Still waiting on a Booking.com refund?
Can you get a refund from Booking.com? Check eligibility first
✅ Free Cancellation: Cancel within the allowed window (e.g. 24–72 hours before check-in) for a full refund. No fees.
❌ Non-Refundable: No refund if you cancel, unless the property agrees as a goodwill exception.
🔁 Partially Refundable: Some bookings allow a partial refund depending on how far in advance you cancel.
🏨 Host or Property Cancels: You’re typically entitled to a full refund if the provider cancels or misrepresents the listing.
⚠️ Exclusions: Some fees (e.g. city tax, payment surcharges) may not be refunded. Refunds may also vary due to exchange rate differences or expired cards.
Always check the cancellation policy on your confirmation email or booking page for exact eligibility terms.
How to get a refund from Booking.com
- Log In: Go to “My Bookings” via the Booking.com website or app.
- Select & Cancel: Click your reservation → “Cancel Booking” (if eligible).
- Check Confirmation Email: It will outline your refund amount and timeline.
- Wait for Refund: Typically 7–12 days post-cancellation.
- Need Help? Contact Booking.com support with your booking number.
- Still No Refund? Escalate to a supervisor or request a dispute review.
📌 Pro Tip: Cancel via Booking.com directly (not by calling the hotel) to ensure your refund is officially tracked.
Booking.com’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
- 💳 Typical Processing: 7–10 business days (up to 12 in rare cases).
- 🏦 Bank/Credit Card Delays: Refunds may take longer depending on your bank or card type.
- 🌍 International Refunds: Currency conversion or weekends/holidays can delay receipt.
- 🔍 Check Status: If it’s been 2+ weeks, contact Booking.com or ask for an ARN (Acquirer Reference Number) to help your bank locate the refund.
Booking.com’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
💳 Original Payment Method: Refunds go back to the card or account you used to pay.
💰 Wallet Credits: Some refunds are issued as Booking.com Wallet credits - these can often be withdrawn (if Cash Credit) or reused (if Travel Credit).
💵 Third-Party Payments: Paid with PayPal or Apple Pay? Refunds go back through those systems.
🧾 Cash at Property: Any refund is the hotel’s responsibility - not Booking.com’s.
💱 Card Expired or Currency Changed? Booking.com or your bank will route to a new account where possible, though exchange rate differences may apply.
Common refund issues with Booking.com
⏳ Delayed Refunds: Customers often report waiting more than 12 days - usually due to bank delays.
❌ Non-Refundable Confusion: Many complaints stem from misunderstanding strict policies. Check these carefully before booking.
🙅♀️ Host Refusing Refunds: Even when eligible, hosts may delay or deny. Booking.com can step in if you provide proof.
💳 Double Charges: Mistaken duplicate payments happen. Contact Booking.com and provide evidence for one to be reversed.
📦 Partner Offer Complexity: Third-party “Partner Offers” may slow down refunds or make dispute resolution harder.
If you’re stuck, escalate to Booking.com with screenshots and keep your cancellation confirmation email handy.
Booking.com cases submitted through Ajust
Booking.com confirmed I was eligible for a refund back in October, but it’s now been months and I’ve received nothing. I followed up twice and still got no resolution. It’s been frustrating chasing something I was already promised. - Kim
I had to pay out of pocket for alternative accommodation after Booking.com’s listed property didn’t exist. They promised a refund within 14 days but weeks later, I’m still waiting. This has caused a real financial strain. - Anna
I was charged for two rooms when I only stayed in one because Booking.com failed to cancel the duplicate booking. I’ve been going in circles trying to get that $237.75 back. It shouldn’t be this hard to fix a simple mistake. - Julio
My refund was supposedly processed weeks ago, but nothing hit my account. When I called, they gave me conflicting timelines and no follow-up. After years of loyalty, this has been a bitter experience. - Melvyn
Customer experiences with Booking.com refund cases
Smooth Experience: A customer cancelled a refundable booking through the app and had a refund posted within 5 days.
Delayed Refund: A guest had to call nightly for a week to resolve a refund for a misrepresented listing, but the persistence paid off.
Chargeback Win: A guest used a credit card chargeback when Booking.com and the hotel both failed to act. The refund processed after that.
How Booking.com Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
🔄 Expedia / Hotels.com: Similar policy - hotel rules dominate. Expedia sometimes offers 24-hour grace period post-booking, which Booking.com doesn’t.
🛏️ Airbnb: Offers stronger guest protections (e.g. “AirCover”) and clearer refund triggers for misrepresented listings.
🏨 Direct Hotel Bookings: May be faster for refunds, but offer less third-party mediation if things go wrong. Some hotels offer more flexible terms to direct bookers.
🏁 Bottom line: Booking.com is competitive on timelines, but guests must know their rate type and read the cancellation fine print.
Official Booking.com Refund Resources & Links
- Help Center – Cancellations & Refunds
- Booking.com Terms & Conditions (See Sections A8, B6)
- Start a Refund via My Bookings
- Contact Support (Log in for phone/chat options)
- Refund Timeline FAQ
- Cancellation Policies for Hosts
- Trust & Safety – Guest Guarantee
Booking.com Refund FAQs
Can I get a full refund from Booking.com if I cancel my booking?
Yes, but only if your booking includes free cancellation and you cancel within the allowed time window. Check your confirmation email for specific deadlines-most free cancellation policies require you to cancel 24-72 hours before check-in. If you're past that window or booked a non-refundable rate, a full refund may not apply unless the property agrees to an exception.
What should I do if my Booking.com refund is taking too long?
If your refund hasn’t arrived after 12 business days, contact Booking.com support or request an ARN to trace it through your bank. Delays often stem from bank processing times, expired cards, or international payment issues. Keep your cancellation email and screenshots handy—these help you escalate faster and avoid runarounds.
Does Booking.com refund city taxes or payment fees?
Usually not-fees like city tax or card surcharges are often excluded from refunds, even on cancelled bookings. Always check the fine print before booking, especially if you’re choosing a flexible or partially refundable rate. Currency changes or card expiry can also affect the final refund you receive.
Can Booking.com help if the hotel refuses my refund?
Yes, if you're eligible for a refund and the hotel won’t cooperate, Booking.com can step in-especially if you provide proof. Use the Booking.com platform to cancel and escalate, not the hotel directly. Escalating through official channels helps track your case and improves your chances of a fair outcome.
You deserve your money back, don’t let it slip away.
Take two minutes to file a formal
Booking.com
refund request that gets seen.