When Airbnb will refund your money

Airbnb refunds depend on the cancellation policy attached to the listing when you booked. Most hosts set one of four policies: flexible (full refund up to one day before check-in), moderate (full refund up to five days before), strict (full refund up to 30 days before), or non-refundable. If you cancel within the window your host's policy allows, Airbnb processes the refund automatically — usually within five to ten business days to your original payment method.

If you cancel outside that window, you will not receive a refund unless the host agrees to one. Some hosts will release a partial refund if you ask politely, but they are not required to. The policy you agreed to at booking is what controls the outcome, so the first step is to check your confirmation email or the Airbnb app to see which policy your reservation carries.

Airbnb also refunds money in specific situations outside the cancellation policy: if the host cancels, if Airbnb removes the listing, if there is a serious safety issue, or if the listing is materially different from what was advertised. These are the only exceptions to the stated policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Your refund amount and important date depend on the cancellation policy you accepted when you booked, which appears in your confirmation email and the Airbnb app.
  • If you cancel within your policy window, Airbnb processes the refund automatically to your original payment method in five to ten business days.
  • If you cancel after the important date, you can message the host and ask for a partial refund, but the host has no obligation to grant one.
  • Airbnb refunds outside the policy only for host cancellations, listing removals, safety issues, or material misrepresentation of the property.
  • Service fees and cleaning fees are refunded only if the entire reservation is refunded; partial refunds usually do not include fees.

How to cancel and request a refund through the app

Open the Airbnb app or website and go to your reservations. Find the booking you want to cancel and tap or click "Cancel reservation." Airbnb will show you the refund amount you will receive based on your cancellation policy and the current date. Review this amount carefully — it will tell you whether you are within the refund window or not.

If the amount shown is what you expect, confirm the cancellation. Airbnb will send a confirmation email and the refund will process to your original payment method. If the amount is less than you hoped or zero, you still have the option to cancel and then message the host separately to ask for a partial refund — but do this only if you are certain you cannot attend, because cancelling first removes your reservation from the host's calendar.

If you have not yet cancelled but want to explore your options, you can message the host before cancelling. Some hosts will agree to a refund or a date change if you ask before you formally cancel. This conversation costs nothing and sometimes results in a better outcome than the policy allows.

Asking the host for a refund outside the policy

If you are outside your cancellation window or the policy does not cover your situation, you can message the host through the Airbnb app and ask for a partial or full refund. Be specific about why: illness, a family emergency, a job change, or a change in travel plans. Hosts are more likely to agree if you give them time to rebook the dates and if you are honest about your situation.

Keep your tone respectful and acknowledge that the host is not obligated to refund you. A message like "I understand your policy, but I am hoping you might consider a partial refund because of [reason]" works better than demanding one. Some hosts will offer 25 to 50 percent back if they think they can rebook quickly; others will decline.

If the host agrees, ask them to process the refund through Airbnb's resolution center rather than outside the platform. This protects both of you and ensures the refund is documented. Do not accept payment to a personal account or outside Airbnb — it violates the terms of service and leaves you without recourse if the payment does not arrive.

Refunds for host cancellations and listing issues

If the host cancels on you, Airbnb refunds the full amount automatically, including service fees. The refund goes to your original payment method within five to ten business days. You will also receive a message from Airbnb explaining the cancellation and offering you a credit toward a future booking if you choose to accept one.

If the listing is removed by Airbnb, or if the property is materially different from the photos and description (for example, the bedroom is actually a closet, or the kitchen does not exist), you can report the issue to Airbnb and request a full refund. Take photos or screenshots of the problem and message Airbnb's support team through the app. Airbnb will investigate and may refund you even if your cancellation policy would normally not allow it.

Safety issues — such as a broken lock, a missing smoke detector, or a host who violates your privacy — also may have access to for refunds outside the policy. Report these to Airbnb when ready through the app's safety feature. Do not wait until after your stay; Airbnb is more likely to act if you report during your reservation.

What happens to service fees and cleaning fees

Service fees (the percentage Airbnb charges on top of the nightly rate) are refunded only if your entire reservation is refunded. If you receive a partial refund from the host, the service fee is usually not included. This is one reason why asking the host for a refund before you cancel can sometimes result in a better outcome — the host may agree to cover the service fee as part of their refund.

Cleaning fees work the same way. If the host refunds you, the cleaning fee is included only if the refund is for the full reservation amount. If you cancel and the host agrees to a partial refund, the cleaning fee typically stays with the host because they may have already incurred cleaning costs or blocked the dates from other bookings.

Some hosts will refund the cleaning fee if you cancel far enough in advance that they have time to rebook. It is worth asking, especially if you are cancelling more than two weeks before check-in.

Disputing a refund with Airbnb support

If you believe you are owed a refund and the host or the policy does not support one, you can contact Airbnb support through the app or website. Go to your reservation, scroll to the bottom, and select "Get help with this reservation." Describe your situation and explain why you think a refund is warranted. Airbnb support can sometimes override the policy if there are extenuating circumstances.

Be clear and factual in your message. If the listing was misrepresented, include screenshots or photos. If the host cancelled, include the cancellation message. If you had a safety concern, describe it in detail. Airbnb support reviews each case individually, and while they cannot force a host to refund you, they can sometimes step in if the host violated the terms of service or if the situation falls outside normal policy.

Response times vary. Airbnb support may take several days to reply, especially during busy periods. Check your email and the app regularly for updates. If your first response does not resolve the issue, you can reply to the support message and ask for escalation to a specialist.

Refunds for credit card and payment method issues

If you paid with a credit card and Airbnb processes a refund, the money goes back to that card. This can take five to ten business days depending on your bank. If you no longer have access to that card, contact your bank and let them know a refund is coming — they can redirect it to your current account.

If you paid with a debit card, PayPal, or another payment method, the refund follows the same timeline and goes back to the original source. Do not open a dispute with your bank or payment provider unless Airbnb has explicitly refused to refund you and support has not responded. Opening a dispute can complicate the refund process and may result in your Airbnb account being flagged or suspended.

If a refund does not arrive after ten business days, contact Airbnb support again with the confirmation number from your original cancellation. Provide your bank statement showing the charge and ask for a status update on the refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel the day before check-in?

It depends on your cancellation policy. If your policy is flexible, yes — you can cancel up to one day before check-in and receive a full refund. If your policy is moderate, strict, or non-refundable, you will not receive a refund unless the host agrees to one. Check your confirmation email to see which policy applies to your reservation.

What if the host agrees to a refund but then does not process it?

If the host agreed in writing through the Airbnb app and did not follow through, contact Airbnb support and provide the message thread. Airbnb can investigate and may force the refund or issue a credit to your account. Do not accept refunds outside the Airbnb platform, as you will have no recourse if the payment does not arrive.

Do I lose my refund if I paid with a gift card?

No. If you paid with an Airbnb gift card and receive a refund, the money goes back to your Airbnb account as a credit. You can use it to book another stay or request that Airbnb convert it to a refund to your original payment method, though this may take additional time.

Can I cancel and rebook at a lower price to get a refund?

Technically yes, but Airbnb and hosts are aware of this practice. If you cancel and when ready rebook the same listing at a lower price, the host may decline the new booking or Airbnb may flag the pattern. If you want to change your dates or find a cheaper option, message the host first and ask about a modification or partial refund — it is more straightforward and less likely to cause problems.

What if I paid a deposit to the host outside Airbnb?

Airbnb does not refund money paid outside the platform. If you sent money directly to the host before booking through Airbnb, that is between you and the host. Always book and pay through Airbnb itself to may support your refund is protected by Airbnb's policies and support system.