What is a bank guarantee
A bank guarantee (also known as a pre-authorization or reservation deposit hold) works by asking customers to provide their credit card details when booking. A predefined amount is "held" on the customer's account — it's not charged, but it ensures the funds are available.
If the customer shows up or cancels within the allowed timeframe, the hold is automatically released with no charge whatsoever. Only in the event of a no-show (absence without cancellation) is the guarantee amount actually charged. The restaurant is compensated, and the customer understands that their reservation carried real value.
of Michelin-starred restaurants in France require a bank guarantee at booking. Establishments that adopt it see their no-show rate plummet from 14% to roughly 1%.
Bank guarantee vs prepayment
It's important not to confuse a bank guarantee with prepayment. A guarantee doesn't charge the customer if they show up — it's a hold, not an advance payment. Prepayment, on the other hand, collects a deposit or the full meal price before the visit. Bank guarantees are better accepted by customers because they cost nothing as long as the reservation is honored.
Why restaurants are adopting it
Bank guarantees are no longer reserved for Michelin-starred restaurants. More and more traditional establishments are adopting them, driven by rising no-show rates and the economic pressures facing the industry.
An economic climate that demands action
In a climate where the French restaurant sector is seeing record failures — nearly 8,900 establishments between 2024 and 2025 — every euro counts. Margins are tight, ingredient costs are rising, and no-shows represent lost revenue that many restaurants can no longer afford.
For some establishments, the bank guarantee has become a survival tool, not just a convenience. It helps secure projected revenue and better manage purchasing, inventory, and staff scheduling.
Customers, for their part, are increasingly accustomed to the practice. The rise of online booking has normalized providing card details to secure a table, much like booking a hotel room.
Implementing the guarantee without losing customers
The main concern for restaurant owners is the fear of driving customers away. Here are best practices for introducing the bank guarantee smoothly and transparently.
Choose the right services
You don't have to activate the guarantee for every service. The most common strategy is to start with the services most exposed to no-shows: Friday evenings, Saturday evenings, public holidays, or special events (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, New Year's Eve).
A weekday lunch service with a regular office crowd probably doesn't need a bank guarantee. Tailor your policy to your reality.
Communicate transparently
Transparency is key
Clearly explain at the time of booking: the amount held (not charged), the conditions for charging (only in case of no-show), the free cancellation window, and the fact that the hold is automatically released if the customer shows up or cancels on time. A well-informed customer is far more accepting of the process.
Set a reasonable amount
The guarantee amount should be enough to deter no-shows without being disproportionate. Common practices vary by establishment type:
- € Traditional restaurant — €15 to €25 per person, equivalent to the price of a main course.
- €€ Fine dining restaurant — €30 to €50 per person, proportional to the average check.
- €€€ Michelin-starred / tasting menu — €50 to €100 per person, up to the full menu price.
Allow a comfortable cancellation window
A cancellation window of 24 to 48 hours before the meal is the most widely accepted standard. It gives customers time to cancel if something comes up while allowing you to reassign the table. Some restaurants opt for 72 hours for large parties (6+ guests) or special events.
The legal framework in France
Bank guarantees are legal in France, but they are governed by rules that restaurant owners must follow to protect consumer rights.
Consent is mandatory. The customer must be clearly informed of the terms before providing their card details. They must explicitly agree to the guarantee amount and the conditions under which they may be charged.
Charging is not automatic. In the event of a no-show, the customer receives a notification from their bank asking whether they accept the charge. The law prohibits charging without consent, meaning a customer can theoretically refuse the debit. In practice, refusals remain very rare.
Bank data security is governed by GDPR and PCI DSS standards. Card details must be processed by a certified payment provider — never stored directly by the restaurant. The payment provider handles the pre-authorization and any eventual charge.
How ReservFlow handles bank guarantees
ReservFlow's Bank guarantee option at €10/month integrates directly into the booking flow. Customers enter their card details during online booking through a secure PCI DSS-compliant form.
You stay in full control: activate the guarantee on the services of your choice (lunch, dinner, specific days only), set the guarantee amount per person, and define the cancellation deadline. The system automatically handles the pre-authorization, customer notifications, and charging in the event of a no-show.
Combined with the automatic reminders included in the base subscription, the bank guarantee forms a complete anti no-show shield. Reminders handle forgetfulness; the guarantee deters irresponsible behavior.
Bank Guarantee Option — €10/month (excl. VAT)
PCI DSS-secured pre-authorization, configurable by service, customizable amount and deadline, automatic charging for no-shows, customer notifications included.
Learn more about this option