What payment methods can I use?
Defera accepts debit and credit cards, on every plan. Bank transfers, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay, Google Pay, checks and cryptocurrency aren't accepted.
If you'd like your payments to come from your bank account, there's an easy way to do it: use a debit card linked to that account, such as the one your bank already issued you.
Why do I need a card?
Every plan needs a card on file: the debit or credit card your payments are charged to. Your payments are charged to it automatically on their schedule, so you don't have to remember to pay.
That's why checkout asks for a card, even when Defera Credit covers everything due today. The card is saved for your future payments, and it's charged $0 at booking when credit covers what's due.
What do you accept?
Here's the full picture:
| Payment method | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Debit cards | Yes |
| Credit cards | Yes |
| Prepaid, gift and stored-value cards | Not on installment plans |
| Bank account payments (ACH, direct debit, e-check) | No |
| Bank transfers and wires | No |
| PayPal, Venmo or Cash App | No |
| Apple Pay or Google Pay | No |
| Checks or cryptocurrency | No |
The short version: regular debit and credit cards are accepted, and other ways to pay aren't.
Can I pay from my bank account?
Not directly. There's no way to pay from a checking account, no direct debit and no e-check. But any debit card drawn on that same bank account works, including the card your bank already issued you.
For example, if you'd like your payments to come out of your checking account, add the debit card for that account at checkout, or later with Update Card. Your payments are then charged to that card.
What about prepaid and gift cards?
Prepaid cards, including gift cards and other stored-value cards, aren't accepted on installment plans. The decline doesn't always say why, so if a card keeps failing and it's prepaid, switch to a regular debit or credit card.
Are there other ways to lower what I pay?
Yes. These aren't payment methods, but they can bring the price of your trip down at checkout. Any payments left on your plan are still charged to your card on file.
- Defera Credit. Credit on your Defera account applies automatically at checkout, to your deposit first.
- Defera Miles. Your Miles can be applied at checkout to lower your price.
- Airline travel credits and airline gift cards. You can apply these at checkout under Travel Credits & Gift Cards. The amount comes off the fare right away and shows "Pending verification" until our team verifies it with the airline.
How do I change my card later?
To change the card on file for a trip, tap Update Card on that trip, as described in Updating your card.