VRBO refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days after the host approves the cancellation

The timeline depends on when the host processes your cancellation request and which refund method you used. If you cancel within VRBO's free cancellation window, the host usually approves it within 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, the money goes back to your original payment method — credit card, debit card, or PayPal — and that's where the second delay happens. Credit cards and debit cards can take 3 to 10 business days to show the refund; PayPal typically processes it within 1 to 3 business days.

If you cancel outside the free window, the host has no obligation to refund you at all. Some hosts choose to anyway, but they can take weeks to decide and approve a partial refund. VRBO itself does not hold the money or control the timeline — the host does.

Key Takeaways

  • Free cancellations are usually approved by the host within 24 to 48 hours, then take another 3 to 10 business days to appear in your bank account or credit card.
  • Paid cancellations (outside the free window) depend entirely on the host's decision, and they may take weeks to respond or deny the request.
  • PayPal refunds move faster than bank transfers, typically showing up within 1 to 3 business days after the host approves.
  • Your bank or credit card company controls the final step — even after VRBO processes the refund, it can take up to 10 business days to post to your account.
  • You can check the status of your refund in the VRBO app or website under "Trips" and then "Cancellations" or "Refunds".

Where the refund goes and how fast it arrives

VRBO sends the refund back to whichever payment method you used to book. If you paid with a credit card, the refund posts as a credit to that card. If you used a debit card, it goes back to your bank account. If you paid through PayPal, it returns to your PayPal balance first, and you can transfer it from there to your bank.

The speed varies by payment type. PayPal is the fastest route — once VRBO initiates the refund, PayPal usually processes it within 1 to 3 business days. Credit cards and debit cards are slower because the card networks and your bank have to process the transaction on their end. That step alone can take 3 to 10 business days, depending on your bank and the card issuer. Some banks are faster; others are not.

Do not count weekends or holidays in the timeline. If the host approves your cancellation on a Friday, the clock starts Monday. If a holiday falls during the processing window, add a day or two.

How to check the status of your VRBO refund

Log into your VRBO account on the website or app and go to "Trips." Find the reservation you cancelled and click on it. You should see a "Cancellations" or "Refunds" section that shows the current status — whether it is pending host approval, approved, or processed.

If the status says "Pending," the host has not yet responded to your cancellation request. If it says "Approved" or "Refunded," the money is on its way back to your payment method. The page should also show the refund amount and the expected date it will appear in your account, though that date is an estimate and can shift by a day or two.

If you do not see a refund status page, or if the cancellation is not showing up at all, contact VRBO support through the app or website. Have your reservation number ready.

Why some refunds take longer than others

The host's response time is the first bottleneck. If the host is active and checking messages regularly, they may approve your cancellation within hours. If they check messages once a week or are traveling, it can take several days. VRBO does not force hosts to respond by a certain time for paid cancellations — the host can take as long as they want.

The second bottleneck is your bank or card issuer. Some banks process refunds the same day they receive them. Others batch process refunds once a day or once every few days. Your bank's processing speed is not something VRBO controls, and it varies by institution.

A third factor is whether the booking was made through a third-party site like Expedia or Booking.com. If you booked through a partner site, the refund may go back to that site first, and then that site sends it to your payment method. This adds another layer of delay — sometimes a week or more.

What to do if your refund does not arrive on time

Wait at least 10 business days after the host approves the cancellation before you assume something is wrong. If the status page says "Approved" or "Refunded" but the money has not shown up in your account after 10 business days, contact your bank or credit card company first. Ask them to search for the incoming refund and confirm whether VRBO sent it. Sometimes a refund is in transit but not yet visible in your account.

If your bank confirms they have not received the refund, or if the VRBO status page still says "Pending" after two weeks, contact VRBO support. Provide your reservation number, the cancellation date, and the refund amount. VRBO can check whether the host approved the refund and whether the money was sent to your payment method. If there is a technical error on VRBO's end, they can reprocess the refund.

Keep screenshots of the cancellation confirmation and the refund status page. If you end up disputing the charge with your credit card company or bank, you will need proof that you cancelled and that VRBO confirmed the refund.

Refunds for cancellations made through third-party booking sites

If you booked your VRBO rental through Expedia, Booking.com, or another partner site, the refund process is slower and more complicated. The third-party site has to receive the refund from VRBO, process it on their end, and then send it back to your payment method. This can add 5 to 10 extra business days to the timeline.

In this case, check the status through the third-party site first, not through VRBO directly. Log into Expedia or Booking.com and look for your reservation under "My Trips" or "Reservations." The status page there will show whether the refund is pending or processed. If it says processed but the money has not arrived, contact the third-party site's support team, not VRBO. They control the final step of sending the money back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel outside the free cancellation window?

VRBO does not force hosts to refund cancellations made outside the free window. The host can refuse entirely or offer a partial refund at their discretion. Some hosts are flexible; others are not. If you want to ask, contact the host through VRBO messaging before you cancel, and ask whether they will consider a refund. If they agree, ask them to confirm it in writing before you proceed.

Why does my refund show as approved but I still do not see the money?

An "Approved" status means VRBO sent the refund to your payment method, but your bank or card company has not yet posted it to your account. This step takes 3 to 10 business days depending on your financial institution. Contact your bank if it has been more than 10 business days since the approval date.

What if the host refuses to approve my cancellation?

If you cancelled within the free window and the host refuses to approve it, contact VRBO support. VRBO can override the host and process the refund on your behalf. If you cancelled outside the free window, VRBO cannot force the host to refund you, but you can try disputing the charge with your credit card company if you believe the cancellation was justified.

Do I get the full booking amount back?

If you cancel within the free window, you get the full amount back minus any service fees VRBO charged. If you cancel outside the free window, the refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy. Some hosts refund 50 percent; others refund nothing. Check the cancellation policy on the listing before you book to know what you are may have access to to.

How long does a refund take if I paid with a different payment method than I used to book?

VRBO cannot refund to a different payment method than the one you used to book. The refund must go back to the original card or account. If you want the money in a different account, you will have to transfer it yourself after it arrives.