You probably found this article because your credit card was inaccurately charged by Airbnb. Typically, Airbnb would charge your credit card when you make a reservation or booking.
This charge is often processed shortly after you confirm the reservation. Sometimes, a charge could be made days after you check out.
If you find an unauthorized charge has been made to your credit card, you can open a dispute with Airbnb. Here are the full details and how to go about it.
When Can You Dispute an Airbnb Charge on Your Credit Card?
Disputing an Airbnb charge on your credit card involves questioning a transaction that you believe is inaccurate, or unauthorized.
It means that you are raising a formal objection or complaint with Airbnb or your credit card issuer regarding a specific charge.
Here are some grounds for opening an Airbnb dispute:
Unauthorized or Inaccurate Charges
If you notice a charge on your credit card statement you did not authorize, it’s crucial to act quickly.
You can dispute an Airbnb charge on your credit card if you believe the charge is unauthorized or incorrect. Unauthorized charges typically occur when you don’t make the reservation.
You can dispute a charge If you believe you were overcharged by Airbnb. This is where the charge does not match the agreed-upon amount.
Compile all relevant documentation, such as booking confirmation emails, screenshots of the booking details, and communication with the host.
Contact Airbnb’s customer service first to attempt to resolve the issue directly with them. If the issue persists, and you cannot resolve it with Airbnb, you can contact your credit card issuer to start the dispute process.
Some reasons why your account could have been charged include:
Miscommunication
There could have been a misunderstanding. Make sure you review your reservation details and payment terms first. This way you can ensure everything aligns.
Cancellations
If you cancel a reservation, there might be a cancellation fee. It could also be a refund processing delay that affects the timing of charges and refunds.
Currency Conversion Rates
If you’re traveling internationally, currency conversion rates and fees often fluctuate. This might be the cause of the unexpected increase in charges.
Changes in Reservation
If you made changes to your reservation, there might be adjustments in the checkout price. These changes could lead to unexpected charges. It could include the rental cost, cleaning fees, service fees, and any applicable taxes.
Extra Fees during a Stay
Charges for extra services or amenities requested during your stay, like early check-in, late check-out, or additional cleaning services.
Also, if there are damages to the property during your stay, the host might charge you for repairs or replacements. More details are provided on the Airbnb host damage protection page.
Missed Payments
Make sure you’re not on a payment plan or have an outstanding balance with Airbnb. They might have charged your account to cover those amounts.
Where the Property Is Not as Described
This is another situation where you may have grounds for a dispute. For example, the property you booked through Airbnb does not match the description.
Also, you might have encountered significant problems during your stay that were not addressed by the host. Before contacting the Airbnb resolution center, try to resolve the matter directly with Airbnb’s customer service.
Otherwise, Airbnb grants you up to 60 days after your checkout date to submit a resolution Center request.
Timeliness is key when disputing a charge. This way you can initiate the process as soon as you identify the issue.
Additionally, maintain thorough records of all communication, documentation, and attempts to resolve the matter with both Airbnb and your credit card issuer.
Cancellation Policies
It’s important to understand the cancellation policies for the property you book. If you need to cancel within the cancellation window, you should be able to do so without facing charges.
However, if you’re charged despite following the cancellation policy correctly, you can use this as a basis for a dispute.
How to Dispute an Airbnb Charge on Your Credit Card
Also, they are not usually clear about what to do. What information do you provide, how do they handle their disputes, and what do you do afterward?
To open a dispute on an unauthorized Airbnb charge on your credit card, follow these steps:
Review Credit Card Statement
Carefully review your credit card statement to identify the specific charge you wish to dispute. Note the date, amount, and other relevant details.
Contact Airbnb
Before involving your credit card issuer, try to resolve the issue directly with Airbnb’s customer service. Explain the situation, and provide evidence to them.
This could be screenshots, booking details, communication with the host, and a request for a resolution. You could do this by visiting the Airbnb resolution center.
Gather Documentation
You never know which evidence you might need in the future to support your position. It is strongly advised to use the messaging feature on the Airbnb website or app.
This way, the Airbnb resolution team can easily access the email trail. Collect all relevant documentation, including booking confirmation emails, and communication with Airbnb and the host.
Reviewing the specific payment and cancellation policies for the property you’re booking is a good idea. These details can work in your favor when the charge occurs. Gather any evidence that supports your dispute.
This could include photos or descriptions that show the property didn’t match the listing.
Contact Your Credit Card Issuer
You can also get out of this by calling the customer service number on the back of your credit card. Inform them that you want to dispute a charge related to an Airbnb booking.
Provide them with the details of the charge, the reason for the dispute, and any evidence you have collected. You may stop the transaction by getting in touch with your credit card provider earlier.
Ask them to block any further charges from Airbnb. This might actually get your account closed by Airbnb.
Your credit card issuer may provide you with a dispute form to fill out. This form will require details about the charge, the reason for the dispute, and any supporting documentation.
Complete the form accurately and thoroughly. Attach copies of your supporting documentation to the dispute form. This may include screenshots, emails, and any other evidence that supports your claim.
Wait for Investigation
Once your dispute is submitted, your Airbnb will initiate an investigation. They will review the information you provided and may reach out to the Airbnb host for additional information.
Follow Up
Stay in touch with Airbnb and your credit card issuer to check the progress of the investigation. Be prepared to provide any additional information they may request.
Resolution
The resolution depends on the outcome of the investigation. Your credit card issuer will either remove the disputed charge from your statement.
They may retain it if the charge is deemed valid. If you disagree with the resolution, you have the option to appeal. The specific steps and procedures may be different depending on your situation.
Beyond this, it is important to act promptly. Provide thorough documentation, and maintain clear communication throughout the dispute process.
