Where to find your payment method settings on Vrbo
Log into your Vrbo account and go to Account Settings, which you'll find by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner. From there, select Payments or Payment Methods — the exact label depends on whether you're using the desktop site or the mobile app, but both lead to the same place. You'll see a list of all payment methods currently attached to your account.
If you're making a payment right now and want to use a different card or account, you can also change the method during checkout. Look for a link that says Use a different payment method or Add a new payment method near the bottom of the payment screen. This route is faster if you only need to change the method for one booking.
Key Takeaways
- Access your payment methods through Account Settings > Payments on the Vrbo website or app.
- You can add a new card, bank account, or PayPal account without removing your old one, then choose which to use at checkout.
- To remove a payment method, go to your payment settings and click the delete or remove option next to the card or account you no longer want.
- Changes take effect immediately, but Vrbo may still charge a pending booking to the original payment method if the charge already processed.
Adding a new payment method without removing the old one
You don't have to delete your current payment method to add a new one. In your Payments section, look for a button labeled Add Payment Method or Add Card. Click it and enter the details of your new card, bank account, or PayPal account. Vrbo will ask you to verify the new method — for credit or debit cards, this usually means a small temporary charge (often $1) that appears and disappears within a few days, or Vrbo may send a verification code to your email.
Once verified, both payment methods stay active on your account. At checkout for your next booking, you'll see both options and can choose which one to use. This is useful if you want to keep a backup payment method or switch between cards without losing the history of your old one.
Setting a default payment method
If you have multiple payment methods on file, Vrbo will use whichever one you've marked as your default at checkout — unless you actively choose a different one during the booking process. To change your default, go to Payments in Account Settings and look for a radio button, checkbox, or Set as Default option next to the payment method you want to use most often.
The default method is purely a convenience; you can override it every time you book. If you're planning to use a new card for most of your future bookings, setting it as default saves you a step at checkout.
Removing a payment method you no longer use
In your Payments section, find the card or account you want to remove and look for a Delete, Remove, or trash icon next to it. Click it and confirm the deletion. Vrbo will remove it from your account immediately, and you won't be able to use it for future bookings.
You can only delete a payment method if it's not currently processing a charge or tied to an active reservation. If you're trying to remove a card and the delete button is grayed out or unavailable, it's likely because a booking is still pending payment on that method. Wait for the charge to complete or contact Vrbo support to resolve the booking first.
What happens if you change your payment method mid-booking
If you've already booked a property and want to change which card or account Vrbo charges, you'll need to do this through your reservation details, not your general payment settings. Go to My Trips or Reservations, find the booking, and look for an option to Edit Payment Method or Manage Payment. Not all reservations allow this — if the charge has already processed, you won't be able to change it.
If the charge hasn't gone through yet and you successfully change the payment method, Vrbo will charge the new card or account instead. If the charge already posted to your old card, you'll need to contact Vrbo support to request a refund or transfer, as changing the payment method after the fact won't reverse a completed transaction.
Payment method changes and pending charges
Vrbo typically charges your payment method within 24 hours of booking confirmation, though the exact timing depends on your location and the property's payment terms. If you change your payment method after booking but before the charge processes, Vrbo will use the new method. If you change it after the charge has already posted, the old payment method keeps the charge and you'll need to contact support.
To avoid confusion, check your reservation confirmation email to see when Vrbo plans to charge you. If you're cutting it close, contact Vrbo support directly rather than changing the payment method yourself — they can confirm whether the charge has processed and help you switch methods if it hasn't.
Troubleshooting payment method issues
If you're trying to add a new payment method and Vrbo keeps rejecting it, the most common reasons are a typo in your card number or expiration date, an address mismatch between your card and your Vrbo account, or your bank declining the verification charge. Double-check the card details and make sure your billing address on file matches what your bank has on record.
If your card is correct but Vrbo still won't accept it, your bank may be blocking the transaction. Contact your bank and let them know you're trying to add the card to Vrbo — they can temporarily lift the block or whitelist Vrbo's payment processor. For PayPal, make sure your PayPal account is active and has a valid payment method linked to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my payment method after I've already paid for a booking?
If the charge has already posted to your card, you cannot reverse it by changing your payment method. You would need to contact Vrbo support to request a refund or credit. If the charge hasn't processed yet, you may be able to change the payment method through your reservation details before the charge goes through.
What payment methods does Vrbo accept?
Vrbo accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, PayPal, and in some regions, bank transfers or local payment methods. The exact options available depend on your location and the property's payment settings.
Will changing my payment method affect my reservation?
Changing your default payment method or adding a new one will not affect an existing reservation. If you change the payment method for a specific booking before the charge processes, Vrbo will charge the new method instead. If the charge has already gone through, the old method keeps the charge.
How long does it take to verify a new payment method?
Credit and debit card verification usually takes a few minutes to a few days, depending on your bank. PayPal verification is typically instant if your PayPal account is already active. You can use the new payment method as soon as Vrbo confirms it's verified.
What if my card is expired or my bank account information changed?
Add your new card or updated bank account as a new payment method in your Payments section. Once verified, you can set it as your default and delete the old one. If a booking is still pending payment on the expired card, contact Vrbo support to update it before the charge attempts to process.