Making a second payment on VRBO depends on whether the property owner set up a payment plan or you're paying a balance that remains after your initial booking

VRBO (Vrbo, owned by Expedia) does not automatically split rental payments into installments. If you owe a second payment, it means either the property owner created a custom payment arrangement with you, or you're paying a remaining balance after your first payment cleared. The steps differ depending on which situation you're in.

Most commonly, owners who want multiple payments will send you a payment request through VRBO's messaging system or email. This request includes a link you click to pay directly through VRBO's find payment gateway. If you don't see a payment request, check your email (including spam folders) and your VRBO account messages.

Key Takeaways

  • Payment requests from property owners arrive as links in your email or VRBO messages — click the link to pay through VRBO's system, not through a separate website.
  • If you don't see a payment request and you know a second payment is due, message the property owner directly through VRBO to ask for the payment link.
  • Never send payment outside VRBO's platform, even if the owner asks — VRBO's payment system protects both you and the owner from fraud.
  • If a payment link doesn't work or you get an error, contact VRBO support through the Help Center rather than trying alternative payment methods.

Finding and clicking a payment request link

When a property owner sends a payment request, VRBO emails it to the address associated with your account. The email will say something like "Payment request from [owner name]" and include a button or link labeled "Pay now" or "View payment request." Click that link — it takes you directly to VRBO's payment page, where you enter your payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal, depending on what VRBO accepts in your region).

Check your email's promotions or spam folder if you don't see the request in your inbox. VRBO emails sometimes land there. You can also log into your VRBO account, go to your reservations, and look for a notification or message from the owner about the payment.

The payment request link usually stays active for 30 days. If you wait longer than that, the link may expire and the owner will need to send a new one.

What to do if you don't have a payment request

If you know a second payment is due but you haven't received a payment request, message the property owner directly through VRBO. Go to your reservation, click the owner's name or profile, and select "Message owner." Explain that you're ready to make the second payment and ask them to send a payment request.

Owners sometimes forget to send payment requests, or the email may have been caught by a filter. A straightforward message usually gets a response within a few hours. Once the owner sends the request, you'll receive it the same way as described above.

Payment methods VRBO accepts

VRBO accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and PayPal in most regions. When you click a payment request link, you'll see which methods are available for that specific payment. The payment is processed securely through VRBO's system, and your card details are not shared with the property owner.

If your preferred payment method isn't available, you can try a different card or PayPal account. Some regions have additional payment options, but these three are standard everywhere VRBO operates.

Why you should never pay outside VRBO's system

If a property owner asks you to send payment through a bank transfer, wire, check, or any method outside VRBO, do not do it. VRBO's payment system protects you by keeping a record of the transaction, holding funds in escrow until after your stay, and stepping in if there's a dispute. Payments made outside the platform have no protection — if something goes wrong, VRBO cannot help you recover the money.

Scammers sometimes pose as property owners and ask guests to pay directly to avoid VRBO's fees. This is a red flag. Legitimate owners use VRBO's payment system because it protects them too.

What happens after you submit payment

Once you click "Pay" and your payment processes, you'll see a confirmation page with a receipt number. VRBO also sends a confirmation email to your account email address. Keep this confirmation — it's proof the payment went through.

The payment usually clears within one to three business days. You can check the status of your reservation at any time by logging into your VRBO account and viewing your booking details. The owner will also see that payment was received and will confirm your reservation is complete.

If a payment link doesn't work or you get an error

Payment links sometimes fail if your browser has outdated security settings, if you're using a VPN, or if there's a temporary issue with VRBO's payment system. Try these steps: clear your browser's cache and cookies, try a different browser, turn off any VPN, and click the payment link again.

If the link still doesn't work, contact VRBO support through the Help Center in your account. Go to Help, select "Payments and refunds," and describe the error you're seeing. VRBO support can resend the payment request or help troubleshoot the issue. Do not attempt to pay the owner through another method while you're waiting for support — wait for VRBO to resolve the technical problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the second payment with a different card than the first one?

Yes. When you click the payment request link, you can enter any valid payment method. It doesn't have to match the card you used for the initial booking. VRBO accepts the payment from whichever card you choose at that moment.

What if the property owner says they never received my first payment?

Check your VRBO account confirmation and your email receipt — if VRBO sent you a confirmation, the payment went through. Message the owner with your confirmation number and ask them to check their VRBO account for the payment status. If there's a genuine issue, VRBO support can investigate the transaction history.

Is there a fee for making a second payment?

VRBO's payment processing fees are built into the total price you see before you book. Additional payments made after booking are typically processed without extra fees, but this depends on the property owner's agreement with VRBO. The payment request will show the exact amount due before you submit it.

Can I set up automatic payments for the second installment?

VRBO does not offer automatic recurring payments for multi-installment bookings. The owner must send you a payment request each time a payment is due. This is by design — it ensures you see and approve each charge before it's processed.