A new feature that may change travelers’ booking habits is being tested by Airbnb in the United States and Canada. The well-known short-term rental platform has quietly launched a “reserve now, pay later” trial from 26 June 2025, enabling users to secure their reservation without having to pay immediately.
According to the update added to Airbnb’s Terms of Payment, guests can make a reservation and pay later, with the charge being automatically made on a date set at check-out. The exact payment date varies depending on the booking, but in any case it precedes arrival at the property.
Flexibility and increased bookings
The move is thought to be aimed at increasing conversion rates, giving more flexibility to travellers who wish to book accommodation but are not yet ready to make a financial commitment at the time of booking.
If a scheduled payment fails – for example due to insufficient balance or incorrect card details – Airbnb gives users 72 hours to update their payment method. Otherwise, the reservation may be automatically cancelled.
While Airbnb had previously offered installment and split payment capabilities through partners like Klarna and Zip, this new feature is now managed internally, directly by the platform itself, without the intervention of third parties.
Only for selected users for now
At the moment, the new feature is only available for selected users in the United States and Canada, and it has not been announced when or if it will be rolled out globally. The company has not provided details on the possible expansion of the measure to other markets, but the success of the trial phase is expected to determine the future of the new tool.
The operation comes at a time when the travel market is experiencing strong demand, but also greater price sensitivity due to economic uncertainties. Consumers are looking for more flexibility and the ability to book without an immediate financial burden can prove crucial for many.
What it means for property owners
For owners who market their accommodation through Airbnb, the new feature may lead to an increase in bookings, as more travellers may book without hesitation. However, no details have been released on how owners are protected from potential cancellations in the event of non-completion of payment.
It also remains unclear whether this feature will be combined with existing cancellation and refund policies, or whether some form of upfront payment will be required to minimise last-minute cancellations.
Airbnb continues to experiment with new ways to enhance the booking and payment experience in an effort to attract greater numbers of travelers and meet the changing needs of the market. The “book now, pay later” feature adds another level of convenience for users, and the success of the trial will show whether this new feature will be rolled out globally.
