You pay a deposit or full amount at booking, depending on the host's cancellation policy

When you book an Airbnb, the payment method depends on the host's cancellation policy. Most hosts require payment in full at the time you book — your credit card or other payment method is charged when ready. Some hosts offer a "strict" cancellation policy that requires full prepayment; others use "moderate" or "flexible" policies that may allow you to pay a deposit first and the remainder later, though this is less common now.

Airbnb holds the full payment in an escrow account (their own holding account) until a few days after your check-in date. This protects both you and the host. If you cancel within the host's cancellation window, you may receive a refund depending on how close to your arrival date you cancel. If you don't cancel, Airbnb releases the payment to the host after you check in.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Airbnb bookings charge your payment method in full at the time you complete the reservation, not later.
  • Airbnb holds the money in escrow until a few days after check-in, then releases it to the host.
  • Your refund may be able to access depends entirely on the host's cancellation policy, which you can read before you book.
  • The total price shown includes the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and service fees — no hidden charges are added after booking.
  • If a host cancels on you, Airbnb refunds the full amount and offers a credit toward a future booking.

How the payment timeline works

Payment happens in stages. When you click "Reserve" or "Book Now," your payment method is charged when ready. Airbnb deducts its service fee (usually 14 to 16 percent of the nightly rate) at that moment. The remainder goes into escrow and sits there until after your stay begins.

A few days after your check-in date, Airbnb releases the escrowed funds to the host. This delay protects you: if something goes wrong — the listing is not as described, the host cancels, or you have a dispute — you have time to report it before the host receives the money. Once released, the host can withdraw the funds to their bank account.

Cancellation policies and refunds

The host sets the cancellation policy when they create the listing. Airbnb offers five standard options: flexible, moderate, firm, strict, and super strict. A flexible policy typically refunds most of your money if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A moderate policy usually allows a refund if you cancel five to seven days ahead. A firm policy may refund only if you cancel two weeks or more in advance. Strict and super strict policies refund little or nothing once you book.

Before you book, the listing page shows the exact cancellation policy and what you would get back if you canceled at different times. Read this carefully — it is the contract between you and the host. If you cancel within the refund window, Airbnb processes the refund to your original payment method within five to ten business days. If you cancel outside the window, you receive nothing.

What the total price includes and what it does not

The price breakdown on the listing page shows the nightly rate, any cleaning fee the host charges, Airbnb's service fee, and any taxes your local government requires. This is the total you will pay — nothing is added after you book. Some listings also show a "host fee" or "occupancy taxes," but these are included in the total shown before you confirm.

Airbnb does not charge extra fees after booking for things like late checkout, early checkout, or damage (unless the host files a damage claim through Airbnb's resolution center, which is a separate process). If a host tries to charge you through a message or outside Airbnb, that is against Airbnb's rules and you should report it.

What happens if the host cancels

If a host cancels your reservation, Airbnb refunds the full amount to your original payment method and offers you a 10 percent discount code toward a future booking. The refund usually arrives within five to ten business days. If the cancellation happens close to your arrival date and you have already made other travel plans, you can contact Airbnb support to request additional compensation, though this is not may provide.

Hosts are discouraged from canceling through Airbnb's penalty system — repeated cancellations can lower their search ranking or remove them from the platform. If a host cancels repeatedly, you can report them to Airbnb support.

Payment methods Airbnb accepts

Airbnb accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and in some countries, local payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay. The payment method you use at booking is the one that receives your refund if you cancel. If you use a debit card and later cancel, the refund goes back to that debit card, not to a different account.

Airbnb does not accept wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash at booking. Some hosts may ask you to pay them directly outside Airbnb, but this violates Airbnb's terms and leaves you without buyer protection if something goes wrong.

Fees that are part of your total

Airbnb's service fee is the largest additional charge. It is usually 14 to 16 percent of the nightly rate and covers Airbnb's payment processing, customer support, and platform maintenance. This fee is non-refundable even if you cancel, though some hosts offer a partial refund of their own portion if you cancel within their window.

Cleaning fees are set by the host and are separate from the nightly rate. They are refundable only if the host's cancellation policy allows it. Occupancy taxes (also called lodging taxes or tourist taxes) vary by location and are required by local law in many cities. These are always included in your total and are not refundable.

How to see the full price before you book

On the listing page, scroll down to the price breakdown section. It shows the nightly rate multiplied by the number of nights, the cleaning fee, the service fee, and any taxes. Add these together and that is your total. Airbnb displays this total prominently before you enter your payment information, so you always know the exact amount before you confirm.

If the price seems wrong or you see unexpected charges, check the dates you selected — sometimes selecting the wrong dates or adding extra guests triggers additional fees. If you still see a discrepancy, contact Airbnb support before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full amount when I book, or can I pay later?

Most hosts require full payment at booking. Some older listings may offer a deposit option, but Airbnb has phased this out. You are charged in full when you click "Reserve," and the money is held in escrow until after check-in.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after booking?

Only if the host's cancellation policy allows it. Check the policy before you book — it tells you exactly what you would get back if you canceled at different times. If you cancel outside the refund window, you receive nothing.

What if I dispute a charge on my credit card after booking?

Disputing a charge with your credit card company can result in your Airbnb account being suspended or closed. If you have a problem with a booking, contact Airbnb support first — they have a resolution center designed to handle disputes without involving your bank.

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

No. Airbnb shows the complete price breakdown before you book, including the nightly rate, cleaning fee, service fee, and taxes. Nothing is added after you confirm. If a host asks you to pay extra through a message or outside Airbnb, that is against their terms.

What if my payment fails when I try to book?

Airbnb will tell you when ready if your payment method was declined. Check that your card details are correct, you have sufficient funds, and your bank has not blocked the transaction. If the problem persists, try a different payment method or contact your bank to ask if they are blocking Airbnb charges.