Booking.com refund policy – how to claim your money back
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💰 Wallet Credits: Some refunds are issued as Booking.com Wallet credits - these can often be withdrawn (if Cash Credit) or reused (if Travel Credit).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.
Need a refund from Booking.com? Request it instantly!
Real Booking.com refund cases – what worked for other customers
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
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