It covers the total, not just the base price
Service fees and cleaning fees are part of the booking total, and credit applies to that total. So a given amount of credit buys roughly what it says, which is unusual in this category.
Currency has to match
Credit is held in one currency and only applies to an account set to that currency. An account set up in another country will refuse it outright.
This is the main failure here, and it is common with travel because people set accounts up while abroad. Ask which currency they see prices in.
Whole nights or an obvious contribution
Accommodation prices vary enormously, so a fixed amount rarely covers a neat unit. Two honest approaches:
- Cover a whole night at the kind of place they stay.
- Give a clearly round amount and say it is towards the trip.
The awkward case is an amount that nearly covers a night — it does not help them decide anything.
Cancellations
Refunds on cancelled bookings normally return as credit rather than money, sometimes with different terms from the original. Anyone booking something cancellable should know that going in.
Experiences too
In many markets the platform sells activities as well as stays, and credit covers those. Useful for someone who already has accommodation sorted.
Asking for one
Country and currency, and the amount. See the travel guide and gift cards and currency.