Where to find your payment settings on Airbnb

To change your payment method, log into your Airbnb account and go to Account in the top right corner, then select Payments and payouts. You'll see two separate sections: one for payments (the card or account you use to book stays) and one for payouts (where Airbnb sends you money if you're a host). This guide covers changing the payment method you use to book.

If you're on a mobile device, tap the profile icon at the bottom right, then Account, then scroll down to Payments and payouts. The layout is the same on both phone and desktop.

Key Takeaways

  • Payment methods are managed in Account > Payments and payouts, where you can add, remove, or set a default card.
  • Airbnb accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Google Pay, though available options depend on your country.
  • You can store multiple payment methods and switch between them at checkout or change your default in advance.
  • Removing a payment method is when ready, but you must have at least one valid method on file to make a booking.

Adding a new payment method

Click or tap Add payment method in the Payments section. You'll be asked to choose the type: credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Google Pay (availability varies by location). For a card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Airbnb will process a small temporary charge to verify the card is real—this charge drops off within a few days and you won't be billed.

After you add the card, you can name it (like "Personal Visa" or "Work Card") to keep track if you have several. This name appears only to you at checkout. Once added, the card is ready to use when ready.

Setting a default payment method

Your default payment method is the one Airbnb suggests first when you book. To change it, go to Payments and payouts, find the card you want to use most often, and click or tap the three dots next to it, then select Make default. You can change this anytime—it doesn't lock you in.

Even with a default set, you can choose a different card at checkout. Just click the payment method dropdown before you confirm your booking.

Removing a payment method you no longer use

Find the card in your Payments section, click or tap the three dots, and select Remove. The card is deleted when ready. You cannot remove your only payment method—Airbnb requires at least one valid card or account on file to process bookings.

If you're trying to remove your last card, add a new one first, then remove the old one. This prevents you from getting stuck without a way to pay.

Updating an expiring or expired card

If your card is expiring soon or has already expired, Airbnb will flag it in your Payments section. You have two options: click the three dots next to the card and select Update to enter the new expiration date and CVV, or remove it and add a fresh card. Updating is faster if only the date changed.

If your card expires before you complete a booking, Airbnb will ask you to update or replace it at checkout. You won't be able to finish the reservation until you do.

Changing payment method at checkout

You don't have to change your default in advance. When you're booking a stay, scroll down to the payment section and click or tap the card shown. A dropdown menu appears with all your saved payment methods. Select the one you want to use for that booking, then continue. Your default stays the same—this change applies only to that reservation.

This is useful if you want to use a different card for a specific trip without changing your account settings.

Troubleshooting payment method issues

If Airbnb rejects your card during checkout, the most common reasons are an incorrect CVV, a mismatched billing address, or the card issuer blocking the charge as suspicious. Contact your bank first to confirm the card is active and ask if they've flagged Airbnb transactions. Then try adding the card again to your account.

If you see an error message like "We couldn't process your payment," remove the card from your account and re-add it with the exact information as it appears on your statement. If the problem persists, try a different card or contact Airbnb Support through the Help Center in your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prepaid card on Airbnb?

Yes, prepaid cards work on Airbnb as long as they have a Visa or Mastercard logo and your card issuer allows online purchases. Some prepaid cards block international transactions, so check with your provider before booking a stay outside your home country.

What payment methods does Airbnb accept?

Airbnb accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Google Pay. The exact options depend on your country and the currency of your booking. Check your Payments section to see which methods are available in your location.

Will changing my payment method affect a booking I already made?

No. Once a booking is confirmed, the payment method is locked in. Changing your default or removing a card won't affect past or current reservations. The new method applies only to future bookings.

Do I have to use the same card for every booking?

No. You can use a different card for each booking by selecting it at checkout. Your default method is just a suggestion—you're free to choose any saved card when you reserve a stay.

What happens if my payment method fails during a booking?

Airbnb will ask you to update or replace the card before you can complete the reservation. You won't be charged until you provide a working payment method and confirm your booking.