Installments or Defera Zero: which should I choose?
Choose Defera Zero if you'd like nothing due when you book and your fare qualifies. Choose Defera Installments for any other fare, or for a Flight + Hotel package.
Both plans let you book now and pay over time, with no credit check and no interest. Both secure your trip price once your booking is approved. The differences are what's due today, which fares qualify and what you get back if you cancel.
How do the plans compare?
A deposit is the part of your trip price you pay upfront, when you book. Here's how the two plans line up:
| Defera Installments | Defera Zero | |
|---|---|---|
| Due when you book | A deposit, as low as 5% on trips more than 90 days away | Nothing |
| Which fares | Any fare on the airlines we support | Refundable fares on American, United, Southwest, JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic |
| Your payments | Automatic, weekly or bi-weekly | Automatic and equal, weekly or bi-weekly |
| Flight + Hotel packages | Yes | No |
| Defera Miles at checkout | Yes | Yes |
| Cancelling later | Your cancellation screen shows the options for your trip | 75% of what you've paid back, up to 24 hours before departure |
| Cancel for Defera Credit | On select bookings | On select bookings |
The takeaway: Defera Zero costs nothing today and includes a cash option if your plans change, but it works only on certain fares. Defera Installments asks for a deposit and works on any fare on the airlines we support.
What if my plans change?
This is where the plans differ most. Either way, your cancellation screen shows your options and the exact amounts before you confirm anything.
- Defera Installments: if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, your deposit is refunded in full to your card, automatically. After that, your cancellation screen shows the options for your trip.
- Defera Zero: if you cancel before your first payment, nothing is charged. After your first payment, you can get 75% of what you've paid back to your card, up to 24 hours before departure.
- Both plans: some trips can be cancelled for Defera Credit worth 100% of what you've paid. Defera Credit is offered on select bookings, and eligibility may vary.
For example, say you're on Defera Zero, you've paid $400 so far, and you cancel two weeks before departure. You'd get $300 back to your card, or $400 in Defera Credit if your trip offers it.
Defera Credit is credit on your Defera account for a future booking. It never expires, but it can't be exchanged for cash. What you get back when you cancel explains every option.
Which one fits my trip?
Defera Zero may suit you if
- You'd rather pay nothing today.
- Your fare is refundable and on one of these airlines: American, United, Southwest, JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic.
- You're booking a flight only.
- You'd like the option of cash back if your plans change: 75% of what you've paid, up to 24 hours before departure.
Defera Installments may suit you if
- The fare you want isn't refundable, or it's on an airline that doesn't offer Defera Zero.
- You're booking a Flight + Hotel package.
- You're comfortable paying a deposit when you book.
How do I compare them for my own trip?
Checkout offers Defera Zero only when your fare qualifies. When it does, your checkout page shows what's due today, your payments and your trip total for the plan you pick, so you can compare the two before you book.