When you click Refund in a booking's Payment Summary, the How would you like to issue this refund? window asks you to choose one of three refund methods. Each one affects the invoice differently. For step-by-step instructions, see How to Refund a Booking.
Which Refund Method Should I Use?
Reverse a charge — to reverse a specific card charge and return money to the original payment method, in full or in part.
Refund and adjust balance — to refund an amount and lower the booking's remaining balance by the same amount.
Refund as compensation — for a courtesy refund that leaves the invoice unchanged.
If you're changing the booking itself — removing a date, experience, or guests, or changing a price — edit the booking first instead, and Brindlechute calculates the refund for you. See How to Handle a Partial Cancellation or How to Override Prices on a Booking.
Reverse a Charge (Affects Invoice Balance)
Reverses a client charge or transaction. The full charge is reversed from the invoice balance, and the refund goes back to the original payment method. You can refund less than the full charge — for example, to keep a cancellation fee.
In the Reverse a charge window:
Refund settings lists each client who paid on the booking, with their payment methods. Check the box next to each charge you want to reverse.
Each charge shows an Include processing fees toggle with the processing fee on that payment, the charge's Balance, and the Amount to refund.
The Summary breaks down what was paid — fees, tax, and balance — and the total Amount to refund.
Booking impact previews the booking balance, balance paid, client credit change, and outstanding balance after the refund.
Click Confirm refund $X.XX to finish.
Refund and Adjust Balance
Refunds the client and reduces the remaining balance by the refund amount.
When you select this method, Brindlechute asks whether you're adjusting items on the booking:
If you're changing the booking, click Edit booking. After you save your changes, the Confirm update to booking window suggests the refund for you. See Understanding the Confirm Update to Booking Window.
To enter an amount directly, check No, I just want to provide a refund and decrease the invoice balance, click Next, then enter the refund amount for each payment method.
Refund as Compensation (Does Not Affect Invoice Balance)
Refunds any amount you choose without applying it to the invoice. The balance paid and outstanding balance stay the same; the refund appears in your payment totals as a refunded amount. Use it for courtesy refunds or amounts you're settling outside the invoice.
In the window, enter the Amount to refund for each client under Refund settings. The Summary shows what was paid and the total you're refunding. Click Confirm refund $X.XX to finish.
Split Payments
If more than one client paid on the booking, each client has their own section under Refund settings, listing only their payment methods. Select or enter a refund for each client you're refunding.
Note: Refunds are processed on the original payment methods. It may take 5–15 business days for the funds to appear on your guest's account.
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