payment: **4242 4242 4242 4242**.
        
    -   Use any future expiry date and any 3-digit CVC.
        
4.  Complete the test booking.
    
5.  Check your [Stripe Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com) - the test payment should appear.
    

**You're Ready!**

Guests can now book and pay instantly on your website. Stripe will automatically transfer funds to your bank account based on your payout schedule (usually 2-7 business days).

**View your payments:** Log into your [Stripe Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com) anytime to see transactions, payouts, and guest details.

* * *

## Set Up PayPal

Connect PayPal to allow guests to pay through PayPal at checkout.

Depending on PayPal's checkout configuration, guests may be able to pay using their PayPal account or an eligible card.

**What You'll Need**

-   Approximately 15 minutes
    
-   A PayPal Business account ([create free account](https://www.paypal.com/business) if you don't have one)
    
-   Access to PayPal Developer Dashboard
    

* * *

### Step 1: Get Your PayPal API Credentials

You need to create an "app" in PayPal to get your connection credentials:

1.  Log into the [PayPal Developer Dashboard](https://developer.paypal.com).
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/SZHQoK28dm0V9INqJSgyBjSteCuw6LtK3uVFFDU2ig6q7mdgHAr59IqHy6Jtz6ygRW50HaItpYz.png)

2.  Make sure you're on the **Live** tab (not Sandbox).
    
3.  Click **My Apps & Credentials** (left sidebar).
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/e5CRKVXSbkUJwJ360Sshd9A1fOdhWaCLM7aE7HmDlRTgyMmiYCnzJ3XxzhhbCmtOhbXnb3hV4wN.png)

4.  Click **Create App**.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/9AIqWqU28KIOlmylmcxHHK5Rn8Zcg0nUA4qERGMmc17Cahp9hR7a7YCGqGbFNzKm3SyWA6O6UbU.png)

5.  Enter an app name, such as **Zeevou**.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/Z8YYmOOiYYTDwMM2f8vsK5LtYzN9ymPREtbw8QjIfw8aq391ZhZ5Kz04fhlcn1ufz6TUpoxQCOe.webp)

6.  Click **Create App**.
    
7.  Locate your credentials:
    

-   **Client ID** (copy this)
    
-   **Secret** (click "Show" then copy this)
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/6GGcSf64NQ6zRvTeQv99bxk6hbDPCZV2XbPAB3xhjbvjgq6Fx4r7tT8YNVLfgY2n7Kynqi8Y7Bj.webp)

**Security:** Treat your PayPal Secret as sensitive information. Do not share it publicly or include it in screenshots or support requests unless specifically instructed by Zeevou Support.

* * *

### Step 2: Connect Paypal to Zeevou

1.  Log into [**app.zeevou.com**](https://app.zeevou.com)
    
2.  Click the **gear icon**.
    
3.  Go to **Integrations**.
    
4.  Select the **Payments** tab.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/e2DUvgAClmOWDd86K1SbOlFXzmr5av8uftxMVPK7v5dtLsLfD5bQdHkIxj8lFC8BezrLGG2D0D9.webp)

5.  Select **PayPal**.
    
6.  Click **Connect to PayPal**.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/pJCQQlEkNd8LSahgNvvcjg9PhLzjYNXON95l0QBPEL8SCcEWI5XoJgDukxgmfUoCHpTOXu9KXSR.webp)

7.  Enter your **Client ID**.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/MEz61rdme1a44ylW5r52FVy2tn8HRYjDb6NQwHN8QcE3F3shA3uMpc2PltdAxaS5DUKevYa0eJp.webp)

8.  Enter your **Secret**.
    
9.  Make sure the PayPal environment matches the environment you are connecting.
    
10.  Enter the appropriate environment value in Zeevou.
     
11.  Click **Connect**.
     

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/7MkL1K4iMmH0YYDUVBg2sxAvK7kjMwWWX8gI9tj4mLtUP5adhcUP0jeudn8je53PdIxAKULHCM8.webp)

Zeevou will confirm when the connection has been completed successfully.

* * *

### Step 3: Enable PayPal Payments

1.  Go to **Settings → Finance**.
    
2.  Find the **Payment Methods** section.
    
3.  Turn on the **Card** toggle.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/n5fEJlBxX8KPQlYF77cH6KNxVuASwHsQJvNsYEv9AYrJ1YKep00jzsUD0zq2649GZ7Rr9QRLTKi.png)

4.  Select **PayPal** from the gateway dropdown.
    
5.  Click **Save**.
    

PayPal is now configured as the gateway for card payments.

