Table Of Contents
Last Updated on July 31, 2025 by Fullhome Airbnb Manager
Security Deposit Still Pending?
Deposit not released or wrongfully withheld?
How Guests Can Get Refunds (and Hosts Can Protect Themselves)
If your Airbnb security deposit refund is still pending, it’s almost always due to one of three issues: the hold period (a pre-authorization that can take banks up to 7 business days to release), an open damage claim filed by the host, or a policy mismatch where the host asked for an external deposit not permitted under Airbnb rules.
Guests can speed up refunds by checking the payment status in Trips, contacting their card issuer with the authorization code, and escalating to Airbnb after 72 hours.
Hosts can protect themselves without trapping funds by using AirCover, clear house rules, and time-stamped photos instead of deposits.
Read on for a guest-first troubleshooting flow and a host-side prevention checklist that links back to our damages and evidence hubs.
Why Security Deposits Get “Stuck” After Checkout
The hold hasn’t cleared your bank yet
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Airbnb doesn’t charge most deposits—it places a pre-authorization hold two days before check-in and automatically releases it 14 days after checkout if no claim is made. Banks can take 3-7 additional business days to lift the hold, so “pending” may simply be processing.
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Tip for guests: Ask your bank to locate the authorization reversal code; once they see it, funds should appear within 24 hours.
An open damage request pauses the reversal
If a host opens a claim through the Resolution Center within that 14-day window, Airbnb keeps the hold until the case is resolved. You’ll see a banner in your trip receipt stating “deposit under review.”
Host charged an external deposit
Airbnb policy now says “Most hosts are not allowed to charge security deposits outside Airbnb”; doing so can breach Terms of Service and delay refunds entirely. Airbnb
Guest Playbook: How to Get Your Deposit Back Fast
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Check Trips → Payments → Security Deposit
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Status messages: “Hold in place,” “Release initiated,” “Deducted by host claim.”
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72 hours after checkout, call your card issuer
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Quote the Airbnb authorization number; ask them to confirm the reversal. Many banks can drop holds immediately once they see the release.
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If you paid with PayPal, use the transaction ID to open an Authorization Inquiry ticket.
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Contact Airbnb Support with three data points
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Reservation code, authorization amount, and your bank’s confirmation the hold remains.
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Mention the Help-Center article “Security deposits” and request an internal trace to Payments.
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Escalate if the host charged outside Airbnb
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Provide screenshots of off-platform requests (email, SMS); Airbnb can cancel the charge and warn the host.
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Host Playbook — Safer Alternatives to Traditional Deposits
Airbnb’s own rules now say “Most hosts are not allowed to charge security deposits, either through our Resolution Center or outside the Airbnb platform.” Trying to collect cash or PayPal deposits off-platform can freeze payouts and spark guest disputes. Use these lower-friction options instead:
| Alternative | How It Protects You | Best-Practice Tips |
|---|---|---|
| AirCover for Hosts (up to US $3 million) | Covers accidental damage once the guest refuses to pay | File within 14 days, add date-stamped photos & receipts |
| Pre-authorization hold (Airbnb-handled) | Guest’s card is pinged 2 days before check-in; hold auto-reverses if no claim | Set clear house rules so guests know what triggers a claim |
| Damage-waiver fee | Small nightly fee folded into nightly rate; no refund workflow needed | Disclose in listing; keep fee <$25 to avoid price-shock |
| Noise & occupancy sensors (Minut, Alertify) | Real-time alerts help you intervene before damage escalates | Store sensor logs in the cloud for extra evidence |
| Checkout checklist + baseline photos | Lets guests self-audit and gives you “before” proof for claims | Snap a photo of the signed checklist at every turnover |
Pro tip: Pair AirCover with specialty STR insurance for wear-and-tear or pet exclusions — the two policies stack without overlap.
Airbnb Security Deposit Refund FAQS for Guests & Hosts
1. How long does Airbnb hold a security deposit?
The platform releases the authorization 14 days after checkout (or when a claim closes sooner). Your bank may take another 3-7 business days to free the funds. Airbnb
2. My refund still shows “pending” after 7 days — what now?
Grab the authorization reversal code from Airbnb Support and give it to your card issuer; most banks post the funds within 24 hours once they see the reversal.
3. Can a host take a cash deposit at check-in?
Generally no. Airbnb’s Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy bars hosts from collecting extra fees or deposits unless they are approved hotel partners. Airbnb
4. What if a host opens a damage claim I disagree with?
Respond in the Resolution Center within the 24-hour window, attach your own photos, and ask Airbnb to review. If evidence is weak, the hold will lift when the claim is denied.
5. As a host, how can I prove damage without taking big deposits?
Use time-stamped “before-after” photos, noise-sensor logs, and guest-signed checkout lists. These meet Airbnb’s evidence standard and unlock AirCover reimbursement.
Key Takeaways
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Guests: Most “stuck” deposits are bank processing delays or open claims — check status, then call your issuer with the reversal code.
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Hosts: Avoid off-platform cash deposits; rely on AirCover, clear rules, and solid evidence instead.
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Everyone: Know the 14-day release rule and the 24-hour dispute clock to keep refunds and payouts smooth.
Stress-Free Hosting Starts Here
FullHome’s Toronto Airbnb Management team handles pricing, screening, evidence, and damage claims so both hosts and guests skip the deposit drama.
➡️ Book a free 15-minute security-deposit audit today and discover how hands-off hosting can be.
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