> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://doc.hpay.host-sl.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Accepting Deposits

> Learn how to accept payments and fund user wallets via Card and Mobile Money

## Overview

HOST Pay supports two primary methods for adding funds to user wallets: **Credit/Debit Cards** (via Stripe) and **Mobile Money** (via Monime). This guide explains how to implement both flows and handle the associated logic.

## Deposit Methods

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Card Payments" icon="credit-card">
    Global payments via Stripe. Supports Visa, Mastercard, and more.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mobile Money" icon="mobile">
    Local payments in Sierra Leone via Orange Money and Africell Money.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## 1. Card Deposits (Stripe)

Card deposits use Stripe's secure infrastructure. The process involves creating a **Payment Intent** on the server and confirming it on the client side.

### The Flow

1. **Initialize**: Call the [Create Card Deposit](/api-reference/transactions/card-deposit) endpoint with the `wallet_id` and `amount`.
2. **Authorize**: Use the `stripe_client_secret` returned in the response to initialize Stripe Elements or a mobile SDK.
3. **Confirm**: The user completes the payment in your UI.
4. **Finalize**: HOST Pay automatically listens for Stripe webhooks and credits the user's wallet upon successful payment.

### Fee Handling

Card deposits typically involve:

* **Provider Fee**: Charged by Stripe (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢).
* **Application Fee**: Your configured platform fee (set in the Dashboard).

The `amount` you specify in the API request is the **net amount** the user receives in their wallet.

***

## 2. Mobile Money Deposits (Monime)

For users in Sierra Leone, Mobile Money is the preferred method. These transactions are processed via Monime.

### The Flow

1. **Request**: Call the [Mobile Money Deposit](/api-reference/transactions/mobile-money-deposit) endpoint.
2. **Push Notification**: The user receives a PIN prompt (USSD Push) on their phone.
3. **Approval**: Once the user enters their PIN and approves, the funds are instantly deducted from their mobile money account.
4. **Credit**: HOST Pay receives confirmation and credits the wallet immediately.

### Currency Handling

When a user initiates a mobile money deposit, they enter the amount in **Sierra Leone Leones (SLE)**.

* **If Base Currency is SLE**: The wallet is credited with the exact SLE amount.
* **If Base Currency is USD**: The system automatically converts the SLE amount to USD using the real-time exchange rate before crediting the wallet.

See the [Currency & Conversions](/guides/currency-conversion) guide for more details.

***

## Best Practices

### Webhooks

Always implement [Webhooks](/webhooks/overview) to listen for `payment.succeeded` and `payment.failed` events. Do not rely solely on the client-side confirmation to update your own database or provide services to the user.

### Idempotency

Use `idempotency_key` (if supported by specific endpoints) or ensure your backend handles duplicate webhook events gracefully to prevent double-crediting wallets.

### Error Handling

Common deposit failures include:

* **Insufficient Funds**: The user doesn't have enough in their card or mobile money account.
* **Limit Exceeded**: The transaction exceeds Stripe or Mobile Money provider limits.
* **User Cancellation**: The user explicitly cancels the USSD prompt or closes the Stripe checkout.
* **Prepaid Balance Overdraft (Client-Managed)**: If your application is Client-Managed and your prepaid balance falls below the overdraft limit (default `-50.00`), all new deposits will be blocked immediately with a `403 Forbidden` response. Refer to the [Prepaid Billing Guide](/guides/billing) for details on topping up.

## Related Topics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Fee Configuration" icon="percentage" href="/api-reference/introduction">
    Manage your application fees
  </Card>

  <Card title="Wallet Balances" icon="wallet" href="/guides/wallets">
    Manage user wallet states
  </Card>
</CardGroup>