When you connect your listings through the Vrbo Partner integration, payment processing is no longer handled by Vrbo. As a result, hosts may see different fees and billing workflows than they are used to with directly managed Vrbo listings.
This article explains the fees that apply to Vrbo Partner reservations, how Vrbo commissions are collected, and the differences between Hospitable and Stripe payment processing options.
At a Glance
For Vrbo Partner reservations:
Vrbo charges a commission on eligible bookings
Payment processing is handled by Hospitable or Stripe
Vrbo does not act as the Merchant of Record for PMS-connected listings
Vrbo commissions are billed separately from payouts
A valid credit card must remain on file in Vrbo for commission billing
Guests may also be charged a separate traveler service fee by Vrbo
A screenshot showing a Vrbo Partner reservation with commission and payment processing fees displayed
Fee Types for Vrbo Partner Reservations
Vrbo Partner reservations may include fees from multiple sources.
The most common fee categories are:
Vrbo booking commissions
Payment processing fees
Vrbo traveler service fees
The fees that apply depend on your payment processing setup and the services used for the reservation.
Vrbo Commission Fees
Vrbo charges a commission on eligible reservations.
These commissions are:
Charged by Vrbo
Billed separately from payouts
Managed through your Vrbo account
Not deducted from your Hospitable payout
Vrbo commissions continue to apply when using the Vrbo Partner integration.
Commission Billing Requirements
Vrbo requires a valid credit card on file to collect commission charges.
Commission charges:
Are billed by Vrbo
Appear on Vrbo invoices
Are charged separately from reservation payouts
Cannot be charged to a bank account
A valid credit card must remain on file in your Vrbo account. Vrbo does not support commission billing through a bank account.
If you manage listings on behalf of property owners, ensure there is a process in place for handling commission charges.
Payment Processing Options
For PMS-connected listings, guest payments are processed through either:
Hospitable
Stripe
The fees and responsibilities associated with each option differ.
Fee Comparison
Fee Type | Hospitable as Merchant of Record | Stripe as Merchant of Record |
Vrbo commission | 5% | 5% |
Payment processing | 3.9% | Stripe processing fees |
Additional Hospitable fee | Included | 1% service fee |
Stripe processing fees vary by country, payment method, and Stripe account configuration. Refer to Stripe's pricing for the rates that apply to your account
Understanding the Costs
If You Use Hospitable as Merchant of Record
For each reservation:
Vrbo charges a 5% commission
Hospitable deducts a 3.9% payment processing fee from your payout
The 3.9% fee includes:
Payment processing
Chargeback management
Chargeback loss protection
Tax collection and remittance support where available
If You Use Stripe as Merchant of Record
For each reservation:
Vrbo charges a 5% commission
Stripe deducts its payment processing fees
Hospitable charges a 1% service fee
Stripe fees vary by account and region. The total cost of using Stripe may differ from the cost of using Hospitable as Merchant of Record.
Vrbo Traveler Service Fees
In addition to fees charged to hosts, Vrbo may charge guests a traveler service fee when they make a reservation.
This fee:
Is charged by Vrbo
Is paid by the guest
Is separate from host commissions and payment processing fees
Does not appear in your payout
Guests may see separate charges related to the same reservation:
A charge from Hospitable for the reservation amount
A charge from Vrbo for the traveler service fee
Hospitable does not determine, collect, or control Vrbo traveler service fees.
Questions about traveler service fees, including how they are calculated, must be directed to Vrbo Support.
Also see: Vrbo Partner Reservations: What Your Guest Sees
What's Included in Hospitable's Processing Fee?
When Hospitable acts as the Merchant of Record, the processing fee includes services beyond payment collection.
These include:
Payment processing
Chargeback management
Chargeback loss protection
Tax collection and remittance support where available
These services are managed through a single payment workflow.
Subscription Plans
Some hosts may still have an existing Vrbo annual subscription plan.
If you previously used Vrbo's annual subscription plan (PPS), payment processing fees will now be collected by your selected Merchant of Record rather than Vrbo. As a result, your payment processing costs may differ from what you previously paid under the PPS model.
Existing annual subscription plans may continue temporarily if supported by Vrbo. Vrbo has indicated that annual subscriptions are not expected to be renewed going forward
If you have questions about your subscription status, contact Vrbo directly.
Responsibility Comparison
Although both payment processing options support Vrbo Partner reservations, responsibility for certain payment-related activities differs.
Responsibility | Hospitable as Merchant of Record | Stripe as Merchant of Record |
Chargeback handling | Hospitable | Host |
Chargeback liability | Hospitable | Host |
Tax compliance | Supported where available | Host |
Payment processing management | Hospitable | Host |
Hosts using Stripe remain responsible for chargeback losses and tax compliance obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep Vrbo as the Merchant of Record?
No. Vrbo does not provide Merchant of Record services for PMS-connected listings.
Your options are:
Hospitable as Merchant of Record
Stripe as Merchant of Record
Managing listings directly in Vrbo without a PMS connection
Why is there a payment processing fee in addition to Vrbo's commission?
Vrbo commissions and payment processing fees serve different purposes.
Vrbo charges a commission for the booking, while payment processing fees cover the collection and management of guest payments.
Does Vrbo still charge its own payment processing fee?
No. Vrbo does not process payments for PMS-connected listings.
Payment processing is handled by Hospitable or Stripe, depending on your setup.
What happens if the credit card on my Vrbo account expires?
Vrbo requires a valid credit card for commission billing.
If your payment method becomes invalid or expires, update it directly in your Vrbo account to avoid commission billing issues.