Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

You just made a reservation—congrats! So, what happens next? Your payment method will be charged as soon as your reservation is confirmed (excluding security deposits). This applies for Instant Book, too.

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No matter how far in advance you book, the Host doesn’t receive payment until 24 hours after your scheduled check-in. This gives both of you time to make sure everything is as expected.

Payment plan

If you choose a payment plan, you’ll pay a portion of the total upon confirmation, and the remaining balance will be automatically charged on the date(s) listed at checkout.

Long-term reservations

For reservations of 28 nights or more, you’ll be charged an initial down payment for the first month upon confirmation. After that, you'll be charged monthly. You can review the dates of your monthly payments during checkout. Get more detail on paying for long-term reservations.

Scheduled payments

To check when you’ll be charged for upcoming payments, after your receipt is issued:

    1. Go to Trips and select the trip you want to check
    2. Under What you’ve booked, click your reservation
    3. Under Payment info, click Get receipts
    4. Under Your payment details, go to Scheduled payments

    • Paying for your trip

      When are you charged for a reservation? What do you do if you can’t complete your transaction? Let’s break down the financials and get answe…

    • Payment plans

      You'll pay for part of your reservation upon booking confirmation and future payments will be deducted automatically on the dates listed on …

    • Payment methods accepted

      We support different payment methods depending on the country your payment account is located in.

    For a booking Request, you aren't charged until the host clicks on "Accept". They might do that immediately when they receive your request, or it may take them some time to do that, or they might message you first to make sure you have read through the listing info, have entered the correct number of guests, etc. before accepting. 

    If you just want to ask the host some questions before committing to a booking, you should send an Inquiry, not a Request. To send an Inquiry, click on "Contact Host" at the bottom of their listing description. An Inquiry doesn't commit you in any way and even if the host pre-approves it, you won't be charged until you take a further step. But the place could get booked by someone else between you sending an Inquiry and the host responding., so there is no guarantee that the dates you are inquiring about will still be available if ad by the time you decide to book.

    @Elizabeth2090

    @Jen7132  You have to give more specific information in order for anyone to be able to give you an on point answer. How long did this guest book for? If it is a long term booking, you will be paid monthly. So if the guest booked for 2 months, you would get the first month's payment after theey check in, and the second the following month.

    If it's a short term, there is no way a guest can check in without having paid the full amount. If they opted to pay in two installments, if they didn't come through with the second payment, Airbnb would have cancelled the booking. 

    In any case, if there is a payment question or issue, you don't start by confronting the guest- you contact Airbnb, as they handle the payments. 

    Are you having a hard time finding Airbnb payment answers? The last thing you want is an unexpected charge on your credit card. In this Airbnb when do you pay article we will cover all questions from Airbnb payment methods to how much Airbnb charges.

    For Airbnb guests, your payment is collected once the host accepts your reservation request or you book a reservation with instant booking.

    For Airbnb hosts, your payment is held for 24 hours after your guest’s check-in. This is to confirm your listing is as expected or there isn’t any discrepancy with your guest.

    Now let’s get to some of the most commonly asked questions out there.

    TABLE OF CONTENT

    1. How To Pay For Airbnb
    2. How To Change Airbnb Method
    3. What Are Airbnb Payment Options
    4. When Does Airbnb Charge You
    5. How Much Does Airbnb Charge Hosts
    6. How Much Does Airbnb Charge Guests
    7. How Much Does Airbnb Take
    8. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    How To Pay For Airbnb

    The most common Airbnb payment options are Visa, Amex, Mastercard, JCB, Debit Cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Paypal. Additionally, you can pay with gift cards and coupons.

    Each country may accept different methods of payment which will be available on the Airbnb checkout page.

    1. Pick Your Location, Booking Date, and Number of Guests

    Choose the Airbnb you want to book, set the date and number of guests. Then click reserve.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    2. Choose How To Pay For Your Airbnb Booking

    Under choose how to pay, you will have two options. You can pay in full or pay 50% which is only available for bookings further than 14 days out.