* * *

### Step 4: Enable Security Deposits (Optional)

If you want to collect refundable security deposits through PayPal:

1.  Go to **Settings → Finance**.
    
2.  Find **Security Deposit Collection Methods**.
    
3.  Turn on the **Card** toggle.
    
4.  Select **PayPal**.
    
5.  Click **Save**.
    

* * *

### Step 5: Test Your Setup

1.  Visit your booking website.
    
2.  [Make a test booking](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/757-place-a-test-booking.md).
    
3.  At checkout, select **PayPal.**
    
4.  Log in to your PayPal Sandbox account (use test credentials from PayPal Developer Dashboard).
    
5.  Complete the test payment.
    
6.  Check your [PayPal Dashboard](https://www.paypal.com) - the test payment should appear.
    

**You're Ready!**

Guests can now choose PayPal at checkout. They can either:

-   Log into their PayPal account to pay.
    
-   Pay with any credit/debit card through PayPal (without needing a PayPal account).
    

**View your payments:** Log into your [PayPal Dashboard](https://www.paypal.com) to see transactions and transfer funds to your bank.

* * *

## Set Up Opayo by Elavon (Formerly Sage Pay)

Connect Opayo to process payments if you have an existing Elavon, WorldPay, or FirstData merchant account.

**What is Opayo?**

Opayo is a payment gateway that connects Zeevou to your existing merchant account. It works as a bridge:

**Your merchant account** (Elavon, WorldPay, or FirstData)  
↓  
**Opayo gateway** (handles the technical connection)  
↓  
**Zeevou** (your booking system)  
↓  
**Your guests** (make payments)

You need **both** an Opayo account and a merchant account with Elavon, WorldPay, or FirstData.

**What You'll Need**

-   Approximately 30–45 minutes for the Zeevou configuration
    
-   An Opayo account ([sign up](https://www.opayo.co.uk) if you don't have one)
    
-   An active merchant account with **Elavon**, **WorldPay**, or **FirstData**
    
-   Your merchant account number(s)
    
-   Your Opayo integration credentials
    

* * *

### Step 1: Sign Up with Opayo

If you do not already have an Opayo account:

1.  Contact the Opayo Sales Team.
    
2.  During signup, provide your **merchant account numbers** from Elavon, WorldPay, FirstData, Barclaycard, etc.
    
3.  Opayo will email you with the requirements for your account.
    
4.  Complete the onboarding documentation and e-signature process.
    
5.  Once signed, it goes to their onboarding team, which takes 3-4 working days usually.
    
6.  Get the **Live Account Credentials** from them (they may tell you to test, but there’s no need to do so as testing has been done by us).
    
7.  Continue with the Zeevou configuration below.
    

* * *

### Step 2: Configure Your Opayo Account

Some Opayo features need to be enabled before you can use security deposits and pre-authorisations. Contact Opayo Support and request activation of:

1.  **Tokens** - Required for security deposits and pre-authorizations
    
    -   Without this, you'll get error: "Failed transaction type not supported"
        
2.  **"Defer" Option** - Required for pre-authorizing payments
    
3.  **"Release" Option** - Required for refunding payments
    

This usually takes 1-2 business days to complete. In the meantime, you can continue with the remaining configuration (up to Step 7).

* * *

### Step 3: Set Up 3D Secure

3D Secure adds extra security to card payments (where guests verify with their bank):

1.  Log in to your Opayo account.
    
2.  Go to **Settings → 3D Secure**.
    
3.  Create a 3D Secure rule according to your Opayo configuration.
    
4.  Enable the rule for the relevant transactions.
    
5.  Save your changes.
    

**Note:** The 3D Secure option might not appear for 2-3 days after account creation. If you don't see it yet, wait a few days and check again.

