Airbnb is making it easier for travelers to book vacations without paying upfront. The company just introduced a new “reserve now, pay later” feature, allowing US customers to secure a rental without an immediate payment. Instead, guests can pay closer to their check-in date.
According to Airbnb, the full payment will be due right before the booking’s free of charge cancellation period ends. This way, hosts still have time to rebook the property if a guest cancels. It is only accessible for US listings with average or malleable cancellation policies for now. However, add-ons like travel insurance or voluntary climate fees should still be settled at the time of booking.
Before this update, Airbnb offered a “pay part now, pay later” plan, where guests paid a deposit upfront and the rest later. The new feature removes the need for any initial payment, giving travelers more flexibility. Airbnb also supports Klarna, a popular pay-over-time service, for eligible bookings.
The change reflects a broader shift in the travel industry, where more companies are offering delayed payment options to accommodate budget-conscious travelers. No exact launch date was announced, but the feature is now active for qualifying US reservations. Global roll out is expected in the following months.