In 30 seconds: the famous "3%" is only your share. Airbnb adds roughly 14% more on the guest's side. And if you manage your listings with software, you're most likely on the host-only fee, around 15%. On a $600 stay, $90–100 disappears along the way.
Airbnb's two fee models
1. Split fee (the "3%" one)
- You pay around 3% of each booking.
- The guest pays a service fee of roughly 14% on top of your price.
- Your listing looks pricier than what you actually receive.
2. Host-only fee
- You pay all of it: around 15%.
- The guest sees the final price, with no surprise at checkout.
- It applies to most hosts who use a channel manager or PMS.
Percentages vary by country and listing type. Yours are in the breakdown of every payout in your Airbnb account.
In numbers: a $600 stay
- Split fee: you pay about $18 and the guest about $84 more. The trip costs them $684.
- Host-only fee: you pay about $90 and receive $510.
- Direct booking on your own website: no platform commission. Paid by card, the processing fee is a few percent at most. You keep almost all of it.
The difference isn't one booking: it's every booking from guests who come back, who were recommended, or who message you on WhatsApp. Those guests were already yours.
So should you leave Airbnb?
No. Airbnb and Booking.com are great for getting discovered. The idea is different: people who already know you book direct.
- Stay on Airbnb and Booking.com, with your calendar synced.
- Have your own website with bookings, for repeat and referred guests.
- When someone asks "are you free that weekend?", reply with a link instead of "find us on Airbnb".
Quick questions
Do I have to charge the same price as on Airbnb? No. On your website you set the price, and without a service fee you can go a little lower and still earn more.
Isn't it risky to take payments outside Airbnb? What's risky is bank transfers and blocking dates by hand. A website that charges by card and syncs your calendar is as safe as the platform. More in how to take secure direct bookings.
What if an Airbnb guest wants an extra night? They can pay for it on your website. See how to automate booking extensions.
With Amplistay you get your own website with direct bookings and no commission: $19 / €19 per month per website, tax included. Setting it up and trying it is free.