Airbnb has expanded its Reserve Now, Pay Later payment feature to encompass a global audience for both domestic and international trips. Eligible bookings can now be secured without an immediate payment at the booking stage.

This expansion of the Reserve Now, Pay Later service follows similar steps that were taken last summer in the United States, initially for domestic reservations. Airbnb reported that over 70% of eligible bookings during the fourth quarter of 2025 utilized this option, attributing part of its increased occupancy rates to the feature’s availability.

Enhancing Flexibility and Booking Behavior

According to Airbnb’s official press release, global expansion highlights growing demand for flexible payment options among travelers. A survey conducted with US-based travelers by Airbnb and Focaldata revealed that 60% consider flexible payment options important when planning a holiday, while 55% use such options during their bookings. Additionally, the survey indicated that one in ten always opts for these arrangements.

Participants also mentioned delayed or missed reservations due to coordination issues with co-travelers regarding payments, underscoring practical challenges addressed by deferred payment models.

Airbnb’s Reserve Now, Pay Later is part of a broader suite of flexible payment options that include Pay Part Now, Part Later and Pay Over Time with Klarna. These services offer more consistent global choices to travelers, as the feature now covers international bookings.

This timing aligns well with anticipated travel demand growth, potentially supporting earlier reservations for scenarios where availability is limited.

Eligibility criteria remain focused on listings that have moderate or flexible cancellation policies, helping to mitigate financial risks associated with bookings. Strict cancellation policy listings are excluded from the Reserve Now, Pay Later program to maintain balanced risk management for all parties involved.

The move positions Airbnb more competitively against other accommodation platforms and online travel agencies that have incorporated instalment or deferred payment options, a market segment that has seen significant growth in recent years.