When do you get charged for airbnb?

Introduction

When do you get charged for Airbnb? This is a common question among both hosts and guests who use the popular online marketplace for short-term accommodations. Understanding the payment process is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. In this article, we will dive deeper into the topic and explore when charges are typically incurred on Airbnb.

Booking and Payment Process

Booking: When a guest finds a listing they are interested in, they can proceed to book the accommodation. At this stage, guests are required to provide their payment information, including credit card details or other accepted payment methods. However, the actual charge is not processed immediately.

Pre-authorization: Instead of charging the guest’s payment method right away, Airbnb typically pre-authorizes the amount. This means that the funds are temporarily held, but not deducted from the guest’s account. Pre-authorization is done to ensure that the guest has sufficient funds available to cover the booking.

Host acceptance: After the guest submits a booking request, the host has the option to accept or decline it. If the host accepts the booking, the pre-authorized amount will be charged to the guest’s payment method.

Instant Book: In some cases, hosts may enable the Instant Book feature, which allows guests to book their listing without prior approval. With Instant Book, the guest is charged immediately upon making the reservation.

Cancellation Policy and Charges

Cancellation policy: Each Airbnb listing has a specific cancellation policy set by the host. The cancellation policy determines the amount of refund a guest is eligible for if they decide to cancel their reservation. Airbnb offers several cancellation policy options, including Flexible, Moderate, and Strict, among others. It is important for guests to review the cancellation policy before making a booking.

Refundable and non-refundable fees: When a guest cancels a reservation, the refund amount is determined based on the cancellation policy and the timing of the cancellation. Some fees, such as the Airbnb service fee, may be non-refundable regardless of the cancellation policy. Other fees, such as cleaning fees, may be refundable or non-refundable depending on the host’s policy.

Partial refunds: In certain cases, guests may be eligible for a partial refund if they decide to shorten their stay after checking in. The amount of the refund will depend on the host’s cancellation policy and the number of remaining nights.

Additional Charges

Security deposit: Some hosts require a security deposit to cover any potential damages or violations of the house rules. The security deposit is typically collected by Airbnb and held until after the guest’s stay. If there are no issues reported by the host, the security deposit is refunded to the guest.

Extra charges: Hosts may charge additional fees for specific services or amenities, such as pet fees, late check-out fees, or charges for using certain facilities. These additional charges should be clearly stated in the listing description, and guests should review them before making a booking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, charges on Airbnb are typically incurred when a host accepts a guest’s booking request or when a guest uses the Instant Book feature. Pre-authorization is commonly used to ensure the availability of funds, and the actual charge is processed after the host’s acceptance. Understanding the cancellation policy and any additional charges is crucial for both hosts and guests to avoid any surprises. By familiarizing themselves with the payment process, users can have a more transparent and enjoyable experience on Airbnb.