Airbnb holds your payment until after check-in, then releases it to the host

When you book an Airbnb, your payment doesn't go straight to the host. Airbnb collects the full amount from your card or bank account at the time of booking, but holds it in their system. The host doesn't receive the money until 24 hours after you check in. This delay exists to protect both sides: if something goes wrong with the listing or the stay, you have time to report it before the host gets paid.

The exact timing depends on how the host has set up their payout method. If they use Airbnb's standard payout (direct deposit to a bank account), the money typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days after that 24-hour window closes. If they use a third-party service like Payoneer or Wise, the timeline can vary. Hosts can see when money will arrive in their Airbnb dashboard under "Payouts."

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb charges your payment method at booking but holds the money for 24 hours after you check in before sending it to the host.
  • Hosts receive payouts through direct deposit (5 to 7 business days), Payoneer, Wise, or other connected accounts depending on their settings.
  • If you cancel before the 24-hour post-check-in window, your refund goes back to your original payment method, not through Airbnb's payout system.
  • The total price you see at checkout includes the nightly rate, Airbnb's service fee, and any cleaning or other fees the host added.
  • Disputes about charges or refunds go through Airbnb's Resolution Center, which has a 30-day window from the checkout date to file a claim.

What's included in the price you pay

The amount Airbnb charges your card breaks down into several parts. The nightly rate is what the host set. On top of that, Airbnb adds a service fee, which ranges from roughly 14% to 16% of the nightly rate depending on your location and the listing type. The host may also add a cleaning fee (a flat amount per stay), a service fee of their own, or a pet fee if applicable.

Taxes vary by location and are added at checkout. Some cities and regions require Airbnb to collect occupancy tax, hotel tax, or tourism tax directly from you. These appear as separate line items on your receipt. The final total is what gets charged to your card.

How refunds work if you cancel

Airbnb's cancellation policy determines whether you get money back and how much. Each listing shows its policy at booking: strict (refund only if you cancel more than 30 days out), moderate (partial refund if you cancel 7 to 30 days out), flexible (refund if you cancel 1 to 5 days out), or non-refundable. Some hosts also offer a "super strict" policy with almost no refund window.

If your cancellation qualifies for a refund under the policy, the money goes back to your original payment method—the same card or bank account you used to book. This return typically takes 5 to 10 business days, depending on your bank. Airbnb's service fee is usually not refunded, even if the host's portion is. If you cancel after the refund window closes, you receive nothing.

If the host cancels on you, Airbnb refunds the full amount to your original payment method and often offers a credit toward a future booking as compensation. This refund processes faster than a guest-initiated cancellation, usually within 3 to 5 business days.

Payment methods Airbnb accepts

Airbnb takes credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and bank transfers in some regions. The payment method you choose at checkout is the one that gets charged. If that card declines, Airbnb will attempt to charge a backup payment method you've added to your account.

Some countries allow direct bank transfer as a payment option, which can take longer to process but avoids card fees. If you're booking from outside the United States, your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee on top of Airbnb's charges, depending on your card's terms.

Disputes and chargebacks

If something goes wrong—the listing doesn't match the photos, the host cancels without reason, or you're charged incorrectly—you can file a claim in Airbnb's Resolution Center. You have 30 days from your checkout date to open a case. Airbnb's support team reviews the claim and decides whether to refund you, ask the host for compensation, or deny the claim.

If Airbnb's decision doesn't satisfy you, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. This is called a chargeback. However, Airbnb discourages this route because it can result in your account being permanently suspended. Use the Resolution Center first. If you do file a chargeback, your bank typically has 60 to 120 days to investigate, and Airbnb will likely close your account during that time.

How hosts receive their money

Hosts set up a payout method in their Airbnb account settings. The most common option is direct deposit to a bank account, which takes 5 to 7 business days after the 24-hour post-check-in hold ends. Hosts can also connect Payoneer, Wise (formerly TransferWise), or other payment services, which may have different timelines depending on the service.

Hosts in some countries can receive payouts to local payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Airbnb deducts its service fee (typically 3%) from the host's payout before sending the money. If a host has multiple bookings, payouts are batched and sent on a schedule—usually weekly or twice weekly depending on their account settings.

Currency and international payments

If you're booking a listing in a different currency than your card's home currency, Airbnb converts the amount at checkout using its own exchange rate. This rate is typically close to the mid-market rate but includes a small markup. Your bank may also explore its own foreign transaction fee when the charge posts.

Hosts receive payouts in their local currency if they're in a country Airbnb supports. If a host is in a country without direct payout support, they must use a third-party service like Wise or Payoneer, which adds another conversion step and may charge additional fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hasn't the host received payment if I checked in two days ago?

Airbnb waits 24 hours after your check-in date before releasing the payment to the host. After that, it takes 5 to 7 business days for the money to arrive in their bank account if they use direct deposit. If they use Payoneer or another service, it may take longer. The host can check their payout status in their Airbnb dashboard.

Can I get a refund if the listing was nothing like the photos?

Yes, you can file a claim in Airbnb's Resolution Center within 30 days of checkout. Document the differences with photos or screenshots and explain what was wrong. Airbnb will review your case and may refund you partially or fully, or offer a credit. If Airbnb denies your claim, you can dispute the charge with your bank, though this may result in account suspension.

What happens if my card is declined at checkout?

Airbnb will try to charge a backup payment method you've added to your account. If all payment methods fail, your booking is cancelled automatically and you're not charged. You can update your payment information and rebook if the listing is still available.

Do I pay Airbnb's service fee even if I get a refund?

Usually not. If you cancel within the refund window, Airbnb refunds the nightly rate and most fees, but keeps a small portion in some cases depending on how close to the check-in date you cancelled. Check your specific cancellation policy at booking to see what's refundable.

Can I pay Airbnb with cryptocurrency or gift cards?

Airbnb does not accept cryptocurrency directly. Some third-party services allow you to convert crypto to a gift card or PayPal balance, which you can then use on Airbnb, but Airbnb itself does not sell or accept gift cards as a payment method.