Planning your next getaway? Maybe a cozy cabin in the woods, a chic loft in the city, or a beach bungalow has caught your eye. But there’s one thing holding you back—money. What if you could book now and pay later? This is where Afterpay steps in.

Now you might be wondering: “Can you use Afterpay to book on Airbnb?” It sounds like a dream. Let’s break it down and see if it’s real—or just wishful thinking.

What Is Afterpay?

Before we get to Airbnb, let’s quickly talk about Afterpay. Afterpay is a “buy now, pay later” service. It lets you split a purchase into four equal payments, every two weeks. No interest. No hidden fees (as long as you pay on time).

Here’s how it works:

• You choose Afterpay at checkout.
• You pay the first 25% today.
• The rest is paid every two weeks in 3 installments.

It’s a handy tool for shopping—clothes, gadgets, beauty products. But what about travel?

Does Airbnb Accept Afterpay?

Sadly, Airbnb does not directly accept Afterpay at this time. You can’t select Afterpay as a payment method during checkout on Airbnb. But don’t walk away just yet! There are a few creative ways to work around this.

Creative Workarounds

Even though Airbnb doesn’t officially accept Afterpay, many savvy travelers have found clever tips to still use it for their trips.

1. Use Afterpay on Airbnb Gift Cards

This is the most popular approach—and it works!

• Afterpay is accepted by some online stores that sell digital gift cards.
• Buy an Airbnb gift card using Afterpay.
• Use that gift card to pay for your Airbnb stay.

Websites like Target, Sephora, or other big retailers sometimes partner with Afterpay and sell Airbnb gift cards. Just make sure they are legit and offer instant email delivery.

2. Use a Virtual Credit Card From Afterpay

In some regions, Afterpay offers “virtual cards” for in-store or online payments. You can use these with Apple Pay or Google Pay. If Airbnb ever accepts these payment wallets—and you have access to Afterpay’s virtual card—you might make it work.

But again, this isn’t guaranteed. Availability depends on where you live and what services Afterpay offers there.

3. Try Other ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Options

If Afterpay is a no-go, you might try other similar services that do partner with travel sites. For example:

• Klarna often works with travel services.
• Affirm is another flexible pay-later tool, and it has partnered with Expedia.
• PayPal Pay in 4 is an option too, if Airbnb payments go through PayPal.

While these aren’t Afterpay, they offer similar features and may unlock more options for travel purchases.

Why Doesn’t Airbnb Partner with Afterpay Directly?

Good question! There are a few possible reasons.

• Airbnb bookings are different from retail purchases. The costs vary wildly. Some are $60 a night, others are $6,000.
• Hosts get paid quickly. A delay in payment through Afterpay might not suit Airbnb’s model.
• Regulations differ by country. Buy-now-pay-later services face legal restrictions in some locations.

That said, Airbnb is always evolving. So who knows? Maybe one day they’ll team up with Afterpay directly.

Here’s What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re excited about booking your next Airbnb with Afterpay, don’t lose heart. Here’s a fun and simple checklist to try:

1. Check if your favorite store sells Airbnb gift cards and accepts Afterpay.
2. Buy enough gift cards to cover your stay.
3. Add gift cards to your Airbnb account before booking.
4. Book your dream rental using the gift cards.

It takes a little planning, but it works!

Is It Safe?

Yes, buying gift cards through big-name stores is safe. Just make sure it’s a trusted site. Be cautious of scammy sellers or sketchy marketplaces. Pro tip: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

More Tips for Budget Travelers

Everyone loves saving money. If you’re on a budget, consider these friendly tips:

• Book early to find the best rates.
• Choose “Entire Place” or “Private Room” based on your needs.
• Look for weekly or monthly stay discounts.
• Read reviews closely—details matter!

And don’t forget to factor in cleaning and service fees when you’re comparing prices.

The Fun Part: Dreaming of Travel

Let’s be real—half the fun is planning. Browsing beautiful homes, looking at sunset views, picking which room gets the best light. Budgeting with Afterpay can turn dreams into plans. Even if you can’t pay in full today, there are smart and easy ways to get closer to your goal.

So go on, explore the map. You might find the perfect tiny house in the mountains or a boho beach hut a few hours away.

Wrapping It Up

So, can you use Afterpay to book on Airbnb?

Not directly, no. But you can use it to buy Airbnb gift cards through approved stores—and then use those cards to pay for your booking. It’s a smart hack and totally doable.

Until Airbnb and Afterpay decide to team up officially, this remains your best option. And who knows? Travel tech changes fast!

Now, grab your phone, open up that Airbnb app, and plan that staycation, girls’ trip, solo escape, or family adventure. Just remember—plan wisely, check the fine print, and stay smart with your payments.

Happy travels, and happy budgeting!