All About HomeAway Payments
Last updated: March 2024
HomeAway is now Vrbo. View our Ultimate Vrbo Host Guide to get the most updated information about payments and more.
The payment transaction method that owners and property managers with subscription-based rental listings can use on HomeAway’s platform is called HomeAway Payments. Additionally, using HomeAway Payments is a requirement of having a pay-per-booking listing.
Using HomeAway Payments is the safest way for guests to pay for a reservation on the website. Owners and managers can either provide instant online reservation capability or they can send their request for payment directly to the guest. Then, using HomeAway Payments, guests can pay immediately using a number of online methods, e.g. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover cards, or eChecks (only available for United States residents).
A big advantage of using HomeAway Payments is the fact that all payments are protected against any type of internet fraud. So in using this method to receive payments, the owner communicates to their guests that they value the guests’ online security, which, in turn, can help establish trust and confidence.
Depending on the situation, guests can pay in different currencies for properties, such as EUR, USD, GBP or CAD. Hosts can also choose whether to accept the local currency or if they prefer, be paid in USD, EUR, or GBP.
What Are the Benefits of HomeAway Payments?
There are many advantages of using the HomeAway Payments system for your vacation rental listed on the site. Take a look for yourself:
No Fees and Low Rates
There are no extra fees involved in setting up or ending your Payments account, nor are there any monthly payments to be made. Fees for processing payments start from 2.9% for cards like Visa and MasterCard, and eChecks will incur no additional cost.
Convenience
It’s quick, simple and easy for travelers to pay for their online reservation using credit cards and eChecks. Based on your payment schedule, funds will be released to you and your calendar will be updated.
Time-Saving
You can manage all Payments direct from your dashboard, as well as use reminders and automated payment requests.
Get More Guests Interested
Guests love the convenience of paying online before their trip, so why not give them what they want? HomeAway and VRBO listings that use HomeAway Payments get more interest than those without.
Damage Guarantee
When you use their Payments system, you can activate Property Damage Protection. This means guests can pay a small fee upfront for a protection policy, or they can pay a refundable damage deposit. Your rentals will be protected no matter what.
Protected Payments
Though guests love the convenience of online bookings, they can be a bit wary when it comes down to it. Using HomeAway Payments guarantees the guest’s payment is automatically protected through the Book with Confidence Guarantee ™. They’ll feel reassured that their payment is going directly to you through their Payment service.
How Do I Get Paid with HomeAway Payments?
Hosts who use the secure HomeAway Payments platform (which is optional for subscription listings but a requirement of pay-per-booking listings) receive payments in different ways depending on which service they use.
If owners are using the Instant Payment Service, your funds will be released one day after the payment has been made. The funds will then be available in your bank account between 5-7 working days later.
If owners are using the Check-in Payment Service, money will be released one day after guest check-in, and will then be available in your account around 5-7 business days after. For any special enquiry, you can directly contact HomeAway’s customer service.