Down payments (8)
I believe the answer is:
deposits
'down payments' is the definition.
('deposit' can be a synonym of 'down payment')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for deposits that I've seen before include "Despots I find making bank lodgements" , "Matter laid down or money in the bank" , "Lodgements or down payments" , "Lodges in bank" , "Lays down-inbank account?" .)