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Airbnb & OTA Fees
OTA fees are the largest line item between a booking and your payout. These posts break down exactly what Airbnb charges, how it shows up for guests, and how direct booking changes the math.
Airbnb Guest Service Fee (2026): What Guests Pay and When It Is Zero
Airbnb's guest service fee is zero on most 2026 bookings: the 14.1% to 16.5% guests paid moved onto the host as a 15.5% fee. What guests see now and how to reprice.
Airbnb Host Fees UK (2026): 15.5% Host-Only, VAT and What You Keep
UK hosts moved to Airbnb's 15.5% host-only fee on June 22, 2026; 20% VAT makes it 18.6% unless you are VAT registered. A £1,000 booking worked, plus Vrbo, Booking.com and direct.
Airbnb Payout Schedule (2026): When Hosts Get Paid and Why Payouts Are Delayed
Airbnb releases payouts about 24 hours after check-in; your payout method adds 30 minutes to 7 business days. Method timings, monthly stays and why a payout is late.
Airbnb vs Vrbo vs Direct Booking: Net Payout on the Same $1,000 Stay (2026)
The same $1,000 stay pays $845 on Airbnb, $880 on Vrbo and $970.70 direct. Three bookings worked across every channel, the guest's side, and when the OTA fee is worth it.
Airbnb Cancellation Policy for Hosts: Which One Pays
Airbnb cancellation policy for hosts, priced: what Flexible, Moderate, Limited and Firm each pay on a $2,400 booking, and the 5.9% break-even.
Returning Guest Discount: Where the 13% Ceiling Sits
A returning guest discount has a calculable ceiling: 12.98% against Airbnb's 15.5% fee and 9.37% against Vrbo's 12%. Here is the math on a $1,500 stay.
Vrbo Annual Subscription After Oct. 29: The New Math
Vrbo annual subscription hosts move to the 12% commission when their term expires after Oct. 29, 2026. The break-even math and what to check first.
Vrbo Payment Processing Fee: What the 12% Includes
Vrbo says its 12% commission includes payment processing from October 29, 2026. The 7.95% repricing math, the booking date rule, and the guest fee.
Booking.com Commission: What Hosts Actually Pay
Booking.com states a 15% average commission, but Genius discounts and a 1.1% to 3.1% payment fee sit on top. Here is the stacked math for rental hosts.
Texas Sales Tax on Airbnb Host Fees: The 19.50% Markup
Texas moved on Sept. 30, 2026 to end sales tax on Airbnb host fees. Until the rule changes, Texas hosts need a 19.50% markup, not 18.34%, to hold net.
Vrbo 12% Commission: The Oct. 29 Repricing Math
Vrbo moves every host to a 12% commission on October 29, 2026. Here is the repricing math, the processing fee answer, and the new parity clause.
Airbnb Sponsored Listings: The $1 Billion Ad Auction
Airbnb sponsored listings could add $1 billion in fees. What Chesky said on September 10, 2026, the per host math, and why an auction has no fixed markup.
Vrbo Host Refund Policy 2026: When You Must Refund and What Vrbo Keeps
Vrbo's Host Refunds Policy (Sept. 15, 2026): start card refunds in 3 business days, guest paid in 14. What Vrbo refunds, what it keeps, and the fee math.
Vrbo Members Only Deals: Opt Out by Sept. 10 or Absorb 28%
Vrbo auto-enrolls listings in Members Only Deals on Sept. 18, 2026. Opt out by Sept. 10, or raise your base rate 38.89% to hold net through a 28% cut.
Airbnb's AI Pricing Tool: Do the Math Before You Tap Accept
Airbnb is rolling out an AI pricing tool that often suggests price cuts. Here is the break-even math hosts should run before accepting a recommendation.
Airbnb Host Fee Increase: The Sept. 15 Repricing Checklist
Airbnb's host fee increase hits US hosts on September 15, 2026. Raise listed prices 14.79%, not 15.5%, and reprice cleaning fees using this checklist.
Vrbo Sponsored Listings Are Live: The Real Cost per Booking
Vrbo sponsored listings are live with a $5 per booked night minimum bid. Here is the fee stack math and when bidding actually makes sense for hosts.
Airbnb 15.5% Host Fee: US Deadline Is September 15, 2026
Airbnb moved US hosts to a single 15.5% host fee on September 15, 2026. Raise prices 14.8% to keep payouts level, or 18.34% to cover the full fee.
Vrbo vs. Airbnb Host Fees (2026): 12% vs. 15.5% on the Same $1,000 Booking
On a $1,000 booking, Vrbo's 12% commission pays $880; Airbnb's 15.5% host fee pays $845. Side-by-side math, the guest fee gap, and what changes abroad.
Airbnb Host Cancellation Fees (2026): The 10%–50% Schedule and the $50 Minimum
Airbnb charges hosts who cancel 10% of the reservation more than 30 days out, 25% within 30 days and 50% inside 48 hours, with a $50 minimum.
Airbnb Host Fees Explained (2026): 15.5% Host-Only vs 3% Split Fee
Airbnb's host fee is now 15.5% of the subtotal for most hosts, not the old 3% split fee. Worked payouts, the 18.34% markup, and UK, Canada, Australia.
How Much Does Airbnb Take From Hosts? The Real Cost Per Booking (2026)
Airbnb takes 15.5% of the subtotal from most hosts: $85.25 on a $550 stay. Per-booking table for host-only, split fee and direct, plus the yearly total.
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