If the booking qualifies, guests will see the option during checkout.
“As per the update to Airbnb’s payment terms dated June 26, if you select ‘Book Now, Pay Later,’ the Airbnb platform will notify you during the payment process of the amount, currency, and the due date by which the total amount must be settled,” the company states. “On the due date, Airbnb Payments will automatically charge the payment method used at booking.”
For example, if a booking for September 11–13 qualifies, you could reserve today without any immediate payment. However, if the host offers free cancellation only until August 12, Airbnb may inform you that full payment must be made before that date to avoid any charges.
Airbnb is testing this feature as affordability is a top priority for guests, according to the company. The platform is exploring new ways to make it easier for guests to pay for their stays.
The “Book Now, Pay Later” option differs from typical “Buy Now, Pay Later” programs offered by other websites, where customers finance their vacations and pay in installments.
