How Airbnb refunds work

Airbnb refunds depend on which cancellation policy the host chose when they listed the property. The host sets the policy before you book — it appears on the listing page under "Cancellation policy" and again in your confirmation email. The policy determines how much you get back if you cancel, and whether the host can refund you if they cancel instead.

You do not get an automatic refund just because you change your mind. Airbnb will only return money if your cancellation falls within the window the host's policy allows, or if Airbnb itself determines the listing was misrepresented or the host broke the rules. A refund request goes through Airbnb's resolution center, not directly to the host.

Key Takeaways

  • The host's cancellation policy, visible before you book, determines what you can get back if you cancel — policies range from fully refundable to non-refundable.
  • You request a refund through the Airbnb app or website under "Trips," then "Resolution Center," not by messaging the host directly.
  • If the host cancels on you, Airbnb automatically offers a rebooking credit or refund depending on how far in advance they cancelled.
  • Airbnb will refund you if the listing was significantly different from the photos and description, the host violated house rules, or the property was unsafe.
  • Refunds typically process within 5 to 10 business days after Airbnb approves your request, though the timeline varies by payment method and bank.

Cancellation policies and what each one covers

Airbnb offers five standard cancellation policies, and the host picks one when they create the listing. Flexible lets you cancel up to one day before check-in and get a full refund. ModerateStrictSuper StrictNon-refundable

The cancellation policy also covers what happens if the host cancels on you. If the host cancels, Airbnb gives you a full refund or a credit to rebook at the same nightly rate, depending on how much notice they gave. If they cancel fewer than 30 days before your stay, you get a full refund. If they cancel 30 to 60 days out, you get a full refund or a credit equal to 110 percent of what you paid. If they cancel more than 60 days ahead, you get a credit for 50 percent of what you paid.

How to request a refund through the Resolution Center

Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign into your account. Tap or click "Trips" at the bottom or top of the screen, then find the reservation you want to cancel. Select "Cancel reservation" or "Need help?" — the exact wording depends on whether your stay is upcoming or already happened.

Airbnb will show you how much you will get back based on the host's cancellation policy and the current date. If you proceed, the request goes into the Resolution Center. The host can see that you have cancelled and may respond, but they cannot override your refund — Airbnb enforces the policy automatically. You will receive an email confirming the cancellation and the refund amount within a few hours.

If you are cancelling after your stay has ended — for example, because the listing was not as described — select "I have a problem with my stay" instead. This opens a different process where you describe what went wrong, and Airbnb investigates before deciding whether to refund you.

When Airbnb will refund you even if the policy says no

Airbnb overrides the cancellation policy in specific situations. If the host's listing was significantly different from the photos, description, or amenities listed, you can request a refund or rebooking credit. "Significantly different" means the property was missing major features — no kitchen when one was promised, no private bedroom, no wifi when listed as included, or a neighborhood that does not match the description.

You are also covered if the host violated house rules, was abusive, or the property was unsafe — for instance, broken locks, mold, pests, or no heat in winter. Airbnb also refunds if the host cancelled within 30 days of your stay without a valid reason, or if the property was damaged or unavailable due to circumstances beyond the host's control (fire, flood, power outage lasting more than a few hours).

To claim one of these exceptions, go to the Resolution Center, select the reservation, and choose "Report a problem." Describe what happened and upload photos if you have them. Airbnb will ask the host to respond, then make a decision. This process usually takes 3 to 7 days.

How long refunds take to arrive

Once Airbnb approves your refund, the money goes back to your original payment method. The timeline depends on your bank or payment processor, not Airbnb. Credit cards and debit cards typically show the refund within 5 to 10 business days. PayPal refunds usually arrive within 3 to 5 business days. Bank transfers and other methods can take up to 14 business days.

Airbnb sends you an email as soon as the refund is processed on their end. If you do not see the money after the expected window, check your bank's transaction history — sometimes refunds appear as pending before they settle. If it has been more than two weeks and the refund still has not arrived, contact your bank or payment provider, because the delay is on their side, not Airbnb's.

What to do if the host refuses to cooperate

The host cannot prevent your refund if it is covered by their cancellation policy or by Airbnb's exception rules. If you cancelled within the refundable window, Airbnb processes the refund automatically — the host does not have to approve it. If you are claiming an exception (the listing was misrepresented, the property was unsafe, or the host violated rules), Airbnb investigates independently and makes the decision without requiring the host's consent.

If the host messages you claiming they will not refund you, or if they try to pressure you into cancelling outside the Resolution Center, report this to Airbnb. Go to the Resolution Center, select the reservation, and choose "Report a problem." Explain what the host said or did. Airbnb takes host misconduct seriously and may refund you even if the policy would normally not cover it.

Disputing a refund decision you disagree with

If Airbnb denies your refund request and you believe they made a mistake, you can appeal. Go back to the Resolution Center, open the same case, and select "I disagree with this resolution." Explain why you think Airbnb's decision was wrong. Include new evidence if you have it — additional photos, messages from the host, or documentation of the problem.

Airbnb will review your appeal, usually within 3 to 5 business days. If they still deny it, you have one more option: contact Airbnb customer service directly through the app or website and ask to escalate the case to a specialist. Be specific about what went wrong and why the cancellation policy or exception should have covered you. Customer service can sometimes override the automated decision if you provide strong evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I just changed my mind about the trip?

Only if the host's cancellation policy allows it. If you booked a Flexible policy, you can cancel up to one day before check-in for a full refund. If you booked Moderate or Strict, you can only get a refund if you cancel within the window the policy specifies. Non-refundable bookings do not refund money, though you may get a credit toward a future stay.

What if the host cancelled on me — do I automatically get my money back?

Yes. If the host cancels, Airbnb gives you a full refund if they cancelled fewer than 30 days before your stay. If they cancelled 30 to 60 days out, you get a full refund or a credit for 110 percent of your payment. Cancellations more than 60 days ahead result in a 50 percent credit. You do not have to do anything — Airbnb processes this automatically.

The listing looked nothing like the photos — can I get a refund?

Yes. If the property was significantly different from what was advertised, you can request a refund or rebooking credit even if the cancellation policy normally would not cover it. Go to the Resolution Center, select "Report a problem," describe the differences, and upload photos if you took them. Airbnb will investigate and usually refunds you if the discrepancy is major.

How do I know if my refund was processed?

Airbnb sends an email confirming the refund has been processed. The money then goes to your original payment method — credit card, debit card, PayPal, or bank account. It typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer. Check your bank's transaction history to see if it is pending.

Can I cancel after I have already checked in?

You cannot cancel a stay that has already started. However, if you checked in and discovered the property was unsafe, significantly misrepresented, or the host violated house rules, you can report the problem through the Resolution Center and request a refund for the unused portion of your stay. Airbnb will investigate and may refund you partially or in full depending on what went wrong.