What is Airbnb payout?
Airbnb payouts are the lump sum payments that you receive as a host when a guest stays at your property. If you have a listing on Airbnb, it’s important to understand your Airbnb payout methods and options.
Payouts are calculated based on the total the guest paid, minus the following Airbnb fees:
- Host service fee: Usually 3.0% + VAT
- Guest service fee: Usually 14.2% + VAT
When does Airbnb pay out? Airbnb payments are typically released by Airbnb the day after the guest checks in. If the guest is staying more than a month, the payout is usually released on a monthly basis.
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Why should hosts know more about Airbnb payouts?
Gaining a deeper understanding of Airbnb host payouts can help to ensure that you are priced competitively on the platform, that you earn as much as possible, and that you gain more control over your hotel’s cash flow.
You should look to answer such questions as:
- How does Airbnb payment work?
- When does Airbnb release payment?
- How long do Airbnb payouts take?
- How do I look up my Airbnb payout history?
- What are Airbnb payment options for hosts?
- What are solutions to common Airbnb payment problems?
- Can I use Airbnb to secure more direct bookings?
Good news: these are just a few of the questions we’ll be answering below.

How does Airbnb payout work? A step-by-step guide
How does Airbnb payment work for hosts? The process of receiving a payout is as follows:
- A guest makes a booking: The guest pays for their stay, and the money is held by Airbnb. If you have activated the instant booking feature (which is recommended) the booking will be confirmed straight away. If not, you’ll have 24 hours to accept the booking.
- The guest checks in: You accept the guest at your property. Airbnb will assume the guest has arrived if you or the guest don’t cancel or alter the booking.
- The payment is released: How long does Airbnb take to process payment? One day – the platform will release the funds the day after the guest checks in.
- The money reaches your account: You’ll see the money land in your account within seven days, although depending on the country and the bank/payment provider it could arrive in as little as 30 minutes.
There are also a couple of exceptions to the rules listed above:
- Longer stays are paid in installments: If a guest is staying more than 28 nights, the lump sum payment will be divided up and sent out monthly.
- If you’re a new host, your first payout might be delayed: Airbnb may hold your payouts for 30 days after your first reservation is confirmed.
Airbnb payment options for hosts
An Airbnb payment to hosts can be made in a few different ways. Payout methods vary slightly from country to country, but options include:
- Bank account
- PayPal
- Payoneer prepaid debit Mastercard
- International transfer (IBAN)
- Western Union
- Fast Pay (US only)
- MLC Card (Cuba only)
Here’s how to add Airbnb payout methods:
- Navigate to your Airbnb dashboard
- Click through Profile > Account > Payments & payouts
- Click Payouts > Add payout method
- Choose your country/region
- Choose your preferred payout method, click Continue
- Add the relevant info, click Next
- Your payment method will be confirmed
If you’ve set up more than one payout method, you can choose a default.
Common Airbnb payment problems and how to solve them
How long does Airbnb payouts take?
When do you get Airbnb payments? They are released the day after your guest checks in, and may take up to seven days to reach your account, depending on which payment method you’ve chosen on Airbnb. Awaiting payment, and think you should have received your money by now? If you’re a new host, payments can take up to 30 days to arrive. If you have been hosting for a while, check your payment history for updates.
What happens if Airbnb payment gets declined?
If a guest payment gets declined, Airbnb will usually give the guest 24 hours to find a way to pay for the reservation. If an Airbnb host payout is declined, this indicates an issue with your chosen payout method. You will be notified of the issue, and you will be asked to check/re-enter the payment method details through your Airbnb dashboard.
Where to find Airbnb payment requests
If there was an issue with a guest’s stay, you may need to open a payment or refund request. It’s a slightly convoluted process but here’s where to find payment requests on Airbnb:
- Navigate to the ‘Messages’ section of your Airbnb dashboard.
- Click on the relevant booking and click ‘Details’.
- Click on ‘Visit the Help Centre’
- In the Help Centre, click on the ‘Host’ tab.
- Again, find the relevant booking, then click ‘Go to Resolution Centre’
How to check Airbnb payment history
Viewing an Airbnb payout summary is simple: just navigate to the Airbnb host dashboard, click ‘Menu’, then choose ‘Earnings’ from the drop down list. Here you’ll find past payments, upcoming payments and earning reports.
Alternatively you could connect your Airbnb account to a purpose-built property management system, like Little Hotelier, and make managing your Airbnb bookings and payments so much easier.
By Dean Elphick
Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).
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