In Chariot, there are a few ways to handle deposits: a fully integrated deposit flow (triggered automatically when a customer signs an estimate), a custom deposit you set on any individual estimate, and a manual deposit method for when you need to collect payment outside of the signing flow. This guide covers all three.
Note: The integrated deposit flow and custom per-estimate deposits apply to moving companies enrolled in Chariot payment processing. Manual deposit collection (Options 1 and 2 below) is available to all accounts.
Setting a Custom Deposit on an Individual Estimate
As of January 2026, you can set a custom deposit amount or method on any individual estimate — overriding the default deposit set in the Estimate Format for that job only.
How to set a custom deposit:
Open the estimate for the lead or job.
Scroll to the bottom of the estimate page and locate the Deposit section.
Click the Edit button next to "Deposit".
Select a deposit setting from the options: flat rate, percentage of total, multiple of hourly estimate, card on file, or no deposit.
Enter the amount if applicable, then save.
This is separate from the global deposit setting in your Estimate Format — changes here apply to this estimate only and do not affect the Format defaults.
Tip: If you find yourself using the same custom deposit setup often, save it as an Estimate Template so it loads in 1–2 clicks for future jobs. Contact Chariot Support if you need help setting that up.
Option 1: Sending a Payment Link — Best If You Don't Have the Credit Card Number Handy
Navigate to the Lead/Job:
Go to the lead or job for which you are collecting a deposit.
Access the Payments Section:
Click on the "Results" tab.
Navigate to the "Payments" section.
Click on "New Payment".
Share the Payment Link:
Click on "Share Payment Link".
A dialogue box will appear.
Enter the deposit amount you want to charge the customer.
Send the payment link to the customer.
"Mark as Deposit"
Once the deposit is logged (under the "Payments" section of the "Results" tab), click on the three dots next to the payment.
Then click "Mark as Deposit".
The customer will receive the link and can enter their card information to complete the payment.
Option 2: Charging the Credit Card Directly — If You Have the Credit Card Number On File
Navigate to the Lead/Job:
Go to the lead or job for which you are collecting a deposit.
Access the Payments Section:
Click on the "Results" tab.
Navigate to the "Payments" section.
Click on "New Payment".
Charge the Credit Card:
Click on "Charge Credit Card".
A dialogue box will appear.
Enter the deposit amount you want to charge the customer.
Note: You will need to manually calculate and include a 3% surcharge in the deposit amount if applicable, as this method does not automatically apply it.
Enter the customer's credit card information.
Click on "Charge Credit Card" to process the payment.
"Mark as Deposit"
Once the deposit is logged (under the "Payments" section of the "Results" tab), click on the three dots next to the payment.
Then click "Mark as Deposit".
Limitations
Manual methods are separate from the integrated deposit flow: Using Options 1 or 2 means Chariot will not automatically prompt customers to pay a deposit after signing their estimate. You must manually handle the payment process as described above.
By following these steps, you can successfully collect deposits from your customers using Chariot. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, please contact our support team.