Airbnb is expanding its “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature globally, allowing users to secure bookings without immediate payment. The option lets travelers cancel without losing money upfront and get charged closer to their check-in date instead of at booking time.
The feature launched in the U.S. last year and has achieved 70% adoption for eligible bookings. During Q4 2025 earnings, Airbnb reported that the payment option contributed to longer booking lead times and increased demand for larger entire homes with four or more bedrooms.
A survey by Airbnb and Focaldata found that 60% of travelers consider flexible payment options important when booking holidays. The company noted that the feature mirrors “buy now, pay later” plans popular in e-commerce, making expensive travel more accessible by spreading out costs.
