Airbnb refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days to reach your account after the host or Airbnb approves the return of funds

The time depends on why you're getting a refund and which payment method you used. If Airbnb approves a cancellation, the money goes back to your original payment source — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. The approval itself usually happens within 24 to 48 hours, but your bank or card issuer then needs time to process the deposit, which adds another 3 to 7 business days. If you paid with a gift card, the refund lands in your Airbnb account balance when ready and you can use it right away.

The clock starts when Airbnb marks the refund as approved, not when you request it. During that waiting period, the money is in transit between Airbnb's payment processor and your financial institution — neither Airbnb nor your bank can speed this up once it's in motion.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb approves most refunds within 24 to 48 hours of your request, but your bank takes another 3 to 7 business days to deposit the money into your account.
  • Refunds to credit or debit cards take longer than refunds to gift card balances, which appear when ready in your Airbnb account.
  • Weekends and bank holidays extend the timeline because financial institutions do not process transfers on those days.
  • You can check the status of your refund in the Resolution Center on the Airbnb app or website under "Your trips".
  • If a refund does not arrive within 10 business days, contact Airbnb support with your booking confirmation number and payment method details.

Why the timeline varies by payment method

Airbnb refunds move at different speeds depending on how you paid. A gift card refund is the fastest because the money never leaves Airbnb's system — it straightforward credits your account balance, and you see it within minutes. You can then spend it on another booking or request a withdrawal to your bank account later.

A credit card or debit card refund is slower because Airbnb must send the money through a payment processor to your card issuer, and your bank must then verify and post the transaction. This chain of handoffs typically takes 5 to 10 business days total. Some banks are faster than others; smaller regional banks sometimes take longer than large national ones.

PayPal refunds usually land in your PayPal account within 24 to 48 hours of Airbnb's approval, but moving the money from PayPal to your bank account is a separate step that takes another 1 to 3 business days.

When Airbnb approves a refund versus when you request one

The refund clock does not start when you cancel your booking or open a dispute. It starts when Airbnb or the host marks the refund as approved. For cancellations within Airbnb's cancellation window, approval is usually automatic and happens within 24 hours. For disputes — such as a host canceling on you or a listing not matching the description — Airbnb may investigate for several days before deciding.

During an investigation, Airbnb may ask you for photos, messages, or other proof. The more evidence you provide upfront, the faster the decision. Once Airbnb approves the refund, the 5 to 10 business day clock for your bank to process it begins.

How to track your refund status

Open the Airbnb app or website and go to Account > Your trips. Find the booking and tap or click on it. If a refund is pending, you will see a status message in the Resolution Center that says "Refund approved" or "Refund pending" along with an estimated arrival date. This date is based on your payment method and your bank's processing time.

The status page also shows the refund amount and which account it is being sent to. If you see "Refund approved" but the money has not arrived after 10 business days, take a screenshot of the confirmation and contact Airbnb support with your booking number.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If 10 business days have passed since Airbnb approved the refund and the money has not appeared in your account, contact your bank first. Ask them to search for a pending transfer from Airbnb or its payment processor. Sometimes a refund is in your bank's queue but has not posted to your visible balance yet. Your bank can tell you the exact status and expected arrival date.

If your bank has no record of the transfer, contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center. Have your booking confirmation number, the refund amount, and the payment method you used ready. Airbnb can check whether the refund was actually sent and to which account. If there was an error — for example, the refund went to an old card you no longer use — Airbnb can reissue it to your current payment method.

Refunds for cancellations by the host

When a host cancels your booking, Airbnb automatically refunds the full amount, and approval usually happens within 24 hours. The money then follows the same 5 to 10 business day timeline to your bank. Some hosts cancel last-minute, which can be frustrating, but the refund process itself is not delayed by the host's actions — Airbnb handles it directly.

If a host cancels and you had to rebook elsewhere at a higher price, you may be able to request a rebooking credit from Airbnb. This is separate from the refund and is handled through the Resolution Center. The credit is usually issued as a gift card balance that you can use when ready.

Refunds for disputes and resolution cases

If you open a dispute because the listing did not match the photos, the host was unresponsive, or there was a safety issue, Airbnb investigates before approving a refund. This investigation can take 3 to 7 days. During that time, Airbnb may message you asking for details, photos, or messages between you and the host. Respond as quickly as you can — delays in your replies can extend the investigation.

Once Airbnb makes a decision and approves a refund, the 5 to 10 business day bank processing timeline applies. If Airbnb denies your dispute, you will see the reason in the Resolution Center and may have the option to appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my refund faster if I call Airbnb?

No. Airbnb support cannot speed up the bank processing time once the refund is approved and sent. The 5 to 10 business day window is set by your financial institution, not Airbnb. Calling support is useful only if the refund has not been approved yet or if there is an error in which account it was sent to.

Why does my bank say they have not received the refund?

Check the Airbnb Resolution Center to confirm the refund was actually approved and sent. If Airbnb shows "Refund approved" but your bank has no record, ask your bank for the exact date they received the transfer from Airbnb's processor. Sometimes a transfer is in the system but has not posted to your account yet — your bank can give you a specific arrival date.

What if I used a different payment method since I booked?

Airbnb refunds to the original payment method you used at booking. If that card is now closed or expired, contact your bank to ask if they can redirect the refund to your new card. If not, contact Airbnb support and ask them to reissue the refund to your current payment method.

Do weekends and holidays slow down my refund?

Yes. Banks do not process transfers on weekends or federal holidays, so a refund approved on Friday may not arrive until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. If your 10 business days include a holiday, add a few extra calendar days to your estimate.

Can I get a refund as a direct bank transfer instead of back to my card?

No. Airbnb refunds only to the original payment method. If you want the money in a different account, you would need to transfer it yourself after it arrives in your current account, or request a gift card refund and then withdraw that balance to a bank account (though this is a separate process with its own timeline).