    Pay in full means you pay 100% of the total cost at the time of booking.

    When you choose to pay part now, part later. You pay 50% upfront at the time of booking and the other 50% later. Airbnb will notify you when you’re final payment is due.

    As for this example, under the pay part now, and part later, Airbnb notified me that my final payment of $546.94 is due Sep 1 when my booking is for Sept 16-18.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    3. Choose Your Airbnb Payment Method

    You will have the option of using an existing payment method or adding a new payment method.

    The most popular Airbnb payment methods include Visa, Amex, Mastercard, JCB, Debit Cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Paypal.

    Under pay with, you will notice a drop-down menu. When you click on it, you will have the option of choosing an existing payment method or adding a new payment method.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying
    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    4. Confirm All The Details Are Right and Pay

    The final step is to check over the details. Make sure your dates are right, you like the cleaning/service fee, cancellation policy, price, etc.

    At the bottom click on confirm and pay Airbnb. You are all set!

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    How To Change Airbnb Payment Method On A Computer

    On your computer, under the Payments & Payouts section, you can add, change, set a default, or remove a previous Airbnb payment method. Let’s get started.

    1. Click On Your Profile Picture And Scroll Down To Account

    On your computer, visit Airbnb.com and click on your profile picture in the top right corner. A drop-down menu will appear. Scroll down until you find Account and click on it.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying
    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    2. Under The Account Section, Click On Payments & Payouts

    Under the Account section on the right side, you will see the Payments & payouts. Click on it.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    3. Add, Set Default, Change, or Remove Your Airbnb Payment Method

    Once you are in the Payments & Payouts section, you will be able to add, set a default, edit, or remove an Airbnb payment method.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    Click the three dots on the right side to change, remove or set a new default Airbnb payment method.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    At the bottom, click on the add payment method button to add a new payment method.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying
    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    4. Using A Gift Card or Coupon As Your Airbnb Payment Method

    The last two options you will have is to use an Airbnb gift card or apply a coupon as your Airbnb payment method. When you qualify for Airbnb Superhost status, Airbnb will send you a $100 USD gift certificate each year.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    How To Change Airbnb Payment Methods On Your Phone

    On your phone, under the payments & payouts section, you are able to add, remove, or change your Airbnb payment method. Furthermore, you can add a gift card or coupon.

    1. Click On Your Profile At The Bottom Right

    On your phone, open your Airbnb app and sign in. Click on your profile at the bottom right of your home screen.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    2. Under Account Settings, Click On Payments and Payouts

    Within the account settings, near the top, click on Payments and payouts.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    3. Under Payments & Payouts, Click on Payment Methods or Credits & Coupons

    Within Payments & Payouts, click on Payment methods to add or remove your payment options. If you have a gift card or coupon to use, the credits & coupons section will be where you add them.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    4. Add or Edit Your Airbnb Payment Method

    To add an Airbnb payment method on your phone, click on the add payment method at the bottom. You will notice the default method under one of the payment options.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    Once you clicked on the add payment method, you will have the ability to add a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. These options will vary depending on where you live.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying
    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    5. Setting A Default Or Delete An Existing Airbnb Payment Method

    To delete or set a default payment method, click on the arrow on the right side. Once you have more than one payment option you can change the default payment.

    On some phones, the arrow icon will be a three-dot icon.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying
    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    What Are Airbnb Payment Options

    Airbnb payment options are ways you can pay for your Airbnb booking. In most countries your Airbnb payment options include:

    1. Credit Cards – Mastercard, Visa, Amex, Debit Credit Cards, JCB
    2. Apple Pay
    3. Google Pay
    4. PayPal

    Specific Country Airbnb Payment Options Include:

    1. Brazil – Aura, Hipercard, Elo
    2. China – Alipay, WeChat Pay
    3. USA – Discover
    4. India – PayU
    5. Germany – Sofort Uberweisung
    6. Italy – Postepay
    7. Netherland – iDEAL

    For further information check out Airbnb payments.

