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Are you planning a holiday with friends or family? Renting a home or apartment via Airbnb can make your stay more enjoyable and authentic.
But, when it’s time to pay, figuring out how to divide the cost can be a headache. Here’s where Airbnb’s split payment feature comes in handy.
However, the feature isn’t available since 2018; you cannot directly split payments in Airbnb.
But fear not; in this article, we will provide a traditional guide on splitting your rentals in Airbnb. We’ll explore the payment plan terms, eligibility, and more.
Can You Split Payment on Airbnb?
Contrary to what some may believe, Airbnb doesn’t provide a direct mechanism to split payments among multiple guests.
While it does offer a feature to pay only a portion of the costs at the time of booking. It doesn’t permit dividing the remaining price among the other guests via the Airbnb platform as of 2023.
So, while you can’t split the payment within Airbnb’s system, the ‘payment plan’ option does provide some leeway.
This feature allows you to pay a part of the total booking cost upfront. It leaves the remaining balance to be paid later before your stay.
Booking a group vacation can be beneficial. It gives you time to calculate and collect a share of the cost from each participant.
Alternative to Direct Split Payments on Airbnb
Airbnb doesn’t offer a direct split payment feature. However, there are effective alternatives to ensure a seamless payment arrangement when booking accommodations for a group.
One choice is opting for the ‘Payment Plans’ option Airbnb provides.
With the ‘Payment Plans’ feature, you can pay only a portion of the total booking cost at the time of reservation.
It enables you to secure the booking without bearing the entire expense upfront. Subsequently, you can calculate each guest’s share of the cost and collect their contributions separately.
Or the most straightforward approach as a verified Airbnb user, is to cover the total cost of the booking on the platform.
Yes, this does require you to bear the entire burden initially but rest assured, it’s only temporary.
Once you’ve paid the total cost, your group members can reimburse you for their respective shares.
How, you ask? Well, there are myriad ways. Some prefer the simplicity of cash, allowing for a quick, tangible exchange of funds.
However, in our increasingly digital world, online payment platforms have become the go-to.
Services like Venmo, PayPal, or even direct bank transfers offer an easy way to collect payments from your fellow travelers.
This method allows you to bypass the lack of a direct split payment feature on Airbnb. It offers a sense of accountability and ease among the group members.
After all, a well-planned, hassle-free payment process means more time to enjoy the anticipation of the trip!
How Do Airbnb’s Payment Plan Terms Work?
Understanding the Payment plan terms is crucial when booking through Airbnb. The terms set forth the conditions for the “Payment Plan Feature” or the “Pay Less Upfront Feature.”
The Payment Plan feature allows guests to pay a portion of the total fees at the time of booking.
The remainder will be paid at a later time before check-in. The feature, however, is only available for eligible bookings and specific payment methods.
When you check out, the Airbnb platform will notify you if your booking is eligible.
Choosing to book with the payment plan feature means the platform will inform you of the amount. As well as a schedule of each payment due.
Airbnb payments will automatically charge the original payment method you used to make the booking when the second payment is due.
However, remember that you cannot use gift cards for the second payment.
Any modifications to a booking made with this feature will result in a revised payment schedule.
If the changes increase your total fees, you might have an additional partial payment at the time of the modification.
You authorize Airbnb payments to collect all amounts due by charging the payment method used to make the booking.
Or otherwise as permitted under the payment terms. Note that once you select this feature, you may be unable to pay with a different payment method. Or follow a different payment schedule.
If Airbnb Payments cannot collect a payment, Airbnb can cancel your booking.
If the booking is canceled, you’ll be refunded by the host based on their cancellation policy. But you may incur cancellation fees.
Payment Plans Terms – All You Need to Know
The payment plan term is particularly beneficial for residents of the USA and Canada.
Airbnb is rolling out two new ‘pay over time’ payment plans in partnership with Klarna, with plans to expand.
Here are the things you need to know more about payment plan terms:
Payment Plans Terms Eligibility
In order to qualify for payment plans, your reservation needs to meet specific criteria:
- Payment methods include Paypal, Google Pay, credit card, debit card, or Airbnb credits.
- Payments made with currencies qualify except for Indian rupee (INR).
- The total reservation value must be $50 or more, including taxes and fees and excluding any credits or coupons.
- The reservation should start at least 14 days in the future. The precise duration depends on the listing’s cancellation policy.
- Reservations for long-term stays (28 nights or more) or Airbnb for Work reservations don’t qualify.
Tracking Your Payments
Once your reservation is confirmed, you’ll pay part of the amount with future payments charged automatically on the dates listed at checkout.
Information about upcoming fees is included in your email receipt. Airbnb will send you an email reminder three days before each charge with a link to manage your payment settings.
If Cancellations Happen
If you cancel or the next payment is completed after the due date, you will receive a refund. It is based on your reservation’s cancellation policy.
For example, if you’re eligible for a 50% refund and have paid 50% of the reservation amount, there will be no refund. While the 50% balance will not be charged.
Coupons, Credits, and Gift Cards
If you choose a payment plan, any Airbnb credits, gift cards, or coupons will be applied before calculating the payment plan amount.
These cannot be applied to the second payment or any future payments.
For instance, if you book a $200 trip and have $50 in gift credits. You can apply for these credits at checkout.
If you use the full $50, you can pay $75 during checkout and $75 later for the remaining $150 balance.
Your chosen backup payment method (like a credit or debit card) will be imposed for the second payment.
Regardless if you have remaining or newly acquired Airbnb credits on your account.
In Conclusion
The Airbnb payment system, including payment plans and split payments, offers significant flexibility for travelers, particularly those traveling in groups.
Though direct split payment is no longer a feature within Airbnb’s platform.
Alternative methods like collecting each member’s share separately ensure that no individual bears the whole financial burden.
Airbnb’s payment plan feature also eases the pressure, allowing guests to spread their payment over time.
However, understanding the terms and conditions associated with these features is crucial to ensure smooth transactions and prevent surprises.
From identifying eligible bookings to keeping track of payments, and understanding the implications of cancellations.
Or use of credits and coupons, being informed helps you make the best use of Airbnb’s platform.
So, next time you plan a group trip, leverage these features for a hassle-free, enjoyable travel experience.
