Require a deposit when clients book — automatically
Stop losing money to no-shows. Pulse collects a deposit when clients book and charges the card automatically if they don't show up. Set it up once. It runs itself.
Get started freeHow it works
01
Set your deposit amount
Choose a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the service price. Set it per-service — a colour treatment can require more than a quick trim.
02
Client pays at booking
When a client books online, Pulse collects the deposit through Stripe. The client sees the deposit amount and policy before confirming.
03
No-show? Charge automatically
If a client no-shows or cancels inside your policy window, Pulse charges the remaining balance (or the full no-show fee) to the card automatically. No awkward calls.
Everything you need to protect your revenue
Per-service deposit rules
Set different deposit amounts for different services. A 3-hour colour appointment can require a $50 deposit. A 20-minute trim can have none.
Card-on-file for no-show fees
After the deposit is collected, the client's card stays on file. Late cancel or no-show? The additional fee is charged automatically — you never have to ask.
Revenue Protected dashboard
See exactly how much money Pulse has saved you from no-shows and cancellations. Your Revenue Protected number shows the real ROI of deposits.
How Pulse deposits compare
| Feature | Pulse | Acuity | Calendly | Square |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deposits at booking | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| No-show auto-charge beyond deposit | ✓ | — | — | Partial |
| Card-on-file for future charges | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| CAD pricing | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Revenue Protected metric | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Per-service deposit rules | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a client disputes the deposit charge?
Stripe's built-in dispute process handles chargebacks. Pulse provides a record of the deposit policy the client agreed to at booking — this is the most important evidence in a dispute. Chargeback rates for deposits with clear upfront policies are very low.
Can I refund a deposit if a client cancels with enough notice?
Yes. You can refund deposits manually from your Pulse dashboard at any time. If a client cancels within your free-cancellation window, you can refund the deposit in one click. Pulse doesn't refund automatically — you stay in control.
Do clients need to create an account to pay a deposit?
No. Clients pay the deposit as part of the booking flow using any credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. No account creation required. The card is stored securely by Stripe for future charges.
Start protecting your appointments today
Set up deposits in under 5 minutes. Free to start — no credit card required.
Get started free