The checkout process happens in five steps: reviewing your reservation details, entering payment information, confirming house rules, providing your contact details, and receiving your confirmation number

Airbnb's checkout—the final step before your booking is confirmed—is straightforward once you know what information you need ready. You will move through a series of screens where you confirm dates, add any extra fees or services, enter your payment method, and agree to the host's rules. The entire process usually takes three to five minutes.

The checkout flow begins after you click the "Reserve" button on a listing page. From that point, you cannot go backward to change the property itself—you are committing to that specific listing for those specific dates. If you need a different place or different dates, you must start over with a new search.

Key Takeaways

  • Clicking "Reserve" locks in the property and dates; you cannot change either during checkout, so verify them before you proceed.
  • Airbnb shows the full price breakdown—nightly rate, cleaning fee, service fee, taxes—before you enter payment information, so you know the total cost upfront.
  • You must have a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal) and a confirmed Airbnb account to complete checkout.
  • The host can accept or decline your reservation after you submit it, so a confirmation number does not mean your booking is may provide until the host approves.

What you see on the checkout screen

Once you click "Reserve," Airbnb displays a summary page showing the listing name, check-in and check-out dates, number of guests, and the nightly rate. Below that is the price breakdown: the subtotal (nightly rate multiplied by the number of nights), any cleaning fee the host charges, Airbnb's service fee, and local taxes. The total appears at the bottom in large text.

Some listings also show additional optional services at this stage—things like early check-in, late checkout, or extra guests beyond the base occupancy. These are optional and will increase your total if you select them. You can add or remove these before moving forward.

If you have a discount code or Airbnb credit in your account, you will see a field to enter it here. The credit or discount applies when ready, and your total updates to reflect the new amount.

Entering your payment method

Airbnb accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and PayPal. You can use a card you have already saved to your account or add a new one during checkout. If you add a new card, you will enter the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), and the billing zip code.

Airbnb does not charge your card when ready when you submit the reservation. Instead, the charge is held as pending until the host accepts your booking. If the host declines, the hold is released and you are not charged. Once the host accepts, the full amount is charged to your card within one to three business days.

If you are paying with PayPal, you will be redirected to PayPal's login page to authorize the transaction. Return to Airbnb once PayPal confirms the authorization.

Confirming house rules and guest requirements

Before you submit your reservation, Airbnb asks you to confirm that you have read and agree to the host's house rules. These vary by listing but commonly include rules about noise, smoking, pets, parties, and check-in procedures. You must check the box next to "I agree to the house rules" to proceed.

Some hosts also require you to confirm that you meet their guest requirements—for example, a minimum age, a minimum number of prior reviews, or a verified ID. If you do not meet these requirements, you cannot complete the checkout for that listing.

Providing your contact information

Airbnb uses the name, email address, and phone number associated with your account during checkout. If any of this information is missing or outdated, you will be prompted to add or correct it before you can submit. The host will use this contact information to reach you about check-in details, house keys, parking, and any questions about your stay.

Make sure your phone number is correct and that you monitor the email address linked to your account. Hosts often send check-in instructions and access codes via email or message within 24 hours of your arrival.

Submitting your reservation and receiving confirmation

Once you have reviewed all the details, entered your payment method, and agreed to the house rules, you click the final "Reserve" or "Complete Booking" button. Airbnb when ready displays a confirmation page with a reservation number and a summary of your booking details.

Save or screenshot this confirmation number—you will need it if you contact Airbnb support or if you need to modify or cancel your reservation later. The confirmation number also appears in your account under "Trips" or "Reservations."

At this point, your reservation is submitted but not yet confirmed by the host. Hosts have up to 24 hours to accept or decline your booking. You will receive an email notification when the host responds. Until the host accepts, your booking is not may provide, and your card is not charged.

What happens if the host declines your reservation

If a host declines your booking, Airbnb notifies you by email and shows the reason if the host provided one. Common reasons include the host's calendar being unavailable, a conflict with another booking, or the host not being comfortable with your profile. You are not charged if the host declines.

When a reservation is declined, you can search for other listings and start a new checkout when ready. You can also message the host to ask why they declined, though they are not required to respond.

Modifying or canceling after checkout

Once you have submitted your reservation, you can still modify or cancel it—but only before the host accepts. After the host accepts, your options depend on the host's cancellation policy. Some hosts offer free cancellation up to a certain date; others charge a percentage of the booking cost if you cancel.

To modify or cancel, go to your "Trips" section, find the reservation, and select "Modify" or "Cancel." Airbnb will show you the refund amount based on the host's policy and the timing of your cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the dates or property after I click Reserve?

No. Once you click "Reserve," you are locked into that specific listing and those specific dates. If you need different dates or a different property, you must cancel this reservation and start a new search. Cancellation refunds depend on the host's policy.

When does Airbnb charge my card?

Airbnb places a hold on your card when you submit the reservation but does not charge it until the host accepts your booking. If the host declines, the hold is released and you are not charged. The actual charge appears on your statement one to three business days after the host accepts.

What if I do not have a payment method saved to my account?

You can add a new card, debit card, or PayPal account during checkout. Enter the information in the payment section, and Airbnb will save it to your account for future bookings if you choose.

Do I need a confirmed ID to complete checkout?

Most listings do not require ID confirmation to checkout, but some hosts set this as a requirement. If a listing requires ID verification, you will see this noted before you click "Reserve," and you must complete ID verification through Airbnb before you can finish checkout.

What is the service fee and can I avoid it?

Airbnb's service fee is a percentage of the nightly rate plus cleaning fee, and it covers payment processing, customer support, and the platform itself. The service fee is not optional and cannot be avoided—it is built into every booking on Airbnb.