    When Does Airbnb Charge You

    For Airbnb guests, your payment is collected once the host accepts your reservation request or you book a reservation with instant booking.

    This charge can be in full payment or if you are more than 14 days out from your booking date you will have the option of choosing to pay 50% now and 50% later.

    The final 50% payment will be determined by Airbnb and included in the checkout details and your trip details after you book.

    For non Instant Bookings, you will be charged as soon as the host accepts the booking. If they deny your booking request you will not be charged.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    How Much Does Airbnb Charge Hosts

    Airbnb charges hosts a service fee of 3% of the booking subtotal. The subtotal is the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and extra guest fee added together.

    How Much Does Airbnb Charge Guests

    Airbnb charges guests a service fee on average of 14% of the booking subtotal.

    Can you reserve an Airbnb without paying

    For more information check out Airbnb fee breakdown.

    How Much Does Airbnb Take

    Airbnb takes a total of 17-20% service fee. This includes a fee from both hosts and guests.

    FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

    • How To Split Payment on Airbnb?
    • Do You Have To Pay Upfront for Airbnb?
    • How To Pay For Airbnb Without A Credit Card?
    • How Long Do Airbnb Refunds Take?
    • Does Airbnb Accept Afterpay?
    • Can You Use Debit Cards For Airbnb?
    • Does Airbnb Accept PayPal?

    How To Split Payment on Airbnb

    You are not able to split payments on Airbnb with multiple guests. As of 2018, Airbnb no longer lets you split or share a payment between guests or multiple credit cards.

    It was offered until 2018 and then discontinued. The reason Airbnb split payments was canceled is due to the hosting community.

    Airbnb guests would book an Airbnb and split the payment among many other guests. When one guest didn’t pay on time then the booking would be canceled.

    This blocked off the host calendar preventing them from receiving other bookings which made the hosting community upset and put pressure on Airbnb to ultimately cancel the program in 2018.

    Do You Have To Pay Upfront For Airbnb

    You don’t have to pay the full Airbnb payment upfront. If you book your Airbnb 14 days or more in advance, you can choose to pay 50% upfront at the time of booking and the other 50% closer to your check-in date.

    Do You Need A Credit Card For Airbnb

    You are not able to pay for Airbnb without a credit card on the app or website. This is due to security and insurance reasons. However, if you do have cash, you are able to purchase a prepaid credit card and use that for your Airbnb bookings.

    How Long Do Airbnb Refunds Take

    Airbnb refunds take between 5-10 business days for the full refund. On average you will receive your full Airbnb refund within 7 days.

    For more information check out Airbnb refund article.

    Does Airbnb Accept Afterpay

    As of 2022, Airbnb does not accept Afterpay as a payment method

    Can You Use Debit Cards For Airbnb

    You can use debit cards as a payment method for booking an Airbnb.

    Does Airbnb Accept PayPal

    Airbnb accepts PayPal as a payment method if you are a guest and as a payout method if you are a host.

    What Is The Airbnb Resolution Center?

    How To Change Your Airbnb Password

    Top 3 Airbnb Forums

    Final Thoughts

    The purpose of this article is to inform you about Airbnb payments. Nobody likes to be surprised by an unexpected credit card charge that puts them over for the month.

    If you were ever wondering about payment questions, now you have the answers.

    What does it mean to reserve on Airbnb?

    Review details and then tap Reserve. If you are shown Confirm and pay, you can book instantly. If you are shown Request to book, you can add payment info, review the policies and terms, and message the host before you submit.

    Do you have to pay Airbnb all up front?

    Before today, Airbnb guests paid for 100% of the trip at the time of booking. With Pay Less Up Front, guests can pay for part of the trip at the time of booking – a 50% deposit in most cases – and pay the rest closer to the check-in date.