Paying outside Airbnb
With few exceptions, the full cost of your reservation is collected by Airbnb. If you paid for any part of your reservation outside Airbnb, it may be fraudulent.
If you suspect fraud, let us know immediately.
Fees that a Host can collect directly
On occasion, a Host may collect certain authorized fees and taxes directly from guests using a payment method outside Airbnb.
These fees must be detailed in the listing description and included in the price breakdown prior to booking, and are usually charged before the stay, at check-in, or within 48 hours of checkout.
Additional fees:
- Security deposit: Hosts who manage their listings with API-connected software can set a security deposit using our offline fees feature. Learn more about security deposits.
- Resort fees: These may cover amenities like wifi or valet parking.
- Incidentals: This might include airport shuttle or parking fees.
- Local occupancy tax: In some areas, Hosts are legally required to collect this in person. Find out more about how taxes work for guests.
When to report
Caught off-guard by an unfamiliar off-site payment request? Report it to us immediately.
Red flags include wire or bank transfer requests, and PDF or paper invoices. Stay mindful of terms like Western Union, MoneyGram, cashier's check, money order, or Liberty Reserve.
To report a message
Report a message on desktop
- Click Messages and select the conversation you want to report
- In the message, click the three dots
- Click Report this message
- Select the reason you're reporting the message and click OK
- Give further details (if required), and then click Submit
Report a message in the Airbnb app
- Tap Messages and select the conversation you want to report
- Hold the message to show the three dots
- Tap Report this message
- Select the reason you're reporting the message and tap OK
- Give further details (if required), and then tap Submit
Report a message in the Airbnb app
- Tap Messages and select the conversation you want to report
- Hold the message to show the three dots
- Tap Report this message
- Select the reason you're reporting the message and tap OK
- Give further details (if required), and then tap Submit
Report a message on mobile browser
- Tap Messages and select the conversation you want to report
- Tap the message to show the three dots
- Tap Report this message
- Select the reason you're reporting the message and tap OK
- Give further details (if required), and then tap Submit
For most of the reasons, you'll have the option to block the person from messaging you again.
To report an email
If you receive an email from anyone asking for payment off-site, contact us immediately. This includes senders with an airbnb.com email address.
Types of scams
Help protect yourself from these common scams by booking through the Airbnb platform, keeping your email address private, and examining emails that claim to be from Airbnb.
- Advance fee scam: Someone offers to pay you or give you something if you pay through a service outside Airbnb.
- Phishing scam: Someone sends an email or link posing as Airbnb or another trusted site. These messages are designed to trick you into providing confidential information, and may contain malicious software (malware) designed to access passwords and contacts.
- Travel scam: Someone offers a great deal if you pay by wire transfer, then fails to deliver.
- Overpayment scam: A guest offers to pay more than the listed price, then asks the Host for cash to cover the difference.
- Third-party booking scam: Someone offers to reserve and pay for an Airbnb listing through their third-party website or service, often claiming to have an Airbnb coupon or discount. These reservations are typically paid for using stolen credit cards.
Note: Any reservations that are made outside Airbnb violate our Terms of Service. If we identify that a reservation was made through a third-party service, we may cancel the reservation and deactivate the accounts of the person who made the reservation and the guest.
Related articles
- Guest
Collecting fees outside Airbnb
Generally, hosts may not collect any additional fees or charges outside the Airbnb platform unless expressly authorized by Airbnb. - Guest
If a Host asks for more money
All pricing information is included when you book a reservation using Airbnb. There are a few exceptions. - Guest
Host and guest safety
To help ensure safe stays, experiences, and interactions, certain activities and behaviors are not allowed in our community.