> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.phptravels.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.phptravels.com/payments/pay-later.md).

# Pay Later

PHPTRAVELS pay later options: let customers reserve a booking now and pay for it afterwards offline, starting with bank wire transfer, with no card needed.

Pay later in PHPTRAVELS lets a customer reserve a booking now and pay afterwards offline, without entering a card at checkout. The booking is held in an unpaid (or pending payment) state until your team confirms that money has arrived or another agreed step is complete.

Parent: [Payments](https://docs.phptravels.com/payments). Child guide: [Wire transfer](https://docs.phptravels.com/payments/pay-later/wire-transfer).

### How it differs from card gateways

|                     | Online gateway (Stripe, PayPal, ...) | Pay later                                            |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| Payment at checkout | Card / wallet charged immediately    | No card required                                     |
| Booking status      | Usually paid / confirmed on success  | Held unpaid until staff confirm                      |
| Typical use         | Instant confirmation products        | Bank transfer, office payment, agreed deferred terms |
| Risk                | Gateway settles funds                | You control when to ticket / confirm                 |

### Wire transfer vs general pay later

* **Wire transfer** -- Shows your bank details at checkout; customer pays from their bank; staff mark the booking paid when funds clear. See [Wire transfer](https://docs.phptravels.com/payments/pay-later/wire-transfer).
* **Pay later (general)** -- Same idea of unpaid hold; use when you accept other offline settlement (cash at office, invoice terms) according to how you configure the method in admin.

### Admin setup

1. Open **Settings -> Payment Gateways** (or Pay later settings).
2. Enable **Pay later** / the offline method you need.
3. Enter any customer-facing instructions (what to do next, deadlines, contact).
4. For wire transfer, enter bank account details used on the checkout page.
5. Decide which modules may offer pay later (flights, hotels, packages, and so on) according to your risk policy.
6. Train staff on how to mark bookings paid and when to release tickets / vouchers.

### Unpaid booking lifecycle

1. Customer completes booking details and selects pay later.
2. System creates the booking in unpaid / pending status and shows next-step instructions.
3. Customer pays offline (bank transfer or other agreed method).
4. Staff verify payment and mark the booking paid / confirmed in the admin.
5. Vouchers, tickets or supplier confirmations are issued according to your process.

Until step 4, treat supplier commitments carefully: do not ticket irreversible inventory unless your commercial process allows it.

### Tips

* State a clear payment deadline in the instructions.
* Match currency on the invoice to the bank account you publish.
* Keep a note on the booking of the transfer reference when the customer sends it.