Fees for Airbnb Hosts: What Percentage Does Airbnb Keep?

Airbnb has established itself as one of the main platforms for vacation and short-term rentals. However, many owners still have doubts about how much Airbnb really charges per reservation. In this article, we explain in detail how the fees work for hosts in 2025, what percentage the platform takes, what additional costs may arise, and how to optimize your benefits as an owner.

What are Airbnb fees for hosts?

Airbnb fees for hosts are commissions that are automatically deducted from the total amount of each reservation. These fees cover the services offered by the platform: payment processing, customer service, protection insurance, advertising of your listing, among others. Depending on your profile and configuration, these fees can vary considerably.

What percentage does Airbnb keep?

In 2025, Airbnb applies two main commission models: the split fee and the host-only fee. The exact percentage depends on the model you have activated in your account and the country or region in which you operate.

1. Split fee

This model is mainly applied to individual hosts and is the most common in standard accounts.

- The host pays a fixed commission of 3% on the reservation subtotal (amount per night plus cleaning fee).

- The guest pays between 14% and 16% additional, visible as a “service fee” during the booking process.

This system splits the cost between both parties, although it can generate some friction with guests when they see the final price increased.

Example:

If a reservation costs 100 euros per night and 20 euros for cleaning are added, the subtotal is 120 euros.

- The host pays 3% on 120: 3.60 euros.

- The guest pays, for example, an additional 15%: 18 euros.

- The host receives 116.40 euros.

- The guest pays 138 euros.

2. Host-only fee

This model is mandatory for professional hosts, especially those who use property management software, channel managers, or have multiple listings.

- The host assumes 14% or 16% of the subtotal as the only commission.

- The guest does not pay any additional service fee.

This model is more transparent for customers, as the price they see is the one they pay. However, the impact on the host's profitability can be greater if prices are not adjusted well.

How much does it cost to list a property on Airbnb?

Listing a property on Airbnb is free. The platform does not charge for creating the property profile, uploading photos, or receiving visits. You only pay when a reservation is confirmed, applying the corresponding fees based on the chosen model.

Airbnb and Channel Managers or iCal

If you manage your accommodation with professional software or a channel manager like Smoobu, Guesty or Beds24, Airbnb will automatically apply the host-only fee model. This means you will pay a higher percentage (around 15%), but the guest will not see any additional commission.

It is also important to know that if you use iCal synchronization, although it is a more basic solution, Airbnb may consider that you are managing multiple channels and change your commission model to a professional one.

Airbnb fees for bookings with different currencies

When a guest pays in a different currency than the one you have configured as a host, Airbnb automatically performs the conversion. In this process, a currency conversion commission is applied, which usually ranges between 2% and 3%.

This cost is not broken down as an additional commission, but is reflected in a less favorable exchange rate for the host.

Other costs to consider on Airbnb

VAT on commissions

In countries like Spain, Airbnb charges VAT on its commission. This is not applied to the total reservation price, but to the portion that Airbnb retains. In most cases, this tax is 21%.

This VAT is reflected in the monthly invoice and can be deducted if you declare your income as self-employed or a company.

Cleaning Fee

Airbnb allows hosts to charge anadditional cleaning fee

Co-hosts

The platform allows you to add co-hosts to collaborate on managing the accommodation. You can share the income according to the percentage you agree with them. Airbnb allows you to automatically split payments, making it easier to manage between multiple people without additional cost.

Penalties for cancellations

If you cancel a reservation as a host, you may face financial penalties ranging from 50 to 100 euros. In addition, your ad will temporarily lose visibility, and Airbnb may block the canceled dates on your calendar.

If the guest cancels, what you charge will depend on the cancellation policy you have chosen (flexible, moderate, or strict).

Other indirect expenses

Beyond Airbnb's commissions, as a host you will have to assume other costs:

- Utilities (water, electricity, gas, WiFi)

- General maintenance of the property

- Replacement of hygiene or textile products

- Additional insurance in case of damages not covered by AirCover

- Professional cleaning services

- Investments in decoration and equipment

Why is it important to understand how much Airbnb charges?

Having clarity on commissions and associated expenses allows you to set realistic and profitable prices, calculate the real profit margin per booking and decide whether it is worth keeping your accommodation exclusively on Airbnb or combining it with other channels.

In addition, proper planning helps you meet your tax obligations and avoid surprises in your monthly income.

Can you avoid paying commissions to Airbnb?

The only way to avoid Airbnb commissions is to receive bookings outside of the platform. If you have a base of loyal customers or a good digital presence, you can encourage your guests to book directly with you on future occasions.

It is essential to be careful with Airbnb's policy, as it expressly prohibits negotiating reservations outside the system when contact has been initiated through its platform. If detected, it can suspend your account.

How to reduce dependence on Airbnb

An intelligent way to reduce costs in the medium term is to have an access automation and remote management solution, which allows you to scale your business with fewer commissions and more control.

For example, solutions like Raixer offer an alternative for hosts who want to digitalize their accommodations and operate more autonomously. Their smart lock system allows access control from mobile, generating temporary entry codes and managing automatic check-ins, allowing you to operate remotely, even if you reduce your dependence on platforms like Airbnb.

‍

Airbnb fees for hosts in 2025 depend on the model you use, the origin of your guests, the management method, and your technological tools. Although Airbnb offers great visibility, it also involves commissions and hidden costs that are important to know.

To maximize your income, review your pricing strategy, analyze whether the current model is worth it, and study ways to professionalize your management without losing profitability.

‍