Airbnb has introduced a new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature in the United States, enabling users to secure accommodation without an immediate payment.

The option applies to listings with “flexible” or “moderate” cancellation policies, potentially making last-minute plan changes less burdensome for travelers.

Under the flexible policy, guests can cancel up to 24 hours before check-in without a fee, while the moderate policy allows free cancellations until five days prior. Users must settle the full booking amount before the listing’s free cancellation deadline, with Airbnb sending reminders ahead of that date.

The move builds on the company’s previous experiments with payment flexibility. In 2018, Airbnb launched a “Pay part now, part later” option, letting customers pay 20% or 50% upfront and the remainder closer to the stay. In 2023, it partnered with Klarna to offer four-installment payments over six weeks.

According to a company-commissioned survey by research firm Focaldata, 55% of respondents said they preferred flexible payment options when booking accommodation. Additionally, 42% reported missing out on desired properties while sorting payment arrangements with other travelers.

Airbnb said the new feature aims to address those concerns, offering more flexibility for groups and solo travelers alike.