When you can get your money back
Whether you get a refund depends on the cancellation policy the host set when they listed the property. Airbnb does not have one refund policy for all bookings—each host chooses from a menu of options, and that choice is locked in when you book. The three main policies are flexible (full refund if you cancel up to one day before check-in), moderate (full refund up to five days before, then a 50% refund until one day before), and strict (50% refund only if you cancel more than 30 days ahead). Some hosts also offer non-refundable rates, which refund nothing no matter when you cancel.
Your refund amount and timing depend on which policy applies to your booking and how far ahead you cancel. If you booked under a flexible policy and cancel today, you will see your full refund when ready. If you booked under a strict policy and cancel five days before check-in, you will receive 50% of what you paid. The refund goes back to the payment method you used to book—usually a credit card or debit card—and typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer to post it.
Key Takeaways
- Your refund amount is determined by the cancellation policy the host chose when listing the property, which you can see on your booking confirmation before you pay.
- Flexible policies refund your full amount if you cancel up to one day before check-in; moderate policies refund in full up to five days before; strict policies refund 50% only if you cancel 30 or more days ahead.
- To cancel, open the Airbnb app or website, find the booking in your trips, and select "Cancel reservation"—you do not need to contact the host first.
- Refunds are processed to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days, though your bank may take additional time to post the money.
- If a host cancels on you, Airbnb automatically refunds your full amount and offers a credit toward a future booking.
How to cancel your booking in the app or on the website
Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign in to your account. Tap or click "Trips" at the bottom of the app or in the top menu on the website. Find the reservation you want to cancel and tap or click on it to open the booking details. Scroll down until you see a "Cancel reservation" button and tap or click it.
Airbnb will show you the cancellation policy for that booking and tell you exactly how much you will receive back. Review this amount carefully—it reflects the policy the host set, not a default Airbnb policy. Once you confirm the cancellation, it is final. You will receive a confirmation email with your refund amount and the expected date it will arrive in your account.
What happens if you cancel close to your check-in date
If your booking is under a flexible or moderate policy and you are within the refund window, you will still receive money back. For example, if you booked flexible and cancel the day before check-in, you get your full refund. If you booked moderate and cancel two days before check-in, you receive nothing because the moderate policy only refunds in full up to five days before.
If you cancel after the refund window closes—for instance, the day of check-in or after—most policies refund nothing. The host keeps the full amount. The only exception is if the host cancels on you, in which case Airbnb refunds you in full regardless of timing.
Refunds for extenuating circumstances
Airbnb has a separate process for cancellations due to what they call extenuating circumstances—events beyond your control that make the trip impossible, such as a death in your family, a serious illness, a natural disaster affecting your home, or a government travel ban. If one of these applies, you may be able to receive a full refund even if the host's cancellation policy would normally refund less or nothing.
To request this, cancel the reservation through the app or website as usual, then contact Airbnb Support within 30 days of your original check-in date. Go to the Help Center, select your booking, and choose "Contact us." Explain the circumstance and provide any documentation you have—a death certificate, a doctor's note, a government order, or a news article about the disaster. Airbnb reviews these requests individually and decides whether to grant a full refund. There is no may provide, and the process can take several weeks.
When the host cancels on you
If the host cancels your reservation, Airbnb automatically refunds your full payment to your original payment method, regardless of their cancellation policy. You will also receive a service credit equal to the amount you paid, which you can use toward any future Airbnb booking. This credit is separate from your refund and is added to your account when ready.
You do not need to do anything—the refund and credit are issued automatically. You will receive an email confirming both. The refund itself takes 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account, but the service credit is available right away.
How long refunds take to appear
Once you cancel, Airbnb processes the refund within 24 hours. However, the time it takes for the money to show up in your account depends on your bank or payment provider. Most banks post refunds within 5 to 10 business days. Some take longer, especially if you used a debit card or if your bank processes refunds in batches.
If more than 10 business days have passed and you do not see the refund, check your bank account or credit card statement to confirm it has not arrived. If it has not, contact Airbnb Support through the Help Center and provide your booking confirmation number. They can check the status on their end and may be able to speed up the process if there is a delay on Airbnb's side.
Cancellation policies explained in detail
Before you book, the host's cancellation policy is shown on the listing page under "Cancellation policy." Understanding what each one means helps you decide whether to book and what to expect if plans change.
| Policy | Full Refund Window | Partial Refund Window | No Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible | Up to 1 day before check-in | None | After 1 day before check-in |
| Moderate | Up to 5 days before check-in | 50% refund up to 1 day before check-in | After 1 day before check-in |
| Strict | None | 50% refund if cancelled 30+ days before check-in | Less than 30 days before check-in |
| Non-refundable | None | None | Always |
Some hosts also offer super strict policies, which refund 50% only if you cancel 60 or more days before check-in. These are rare and usually paired with a lower nightly rate. Always check the exact policy before you complete your booking—it is the last thing you see before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to message the host before I cancel?
No. You can cancel directly through the app or website without contacting the host first. Airbnb notifies them automatically when you cancel. Messaging them beforehand is optional and does not change your refund amount or timeline.
What if I paid with a gift card or Airbnb credit?
Refunds go back to the payment method you used. If you paid with Airbnb credit or a gift card, the refund is credited back to your Airbnb account as a service credit, which you can use on any future booking.
Can I get a refund if I just changed my mind?
Only if the host's cancellation policy allows it. If you booked a non-refundable rate or you are outside the refund window for your policy, Airbnb will not refund you. Changing your mind does not may have access to as an extenuating circumstance.
What if the listing description was inaccurate or the photos did not match?
Contact Airbnb Support through the Help Center and explain the issue. If the property is significantly different from what was advertised, Airbnb may refund you in full even if the cancellation policy would normally refund less. You will need to provide specific details and, if possible, photos of the actual property.
How do I check my refund status?
Open the Airbnb app, go to "Trips," find the cancelled booking, and tap or click on it. You will see the refund amount and the date it was processed. If you want to know when it will arrive in your bank account, contact your bank directly—they control the final posting time.