What Does Vrbo Charge Hosts? A Complete Guide
If you’re considering listing your vacation rental property on Vrbo, understanding the platform’s fee structure is crucial. Vrbo charges hosts fees to maintain its services, including secure transactions, customer support, and global exposure. In this guide, we’ll break down Vrbo’s host fees, including pay-per-booking and annual fee options, to help you decide which is best for your business.
Understanding Vrbo Host Fees
Vrbo charges hosts fees to cover the costs of running the platform and providing essential services. These fees are divided into two main categories:
1. Commission Fees
Vrbo charges a 5% commission fee on each booking. This fee is calculated based on the rental amount and any additional fees you charge the traveler, such as cleaning fees or pet fees.
2. Processing Fees
In addition to the commission fee, Vrbo charges a 3% processing fee on the total payment amount received from the guest. This includes taxes and damage deposits. If the damage deposit is refundable, the processing fee for that portion is reimbursed when the deposit is returned to the guest.
These fees ensure that Vrbo can continue to provide a seamless booking experience for both hosts and guests.
Vrbo’s Fee Options for Hosts
Vrbo offers two primary fee structures for hosts: pay-per-booking and annual fees. Let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Pay-Per-Booking Fee
The pay-per-booking fee is a flexible option where hosts pay a fee only when they receive a booking. Here’s how it works:
- Commission Fee: 5% of the rental amount and additional fees.
- Processing Fee: 3% of the total payment amount, including taxes and damage deposits.
Benefits:
- No upfront fees—you only pay when you receive a booking.
- Ideal for hosts with seasonal or occasional bookings.
- Flexibility to accept bookings for specific dates.
2. Annual Fee
The annual fee is a flat-rate option where hosts pay a one-time fee of $499 to list their properties for the entire year. Here’s what you need to know:
- No additional fees for each booking—the $499 covers all service fees for the year.
- Access to special features like international listings, Reservation Manager, and 50 HD photos.
- Simplified earnings calculation—no need to account for fee percentages with each booking.
Benefits:
- Ideal for hosts with high booking volumes or those earning more than $10,000 annually.
- One-time payment eliminates the need to pay fees for each booking.
Which Fee Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between the pay-per-booking and annual fee options depends on your vacation rental business’s size and booking frequency. Here’s a quick guide:
Pay-Per-Booking
- Best for properties booked less than six weeks per year.
- Ideal if you expect to earn less than $10,000 annually.
- No upfront fees—pay only when you receive a booking.
Annual Fee
- Best for properties booked most weeks of the year.
- Ideal if you expect to earn more than $10,000 annually.
- One-time fee covers all service fees for the year.
Consider your booking frequency, expected earnings, and business goals when choosing the right fee option.
Managing Vrbo Fees
Managing your Vrbo fees is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:
Fee Management
You cannot manage your fees through the Vrbo owner mobile app. Instead, log in to the Vrbo website to manage your fee structure and base rates.
Payments and Payouts
All payments and payouts are processed through Vrbo’s secure payment platform. Payouts are typically dispersed one day after check-in and available in your bank account within 5-7 business days.
Guest Fees
You can charge guests standard fees (e.g., cleaning, extra guests, pets) and custom fees. However, keep fees below 50% of your nightly rate and consolidate them to two or fewer to avoid discouraging bookings.
Are Vrbo Host Fees Worth It?
Vrbo host fees are a worthwhile investment for several reasons:
- Global Exposure: Your listing appears on Vrbo and partner sites like Expedia, KAYAK, and Trivago.
- Secure Transactions: Vrbo’s payment platform ensures safe and efficient transactions.
- 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock customer support for hosts and guests.
By listing your property on Vrbo, you gain access to a global audience, secure payment processing, and reliable support—all for a small fee.
Start Your Vrbo Journey Today
Now that you understand Vrbo’s host fees, you’re ready to list your property and maximize your earnings. For more tips and strategies, download our Ultimate Guide to Listing on Vrbo and take your vacation rental business to the next level!
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