Choosing your deposit
Your deposit is the amount you pay today when you book with Defera Installments. The rest of your trip total is then split into automatic weekly or bi-weekly payments. Your deposit options depend on how far away your trip is, and you'll see them at checkout. They can be as low as 5% on trips more than 90 days away.
Your deposit also does an important job: once your booking is approved, your agreed-upon trip price, the price you agree to at checkout, is secured.
How do deposit options work?
- How far away your trip is decides your options. The further away your departure, the lower the deposits you can choose from. On trips more than 90 days away, they start as low as 5%.
- You choose at checkout. In your payment schedule, you pick your deposit and whether to pay weekly or bi-weekly. Checkout then shows what's due today, how many payments follow, the amount of each and the date of your last one.
- It's calculated before the hold fee. Your deposit is calculated on your subtotal before the hold fee. The hold fee, which covers the cost of letting you pay over time, is included in your trip total.
- Trips depart at least 22 days out. Closer dates can't be booked at all.
For example, say your trip is more than 90 days away and your subtotal before the hold fee is $1,000. A 5% deposit would be $50, due today. The rest of your trip total, including the hold fee, is then split across your payments.
Should I choose a smaller or larger deposit?
That's up to you and your budget. A smaller deposit means paying less today, with a little more in each payment after. A larger deposit means paying more today, with smaller payments after. There's no interest, so your trip total is the same either way.
What does my deposit secure?
Once your booking is approved, your agreed-upon trip price is secured. It's protected from future airfare increases as long as you keep up with your payment plan, which we call being in good standing.
Your airline confirmation number comes later, once your trip is paid in full.
Can I pay less today?
- Defera Zero. Nothing is due at booking on Defera Zero, our 0%-down plan. It's available only on refundable fares from American, United, Southwest, JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, and not on Flight + Hotel packages.
- Defera Credit. Any credit on your account applies automatically at checkout, to your deposit first.
- Defera Miles. When you apply Miles at checkout, the price drops before your payment plan is built, so your deposit and every payment shrink.
Can I pay more later?
Yes. You can pay ahead, make an extra payment or pay off your trip early at any time from Make a Payment on your trip, with no penalty. Paying off sooner gets your confirmation number released sooner.
What if I change my mind?
If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, your deposit is refunded in full to the card you paid with, automatically, with no questions asked. Most of the time, the charge drops off your statement within a day or so. If it had already posted, the money returns to your card within a few business days.