* * *

### Step 4: Get Your API Credentials

Opayo should have emailed your Integration Key and Password. If you can't find the email:

1.  Log into [Opayo](https://www.elavon.co.uk/) (use the **LIVE** environment, not Test).
    
2.  Log in as an **Administrator**.
    
3.  Go to the **Administrator** tab.
    
4.  Find **Password details**.
    
5.  Select **Create API credentials**.
    
6.  Confirm that you understand that creating new credentials may affect existing API integrations.
    
7.  Click **Create API credentials**.
    

You will need the following information:

-   **Environment:** LIVE (confirms you're in the live environment)
    
-   **Vendor Name:** Your account vendor name
    
-   **Integration Key:** Your username for the API
    
-   **Integration Password:** Your password for the API
    

Keep these credentials secure. You will need them to connect Opayo to Zeevou.

* * *

### Step 5: Connect Opayo to Zeevou

1.  In Zeevou, go to **Integrations → Payments**.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/ZsJZlT1KklMqTKIOUjHXh517NZvAyHPBH9iDSQUthHk6jgnJEejXuZIWR0kLHSh4qNsfeH2EoEq.webp)

2\. Select **Opayo**.

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/hy9aKvUTwW7Qn8FlXlAPRanqtSvoVRvNE5umGtEiwYtHeHyt4WQ3dJgT7HNSp8aEMdpLQ6HWuKp.webp)

3.  Click **Connect to Sagepay (Opayo by Elavon)**.
    
4.  Enter the required credentials.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/nY0gOvqccLxFwp85vX1XGrmH2ZgltEZr715mGbgXNObB92o286PRM7n1uyPnIVKsmfRtTiMnStj.webp)

Enter:

-   **Integration Key**
    
-   **Integration Password**
    
-   **Sagepay Vendor Name**
    
-   **URL:** `https://pi-live.sagepay.com/api/v1`
    

5.  Click **Connect**.
    

Zeevou will confirm when the connection is successful.

* * *

### Step 6: Enable Opayo for Card Payments

Once you have had confirmation that the settings requested in Step 2 have been completed by Opayo’s support team, you can finalise the integration:

1.  Go to **Settings → Finance**.
    
2.  Find **Payment Methods**.
    
3.  Turn on the **Card** toggle.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/n5fEJlBxX8KPQlYF77cH6KNxVuASwHsQJvNsYEv9AYrJ1YKep00jzsUD0zq2649GZ7Rr9QRLTKi.png)

4.  Select **Opayo** from the gateway dropdown.
    
5.  Click **Save**.
    

Your Opayo connection is now configured for card payments.

* * *

### Step 7: Enable Opayo for Security Deposits (Optional)

If you want to collect refundable security deposits from guests:

1.  Go to **Settings → Finance**.
    
2.  Find **Security Deposit Collection Methods**.
    
3.  Turn on the **Card** toggle.
    
4.  Select **Opayo**.
    
5.  Click **Save**.
    

* * *

### Step 8: Enable Transaction Viewing in Opayo (Optional)

Your default Opayo admin login cannot see transaction details. To view fraud warnings and full payment information:

1.  Log in to your Opayo account.
    
2.  Go to **Settings → Users**.
    
3.  Click **Create User**.
    
4.  Enter a different email address.
    
5.  Give the user **View Transactions** permission.
    
6.  Save the new user.
    

Now you can log in with this new user to see full transaction details and fraud alerts in Opayo.

* * *

### Step 9: Test Your Setup

1.  Visit your booking website.
    
2.  Make a test booking with Opayo's test card:
    
    -   **Card number:** 4929 0000 0000 6
        
    -   **Expiry:** Any future date
        
    -   **CVV:** Any 3 digits
        
3.  Complete the test booking
    
4.  Check your Opayo dashboard - the test transaction should appear
    
5.  Check your merchant account portal (Elavon/WorldPay/FirstData) - the settlement should be scheduled
    

**You're Ready!**

Guests can now book and pay on your website. Payments flow through:

1.  **Guest pays** → Card details sent to Opayo
    
2.  **Opayo processes** → Forwards to your merchant account (Elavon/WorldPay/FirstData)
    
3.  **Merchant account settles** → Funds transfer to your bank (usually 2-3 business days)
    

**View your payments:**

-   **Opayo Dashboard** - See all transactions and gateway activity
    
-   **Merchant Portal** (Elavon/WorldPay/FirstData) - See settlements and payouts to your bank
    

Once your payment gateway has been added, you can continue with [**Collect Security Deposits→**](https://support.zeevou.com/en-gb/articles/535-collect-security-deposits.md)