Since October 24, Airbnb, the world's most popular short-term rental platform, has introduced the "Installment Payments" option to the market. This launch is part of a phased global rollout in which the company will offer an alternative payment method in twenty countries across three different continents by early 2024, according to a press release.
Airbnb's new feature comes in partnership with Klarna, one of Europe's largest banks, with whom the platform has joined forces, allowing guests in Spain to now split the cost of their booking.
Airbnb's statement highlights that this feature was initially launched in North America as part of the 2023 summer campaign.
It explains that 'Pay in installments' with Klarna allows guests in Spain to request payment for their next stay in three interest-free installments over two months.
"With Klarna's flexible, no-strings-attached solutions, booking unique stays, whether it's a house in a vineyard in La Rioja, a Catalan farmhouse, or a family home on the beach, has never been so easy and accessible," the statement said.
“We’re excited to bring 'Pay in Installments' with Klarna to Spain, offering guests greater flexibility to spread their payments over several weeks or months. Whether you’re booking a solo trip or planning a getaway with friends, choosing the right payment plan is now much easier,” said Mónica Casañas, General Manager of Airbnb Marketing Services SL.
The Airbnb document adds that once guests have selected the accommodation that best suits them, they have the option to pay the full amount at the time of booking through Airbnb or they can choose to pay in installments with Klarna. "This option will be integrated into Airbnb, meaning guests will be able to select the installment payment option directly within the platform when making the booking.".
Airbnb states that one of its guests' main requests is for more ways to pay for their stays. "We are very pleased to bring Klarna's flexible payment options to Airbnb guests worldwide," said Alexandre Fernandes, Director of Klarna in Spain and Portugal.
The platform reported that since its launch on October 24, 'Pay in installments' with Klarna is also being launched in six other European countries: Czech Republic, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Portugal, with more additions expected throughout the year.
