Airbnb has launched a new feature called “Reserve Now, Pay Later.” This allows US users to book their property without paying in advance. This may result in the hassle of canceling your reservation if your plans change.
This feature can be applied to properties with “flexible” or “medium” cancellation policies. Flexible policies allow users to cancel their reservations up to 24 hours before check-in, while a medium policy allows free cancellation up to 5 days before check-in.
Users must pay in full for their booking before the listing's free cancellation period ends. Airbnb will send users reminders to pay by that date.
Image credit: Airbnb
The company is not used to buying now. You will pay at the arena later. In 2018, they launched the “Pay Now, Now, Later” product, where users can pay 20% or 50% on their first tranche. In 2023, the company collaborated with Klarna to force users to pay their stay in four installments over six weeks.
Citing a survey conducted on Focaldata, Airbnb said 55% of those surveyed preferred flexible payment options during their stay.